Game Design and Gamification

Game design and gamification explores what motivates people, what constitutes “fun”, and how through these principles we can create more meaningful and engaging experiences. Primarily, we will focus on video games, ranging from indie to AAA, mobile to VR, to understand the core concepts of game design and discuss how these can be applied to other interactive forms through gamification. We will cover various aspects of games including mechanics, emotion, agency, balance, and player motivation through practical in-class activities, game deconstructions, and projects. In these projects, students will work in teams to design, prototype, and test their own games, with a focus on user-centered design and iteration. Projects will be iterative, with multiple rounds of feedback and revision, and will culminate in a final presentation where students will present their games to the class and invited guests.

Fall 2023 Course Outline