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John Appleby
and
Tahirah Mirza
This introductory course is based on the Game Design & VFX School at LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
Read more
This introductory course is based on the Game Design & VFX School at LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
Read more
This introductory course is based on the Game Design & VFX School at LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.
Are you ready to take the first step from gamer to game designer? Then this course is for you!
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of game development and design theory, and explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games.
What are games? What are their structures and rule systems? What are their mechanics and dynamics? How does behavioral psychology impact game design? This course answers all these questions and many more!
This course explores the tenets of game design, core game structure, the components of a game, and the different areas of specialization within game design. We look at theoretical design frameworks as conceptual models for approaching design and the fundamental concepts in game psychology, motivation and game experience. The course describes the models that explain the various player types and play styles (what types of people play games, and what motivates and interests them).
Finally, you will learn about core game mechanics and challenge dynamics, and how your designs can be improved by thinking about them from a psychological, player-centric perspective.
Throughout this course, we use classic video game examples such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Solitaire to see what they can teach us about games and game design.
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What you'll learn
- Understand fundamental elements of game design.
- Explore how game mechanics, core game loops and gameplay dynamics work together.
- Leverage theoretical design frameworks, target audience information, and game psychology to aid the game design process and help to create engagement and flow.
- Apply behavioural psychology, human impulses, player models and play styles to game design and to player engagement.
- Learn from game designers to take advantage of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to design enjoyable games by using a variety of game mechanics and challenge dynamics.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/79rrpa/introduction
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to games
Fundamentals of design
Game design fundamentals
Basic game structure and terminology
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to games
Fundamentals of design
Game design fundamentals
Basic game structure and terminology
Read more
Module 2: Game design frameworks
Theoretical design framework
Target audiences and game psychology
Closer look: Pac-Man
Module 3: Behavioral game psychology and play styles
Introductory behavioural psychology
Human impulses
Player models and play styles
Closer look: Space Invaders
Module 4: Psychology of game mechanics and dynamics
Goals and conditions
Rewards and punishments
Challenges
Closer look: Solitaire
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a theoretical foundation in game design and theory
Taught by highly respected instructors in the field of game design
Suitable for complete beginners, providing a comprehensive overview of game design fundamentals
Uses familiar examples such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Solitaire to illustrate concepts
Emphasizes player psychology and motivation, fostering a user-centered approach to game design
Save this course
Save Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design with these
activities:
Review the basic principles of gameplay
Show steps
Reviewing the fundamental elements of game design will consolidate your prior knowledge and set a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Game Design
Show steps
-
Read the course syllabus and review the unit overviews.
-
Recall concepts such as gameplay loops and the components of a game.
Read 'The Art of Game Design' by Jesse Schell
Show steps
Reading this book will give you a comprehensive overview of game design principles, essential for a foundation in this field.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
-
Reflect on the principles discussed and how they apply to your own game design aspirations.
Reach out to professionals in the game design industry
Show steps
Connecting with experienced game designers can provide you with valuable guidance, insights, and potential job opportunities.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify professionals on LinkedIn or other networking platforms.
-
Prepare a concise message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in connecting.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Form a study group with your classmates
Show steps
Engaging with peers through a study group can foster collaborative learning and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
-
Connect with classmates and form a study group of 3-5 people.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course topics, share insights, and work on assignments together.
Practice designing levels for a specific game genre
Show steps
Engaging in practical exercises will allow you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the course and enhance your game design skills.
Browse courses on
Level Design
Show steps
-
Choose a particular game genre (e.g., platformer, shooter, puzzle).
-
Design multiple levels within the chosen genre, considering factors such as difficulty curve and player engagement.
Create a blog post or article sharing your insights on game psychology
Show steps
Writing a blog post or article on game psychology will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of this important aspect of game design.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on game psychology.
-
Organize your thoughts and ideas into a coherent outline.
-
Write your blog post or article, ensuring clear and engaging content.
Review the basic principles of gameplay
Show steps
Reviewing the fundamental elements of game design will consolidate your prior knowledge and set a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Game Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the course syllabus and review the unit overviews.
