Game Design Studio: Solar (ABPL30076)

This subject explores the climatic theme of solarpunk – conceptually, metaphorically, structurally, and technologically – through a set of parameters (the brief).   

The technical focus will be on the holistic game environment, including level design, mechanics, interface, narrative design and art direction, implicit to the theme. Students will be introduced to advanced theory and design techniques of game design. 

Design challenges will include exploring the aesthetics and atmospherics of climate. These include examining  ecological utopia, hybridisation, collectivism, and regeneration; exploring spatial qualities such as verticality and vibrancy; developing technical and creative skills in level design, narrative design, mechanics and art direction.   

Assignments align with industry norms for game development including game design documentation, game builds and pitch materials. Lectures, workshops , studios , and  online modules will introduce students to design theories, design techniques and digital tools related to the design challenge(s). Students will extend their learning of contemporary digital tools, including Unreal Engine and visual scripting though Blueprints. 

In this capstone subject a high degree of design resolution and comprehensive presentation of the vertical slice is expected. The completed project and pitch deck forms the centrepiece of an undergraduate portfolio. Students will present their final work to a panel consisting of academic staff and guest panellists from industry.   

Prescribed software programs with no cost:  
Unreal Engine  
Details of software availability and pricing are captured at:   
https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/student-experience/it-support  

A laptop with suggested faculty specifications is recommended. Further information can be found at https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/abp-specialist-it-support. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate high level competence in interrogating and working to a design brief and to meet deadlines
• Apply critical thinking to the assessment of design proposals, and to make changes and improvements based on that assessment through iterative game design processes
• Confidently engage with and contribute to a design studio culture and its working methodology
• Communicate a game design proposal in a public setting, and to respond constructively to critical interrogation and review
• Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between game world mechanics, interface, level design, narrative and art direction through the production of a refined game prototype
• Professionally document the conceptual development, research and realization of a game design project and critically reflect on its outcome 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the professional role of a game designer, and the ethical and environmental responsibilities of practitioners.

Generic skills

• Ability to become proficient in using new software programs
• Written, verbal and graphic presentation of ideas
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Work as part of a team to achieve a common goal
• Time management and meeting deadlines