CQUniversity Unit Profile.

Using a provided Game Concept Document (GCD) template, you will create a FEASIBLE, CLEAR, and CONCISE proposal for a modest 2D game design project that addresses the theme 'Gamechanger'. This theme challenges you to design a game that addresses a contemporary social issue. The United Nations website has a list of '17 Sustainable Development Goals' (link - https://sdgs.un.org/goals) which will help you generate ideas. Additionally, you will start your ongoing Game Design Journal (Blog) by responding to the specified blog topics/tasks for weeks 1-4.

TASK 1: GAME CONCEPT DOCUMENT (GCD)

You will be provided an editable GCD template to develop your game's concept. The following sections make up the document's structure:

• Core statement; your 'Elevator Pitch' - sell your idea!
• Background; Why are you making this game? How is it different to other games in the market? How does it address the core thematic element?
• Game Narrative; Set the scene and provide the backstory. Describe the protagonist, the gameworld and objectives and how these drive the gameplay.
• Target Audience; A brief overview explaining WHO you are designing the game for (will link to an Audience Persona document in the Appendix).
• Mechanics, Dynamics & Aesthetics (MDA); How will your game design elements work together to deliver a good player experience and meet the expectations of the 3 aesthetic constraints?
• Key Features; A feature list which explains what happens in your game world, when, why and how?
• Game Assets; List the main game assets you will need to develop for the paper prototype game (Assignment 2) and digital prototype game (Assignment 3). This is your best guess, and is designed to get you into the habit of forecasting which is a key project management skill.
• Appendix: This will include a supplied and completed Audience Persona template, and any other supporting information you would like to provide.

Your GCD is the basis for this term's game design projects and will lead to creation of a paper prototype (Assignment 2), then a digital prototype (Assignment 3). Future assignments will be made simpler by a well-planned GCD.

Considerations for this task

The title of the 2024 offering of MMST12017 is 'Gamechanger' with the core thematic element requiring your game to address a contemporary social or sustainable development issue. For all MMST12017 submissions, you MUST consider the core thematic element as a design restriction during the game design process. Failure to meaningfully incorporate the theme into your submission will result in a 30% penalty for the GCD task. The genre and type of game project you choose to work on are entirely optional, but your proposal MUST effectively engage with the core thematic element, and be feasible within the given timeframe. The best game ideas are often small, have an engaging story, and use simple game mechanics.

Your game concept must include substantial visual elements that lend themselves to physics interactions. Specifically, you will not design a purely quiz or text-based game. However, you may use such mechanics in your game. Although your final digital game is not due until Week 12, it is important to acknowledge all constraints in the early stages of the game design process. 

Your game concept must show understanding of both formal and dramatic game elements, with particular emphasis on the following three core dramatic elements:

1. Narrative. Game as drama (strong backstory that sets the scene and creates interest)
2. Challenge. Game as obstacle course (include escalated challenges)
3. Discovery. Game as uncharted territory (make the player feel like an explorer)

Narrative and challenge are more important than discovery, but all three must be factored into your design. How you do this is up to you!

It is important that you do NOT ZIP your GCD document as it must pass through the Turn-it-in software on the unit website.

TASK 2: GAME DESIGN JOURNAL (BLOG) WEEKS 1-4

Respond to weekly critical reflection tasks on time using the provided on the unit website with the supplied Moodle blogging tool. Your responses may be written or recorded in video/audio format.  I will read and respond to student blogs each week, so do not leave this task until the last minute! Unless you have an approved extension, blog posts submitted after the Assignment 1 due date will NOT be graded.

A note about designing computer games

Because this is most likely your first experience with game design, you will discover that there is a lot to learn in a short period of time. It is critical that your game concept be realistic and achievable; after all, you are not creating the next Call of Duty or Mario Brothers! Traditionally, students are encouraged to design and develop a simple 2D game, such as a platformer, dungeon crawler, or racing game. However, if you have prior experience or are looking for a challenge, you are welcome to design and develop a simple 3D game (check with the Unit Coordinator - Jim Picton - first).

A note about Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and MMST12017 Assessment Tasks

You are welcome to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to help you generate ideas for your game. Although a range of ideation strategies are presented in the courseware for this unit, AI will become part of your life post-graduation so you are encouraged to experiment with it. However, you MUST use AI ethically and inline with the 'Supplementary Notes' for the assessment task (below). We will discuss this further when term is underway. If you are unsure at any stage, please ask. 

Deliverables:

1. Game Concept Document (GCD). An editable GCD template will be supplied for this task. Once complete, you will upload this document as an UNZIPPED Microsoft Word-format document through the Assignment 1 submission page on the unit website.
2. Game Design Journal (Weeks 1-4). Complete journal (blog) entries addressing designated topics/tasks on a weekly basis.
   
