Computer Games

The goal of this course is to introduce students to computer game production. This is not necessarily a technical issue especially as game production involves mostly non-technical work like creative audio, 3D and visual design, product management and planning, storyboarding & writing, and testing.

The course has already taken place in summer semester 2011, so you might take a look at the old web page.

Ther lecture is given in German, but slides and homepage are written in English. For assignments you can choose between German and English language.

Schedule & Topics

All events take place in E.2.42

Assignments

You course assignment is to build a game (level). Deliverables include:

If you decide to create a game level I recommend to use Little Big Planet (either 1, 2 or PSP). You can do your work within the tutorial. A limited number of PS3 and PSP Systems will be provided.

If you decide to build a game yourself I recommend to use a game engine or framework like libGDX, Jaws JS or MS XNA. Make sure your game project can be delivered in time (don't ask for the moon in your concept document).

In the intermediate presentation you should present your game concept and optionally a working first prototype. The final presentation should cover the final result, the video and the post mortem.

Intermediate Presentation

Each group has up to 5 minutes presentation time. Your slides (no more than 8) should focus on:

  1. Title of your game, members of the group
  2. Game design abstract & key features (up to 4 slides)
  3. Current state
  4. Work plan

If there is already a working prototype we'd greatly appreciate a video or some screenshots. Bring the slides on a USB drive (PDF, PPT) or present with your own computer.

Final Presentation

Each group has up to 12 minutes of presentation time. Your slides should focus on:

  1. Title of your game, members of the group
  2. Short description & key features
  3. Trailer and demo
  4. Post mortem

Bring the slides on a USB drive (PDF, PPT) or present with your own computer. If you present a LBP Level make sure you either put it online or you bring it along on a USB Stick.

Submission

Each group has to submit

  1. game concept document (2 pages)
  2. actual game (level)
  3. postmortem document (2 pages)
  4. trailer
  5. presentation slides

until Monday, June 25th, midnight.

Exam

The final grade is based on (i) assignments handed out in the course (2-3), (ii) your project work and presentation and (iii) a multiple choice test.

Students have to enroll to the exam (one of two possible schedules):