- Recall concepts such as gameplay loops and the components of a game.
Read 'The Art of Game Design' by Jesse Schell
Show steps
Reading this book will give you a comprehensive overview of game design principles, essential for a foundation in this field.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
- Reflect on the principles discussed and how they apply to your own game design aspirations.
Reach out to professionals in the game design industry
Show steps
Connecting with experienced game designers can provide you with valuable guidance, insights, and potential job opportunities.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify professionals on LinkedIn or other networking platforms.
- Prepare a concise message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in connecting.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Form a study group with your classmates
Show steps
Engaging with peers through a study group can foster collaborative learning and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Connect with classmates and form a study group of 3-5 people.
- Meet regularly to discuss course topics, share insights, and work on assignments together.
Practice designing levels for a specific game genre
Show steps
Engaging in practical exercises will allow you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the course and enhance your game design skills.
Browse courses on
Level Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a particular game genre (e.g., platformer, shooter, puzzle).
- Design multiple levels within the chosen genre, considering factors such as difficulty curve and player engagement.
Create a blog post or article sharing your insights on game psychology
Show steps
Writing a blog post or article on game psychology will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of this important aspect of game design.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on game psychology.
- Organize your thoughts and ideas into a coherent outline.
- Write your blog post or article, ensuring clear and engaging content.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Game Designer
Game Designer
Game Designers are responsible for the creation and design of video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Designers. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Designers create more engaging and enjoyable games.
Game Developer
Game Developer
Game Developers are responsible for the development and implementation of video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Developers. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Developers create more engaging and enjoyable games.
Game Programmer
Game Programmer
Game Programmers are responsible for the programming and coding of video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Programmers. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Programmers create more engaging and enjoyable games.
Game Artist
Game Artist
Game Artists are responsible for the creation of the visual assets for video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Artists. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Artists create more engaging and enjoyable games.
Game Producer
Game Producer
Game Producers are responsible for the management and production of video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Producers. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Producers create more engaging and enjoyable games.
Game Tester
Game Tester
Game Testers are responsible for testing and evaluating video games. This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of game development and design theory, which can be helpful for aspiring Game Testers. The course explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games, and covers topics such as game structures, rule systems, mechanics, and dynamics. This knowledge can help Game Testers identify and report bugs and issues in video games.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/79rrpa/introduction
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design.
Written by a veteran game designer, this book presents a comprehensive overview of the game design process, covering both the creative and technical aspects of designing games.
Explores the psychological principles behind persuasive technology, offering valuable advice for game designers looking to create games that can influence players' thoughts and behaviors.
Save
A highly influential text, this book discusses game design from philosophical and sociological perspectives, providing valuable insights for students interested in exploring the theoretical frameworks for approaching game design.
This classic book serves as a valuable resource for students looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and foundations of game design.
Save
Explores the transformative potential of games, arguing that they can be used to address real-world problems and improve our lives.
Save
Explores the cultural impact and significance of video games, offering a broader perspective on the relevance and value of games in society.
Save
This resource delves into the fundamentals of game design through real-world examples. It can provide students with a more in-depth understanding of how game mechanics, core game loops and gameplay dynamics work together.
This classic work in the field of human-computer interaction explores the principles of designing user-friendly interfaces, providing valuable insights for game designers looking to create intuitive and enjoyable experiences.
Save
A beginner-friendly guide that introduces core concepts of game design, this book is beneficial for students who may not have any background in this field. Although this book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference, it may be useful to read to gain prerequisite knowledge for this course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/79rrpa/introduction
Share
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Effort
4 to 8 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
LCI Education
Instructors
John Appleby
Tahirah Mirza
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Provides a theoretical foundation in game design and theory
Taught by highly respected instructors in the field of game design
Suitable for complete beginners, providing a comprehensive overview of game design fundamentals
Uses familiar examples such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Solitaire to illustrate concepts
Emphasizes player psychology and motivation, fostering a user-centered approach to game design
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