   

Allocation of marks:

• Game Concept Document (GCD) = 24 marks
• Game Design Journal (Weeks 1-4) = 6 marks
• Total = 30 marks (30% of your overall score for MMST12017)
  
  

Supplementary notes:

• Your submission MUST meet the constraints of the task.
• It is important that you do NOT Zip your GCD when submitting it via the unit website.
• The GCD and ideas within in it will be assessed against for feasibility, clarity and quality.
• The underpinning game concept is sufficiently ambitious i.e. not too simplistic but reflects an outcome that is realistic and achievable.
• Evidence of extra effort with respect to innovation, creativity and production value may result in higher marks.
• The game design ideas within your GCD MUST be original. You cannot use someone else's Intellectual Property (IP) within your work e.g. Monopoly, Star Wars or fan-related concepts.
• You may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) engines such as ChatGPT as part of your ideation workflow, however you MUST explain how it was used in the context of your design (document this in your blog or as an Appendix to your GCD).
• You must NOT use AI to generate your written work, including your blog posts, but may use it to check the quality of your writing. 
• Failure to meaningfully address the core thematic element will result in a -30% penalty against the final mark for this assignment.
• Unless you have an approved extension, Game design Journal (blog) entries made after the Assignment 1 due date will NOT be marked.
• Overdue submissions will receive a -5% per day penalty.

Please refer to the unit website for the GCD template, detailed assignment criteria, along with previous student exemplars and supporting materials.

Assignment 2 requires you to develop a playable paper prototype game addressing the theme, and based on the Game Concept Document (GCD) you developed for Assignment 1. You will also create a short playtest video of no longer than 5 minutes, showing the important parts of your paper prototype gameplay. Finally, you will continue working on your Game Design Journal (Blog) for weeks 5-7. In combination, these three tasks allow you to demonstrate that you can apply your understanding of the theoretical game design concepts covered in the unit textbook and broader course material, and will set you up for success in Assignment 3.

TASK 1: PLAYABLE PAPER PROTOTYPE GAME 

Paper prototyping is used extensively within the game industry and it allows game designers to rapidly develop, playtest and iterate simplified versions of game mechanics, dynamics and aesthetics to improve the overall player experience. Once complete, your paper prototype game will become the blueprint for the final game design task, the creation of a simple digital game prototype (Assignment 3). Present your game thoughtfully and include all assets required for gameplay. You may choose to do this as a Word document, PDF file or as folders contained within a ZIP file.

Considerations for this task

The title of the 2024 offering of MMST12017 is 'Gamechanger' with the core thematic element requiring your game to address a contemporary social or sustainable development issue. Failure to meaningfully incorporate the theme into your submission, or failing to include a playtest video to support your prototype, will result in a 30% penalty for this assignment. 

Q&A1: What does ‘playable’ mean?

The term 'playable' means exactly that! Consider Assignment 2 to be a 'boardgame' version, or paper-based approximation, of your underpinning game design concept. You will use it to test the core aspects of your game concept and ensure that it will be enjoyable to play and makes good use of game design principles. Your submission MUST include all game objects required for game play, with the exception of common items such as dice and counters.

Q&A2: But aren't boardgames and digital games different?

Designing a boardgame that will eventually become a digital game can be difficult and time-consuming. Some aspects of the gameplay will not translate across mediums, but don't let this deter you. You are attempting to create a simplified version of your game concept in order to test your core game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics by developing a playable paper version of your game. Because the game is playable, you can put it in the hands of your target audience and get 'real' player feedback to help you build a stronger and more enjoyable game. Here are some common examples to highlight differences between board and digital games:

• Game Style/Genre. Regardless of whether you are hoping to create a dungeon crawler; shooter; racing game; adventure game; platformer, or simple arcade game for your Assignment 3 digital submission, each of these game types can be replicated as a boardgame. The easiest way to do this is to visualise the gameworld from a top-down perspective. If you are struggling for inspiration, browse some of the game concepts on platforms such as Kickstarter.
  
  
• Movement. Controlling player movement in boardgames is generally done through dice-rolls, turns or some form of ‘spinner’. In a digital version of the game, the player will (generally) use the keyboard to move the player around and use the game engine physics settings to influence gameplay.
  
  
• Combat / Interactions. Boardgames have simple systems in place for line-of-sight and combat between players and enemies. This may include listing abilities and scores for various ‘classes’ of character in your rules and using dice rolls or turns to decide the outcome of interactions. Digitally, combat is controlled by player movement and scripts attached to the player and enemy game objects.
  
