Description

This course provides an introduction to the principles, methods, and processes of digital game design. It focuses on understanding games as interactive systems emerging from the interplay of mechanics, player experience, narrative, and technological constraints. Students explore core components such as game mechanics and dynamics, player psychology, interactive storytelling, level design, and interface design. The course also situates game design within its historical, cultural, and economic context, including genres, industry structures, and business models.

Students gain insight into the game development lifecycle from ideation to playtesting, with emphasis on iterative, player-centered design and balancing creativity with feasibility. The course also addresses multiplayer and social design, ethical considerations, and interactive applications beyond entertainment (e.g., serious games).

The course Game Design is closely integrated with the parallel course Game Development. While this course, Game Design, can be completed as an independent lecture, Game Development is designed to be taken in conjunction with Game Design. While this course provides the conceptual and theoretical foundation, Game Development focuses on implementation and production.

No pre-registration is necessary.

Requirements

• none

Target Audience

MA Komedia, MAI