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GAM-10009 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

GAM-10009 - Introduction to Game Design
Coordinator: Miroslav Spasov Room: CKF06 Tel: +44 1782 7 33298
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2025/26

Immerse yourself in the world of game design from the basics of board games to the latest digital developments. This module covers the essentials of game engines and the software crucial to game design, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing your critical thinking and practical skills. You'll delve into game physics, AI, level design, player behaviour and cognition, and game mechanics. The sessions will culminate in a final project, showcasing your ability to create engaging and innovative games.

Aims
To introduce students to the basic principles of game design.
To help students acquire knowledge on theory of game design and acquire practical skills in using the essential software in games design.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of game design theory and creative practice in the field of game design.: 1
Apply principles of game design workflow to the production of a game.: 2,3
Solve technical and creative games design problems using game engines: 2,3
Critically analyse technical and usability issues associated with games design and development.: 3
Present and communicate their creative and technical work.: 3

Study hours

28 hours lectures and workshops
20 hours small group tutorials
Independent study:
72 hours of preparation for workshops and tutorials
40 hours of assigned reading
40 hours of tasks-based technology work
100 hours of preparation for the summative assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 20%
Short essay
Students will be required to write short essay (about 1000 words) in which they will demonstrate understanding of game design theory and creative practice in the field of game design discussed in class.

2: Exercise weighted 30%
Exercises
Four workshop exercises in mini game development. The scope of the work will be set by the tutor according to the technology used, exercises’ complexity as well as the time needed to complete the work.

3: Project weighted 50%
Game prototype project
Video game design and development – a fully functioning game prototype, accompanied by a report on game design reflection (1500 words).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025