  
• Replayability. Each time a game is played it must play differently in order to keep the player engaged. Simple methods to achieve this in a boardgame include using moveable markers on gameboard tiles to indicate collectable ‘pick-ups’ (health, power-ups, weapons, hazards etc); using a modular tile system which can be setup differently for each game; using an ‘Event’ card system which forces players to draw a card(s) from specific piles when they begin a new turn / move into a room / or land on a specific gameboard tile. In the digital version, these events can be controlled by creating spawning points for game objects or even have dynamically generated maps. You can use whichever system you choose, but you WILL implement one (or more) systems to ensure your boardgame plays differently and offers a dynamic play experience.

Q&A3: Am I allowed to create a quiz or text-based game?

• No. You may not create a purely quiz or text-based game, although you may use such mechanics in your game. Your game prototype must include substantial visual elements that will lend themselves to physics interactions when transformed into a digital game for Assignment 3. Although your final digital game is not due until Week 12, it is important to acknowledge all constraints in the early stages of the game design process.

TASK 2: PLAYTEST VIDEO

To showcase the important parts of your paper prototype gameplay you will create a short video (maximum 5 minutes). Do NOT ZIP your playtest video, simply upload it into the unit website through the Assignment 2 submission page.

TASK 3: GAME DESIGN JOURNAL (BLOG) WEEKS 5-7

Respond to weekly critical reflection tasks on time using the provided Moodle blogging tool. Your responses may be written or recorded in video/audio format. I will read and respond to student blogs each week, so do not leave this task until the last minute! Unless you have an approved extension, blog posts submitted after the Assignment 2 due date will NOT be graded.

Deliverables:

1. Playable paper prototype game. PLAYABLE game based on the Assignment 1 GCD and complete with all rules, procedures and game objects require to physically play your game. Present your game prototype thoughtfully. Either scan your paper components into a Word/PDF document, or include all of the associated digital files in a ZIP file for submission.
2. Playtest Video. To showcase the important parts of your paper prototype gameplay you WILL create a short video (maximum 5 minutes). Do NOT ZIP the video, simply upload it into the unit website through the Assignment 2 submission page.
3. Game Design Journal (Weeks 5-7). Complete journal (blog) entries addressing designated topics / tasks on a weekly basis.

Allocation of marks:

• Playable paper prototype game = 15.5 marks
• Playtest Video = 5 marks
• Game Design Journal (Weeks 5-7) = 4.5 marks
• Total = 25 marks (25% of your overall score)

Supplementary notes:

• Your submission MUST meet the constraints of the task.
• Present your playable game and the supporting assets thoughtfully. You may choose to present this in a Word/PDF document for ease of viewing. If you prefer to upload your contents in neatly arranged folders/sub-folders you are STRONGLY encouraged to ZIP your game assets together.
• You MUST upload your playtest video into the unit website through the Assignment 2 submission page.
• The paper prototype game MUST be playable. Ensure that you supply ALL rules, procedures and game objects required to play the game (aside from common elements such as dice or counters).
• You MUST consider player engagement and replayability e.g. creating a system introduce randomness, account for pick-ups, collectables, hazards etc into your game such as 'Event' cards, moveable markers or a modular game board.
• Visual assets that you create for your game MUST be original.
• You may include open source, Creative Commons or Artificial Intelligence (AI) media assets as part of your paper-based prototype (with the exception of the protagonist / player character which you must create), so long as these are appropriately credited in a supporting 'Readme' text file that will be uploaded with your submission (if you are unsure ASK);
• You must NOT use AI to generate your written work, including your blog posts, but may use it to check the quality of your writing. 
• You cannot use someone else's Intellectual Property (IP) within your work e.g. Monopoly, Star Wars or fan-related concepts.
• Evidence of extra effort with respect to innovation, creativity and production value of game objects may result in higher marks.
• Failure to meaningfully address the core thematic element will result in a -30% penalty against the final mark for this assignment.
• Failure to supply a playtest video will result in a -30% penalty against the final mark for this assignment.
• Unless you have an approved extension, Game design Journal (blog) entries made after the Assignment 2 due date will NOT be marked.
• Overdue submissions will receive a -5% per day penalty.

Please refer to the unit website for more detailed assignment criteria and supporting resources.

In Assignment 3 you will transform your ideas from your GCD (Assignment 1) and paper prototype game (Assignment 2) into a functional and enjoyable Unity digital prototype game in WebGL format. Additionally, you will create a playtest video (as a screen recording), and complete your journal entries for weeks 8–11. Successfully completing these tasks demonstrates your ability to apply what you have learned in lectures, tutorials, and previous assignments.

The Unity Game Engine

Throughout the term you will develop skills and knowledge of the Unity game engine which is an industry-standard platform for game development, but is also great for rapid prototyping of game designs. We will cover the basics of Unity through a number of tutorial sessions, but you are encouraged to be proactive and spend additional time exploring tutorials and resources to improve your knowledge. To get you underway, you will work through a number of Unity Learn tutorials and will be introduced to a simple framework known as the Unity Playground which can help you plan and create a range of common 2D game interactions. Although we won't be covering Unity straight away, as we have a number of game design building blocks to cover first, you will be introduced to the Unity Playground in the first weeks of the course, so you can get some ideas to help you plan some of the game mechanics for Assignment 1 and 2. If you have existing knowledge of Unity and are confident in your abilities, you are welcome to explore other frameworks such as Unity Visual Scripting or the Unity 2D/3D Game Kits.

