CS 325: Game Design

Instructor: Dr. Jan M. Allbeck

GTA: Hao Sun

Description:

Game design, in various electronic entertainment technologies, involves a diverse set of skills and backgrounds from narrative and art to computer programming. This course surveys the technical aspects of the field, with an emphasis on programming.

We will be using Python and more specifically Pygame for programming assignments. Pygame can be downloaded from: http://www.pygame.org/download.shtml. We will be using Python version 2.5.4 and therefore you should install this version: pygame-1.9.1.win32-py2.5.msi. Pygame has also been installed in ENGR1506.

Textbook: none required

Topics:

  1. Principles of Game Design
  2. Genre-specific Game Design Issues
  3. Storytelling and Character Development
  4. Level Design
  5. Puzzle Design
  6. Franchises and Brands
  7. Teams
  8. Development

Grading:

Course Outcomes:

  1. An ability to employ a variety of data structures in a game development and design context.
  2. An ability to identify the issues involved in the core mechanics and design of a game and how to solve them with appropriate techniques.
  3. An ability to design and implement simple games from the ground up.

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Mason is an Honor Code university; please see the University Catalog for a full
description of the code and the honor committee process. The principle of academic
integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely. What does academic
integrity mean in this course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you
will perform that task. When you rely on someone else’s work in an aspect of the
performance of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form. Another
aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and debate are
encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all aspects of the class will be
conducted with civility and respect for differing ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When
in doubt (of any kind) please ask for guidance and clarification.

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If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see
me and contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 993-2474. All academic
accommodations must be arranged through the ODS. http://ods.gmu.edu

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