TASK 1: UNITY DIGITAL PROTYPE GAME

Your digital prototype game will meet the following criteria:

• clear alignment to your original Game Concept Document (GCD) you developed for Assignment 1 AND the paper prototype game you developed for Assignment 2;
• includes at least one complete and functional game 'level' (scene) executed to an appropriate standard;
• demonstrates meaningful application of game design theories and knowledge;
• provides an enjoyable and engaging player experience;
• demonstrates basic competence with the Unity game engine; management and use of Unity game objects (determined by reviewing Unity source files), and basic application of physics components;
• includes, as a minimum, custom visual & sound art assets for the protagonist, and visuals for the game background (using tools such as Photoshop, Audition & Piskel);
• supporting game objects i.e. anything other than the protagonist and background assets can be developed in other tools, or imported from free sources so long as the constraints imposed in the 'Supplementary Notes' section are followed (refer below);
• completed digital prototype game is thoughtfully delivered, displays evidence of playtesting and iteration, and quality control (i.e., is bug free with no unexpected behaviours);
• game will be published in WebGL format so that it can be played online;
• ALL source files are provided for assessment (Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator, Piskel etc), and
• satisfies ALL of the assessment constraints.

Considerations for this task

The title of the 2024 offering of MMST12017 is 'Gamechanger' with the core thematic element requiring your game to address a contemporary social or sustainable development issue. Failure to meaningfully incorporate the theme into your submission, or failing to include a playtest video to support your digital prototype, will result in a 30% penalty for this assignment. 

TASK 2: PLAYTEST VIDEO

To showcase the important parts of your digital prototype gameplay you WILL create a short video (maximum 5 minutes) and upload it into the unit website through the Assignment 3 submission page.

TASK 3: GAME DESIGN JOURNAL (BLOG) WEEKS 8-11

Respond to weekly critical reflection tasks on time using the provided Moodle blogging tool. Your responses may be written or recorded in video/audio format. I will read and respond to student blogs each week, so do not leave this task until the last minute! Unless you have an approved extension, blog posts submitted after the Assignment 3 due date will NOT be graded.

Deliverables:

1. Unity Digital Prototype Game. A functional and playable Unity digital prototype game which satisfies the Assignment 3 constraints. You must provide a published version of your game, along with your Unity and media source files.
2. Playtest Video. To showcase the important parts of your digital prototype gameplay you WILL create a short video (maximum 5 minutes) and upload it into the unit website through the Assignment 2 submission page.
3. Game Design Journal (Weeks 8-11). Complete journal entries addressing designated topics/tasks on a weekly basis.

Allocation of marks:

• Unity Digital Prototype Game = 34 marks
• Playtest Video = 5 marks
• Game Design Journal (Weeks 8-11) = 6 marks
• Total = 45 marks (45% of your overall score)

Supplementary Notes:

• Your submission MUST meet the constraints of the task.
• Your digital prototype game MUST be functional and complete.
• You MUST submit a ZIP file containing a published version of your Unity game in WebGL or executable format. Be sure to include a 'readme' file with instructions if required.
• You MUST submit a ZIP file containing all of your game source files (i.e. Unity project, code, artwork).
• You MUST upload your playtest video into the unit website (i.e. Moodle) through the Assignment 3 submission page.
• Visual assets that you create for your game MUST be original.
• You may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) engines such as ChatGPT, Dall-E as part of your ideation and media workflow (supporting assets only), however you MUST explain how it was used in the context of your design (document this in your blog or as as a 'Readme' file that will be included with your game project files). 
• You MUST credit any third party assets that have been used in your project. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and may result in failure or administrative action in accordance with university policy (if in doubt, ASK beforehand)
• You must NOT use AI to generate your written work, including your blog posts, but may use it to check the quality of your writing. 
• You cannot use someone else's Intellectual Property (IP) within your work e.g. Monopoly, Star Wars or fan-related concepts.
• Evidence of extra effort with respect to innovation, creativity and production value of game objects may result in higher marks.
• Failure to meaningfully address the core thematic element will result in a -30% penalty against the final mark for this assignment.
• Failure to supply a playtest video will result in a -30% penalty against the final mark for this assignment.
• Unless you have an approved extension, Game design Journal (blog) entries made after the Assignment 3 due date will NOT be marked.
• Overdue submissions will receive a -5% per day penalty.

Please refer to the unit website for more detailed assignment criteria, along with previous student examples.