Course Introduction and Syllabus
Course Summary
Welcome to IDM2: Ludology and Game Play, an exciting journey into the fundamental concepts that drive game design and player experience. This module will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in ludology—the study of games and gameplay—and equip you with the knowledge needed to understand what makes games engaging, meaningful, and fun.
The primary aim of this module is to give learners a solid grounding in the core concepts of ludology and game play. You will develop a deep understanding of what defines a ‘game’ and explore the mechanics and rules that govern different types of games, both in digital and physical formats. This foundational knowledge will serve as the context for creating your own proof of concept proposal for game design.
This module emphasizes the conceptual underpinnings of game design, covering essential areas such as the game design process, game idea generation, defining games, rules and discovery mechanics, storytelling, and both non-digital and digital prototyping.
The course also introduces you to games across different environments—including business, education, and entertainment contexts—and various platforms ranging from traditional board games to modern console, mobile, and web-based experiences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic understanding in the principles, processes and elements of game design
- Evaluate and critique games on their principal mechanics and aesthetic appeal
- Design and create proof of concept proposals for new games
- Implement a proof of concept to prototype stage
These learning outcomes emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring you can both analyze existing games and create new gaming experiences.
Syllabus
The course is structured into two main units that progress from foundational concepts to practical implementation.
Unit 1: Game Design
This foundational unit covers the essential theoretical and conceptual elements of game design:
What Are Games - We begin by examining the fundamental question of what constitutes a game, exploring various definitions and characteristics that distinguish games from other forms of media and entertainment.
The Game Design Process - You’ll learn about the systematic approach to creating games, understanding the phases and methodologies that successful game designers employ.
Game Idea Generation - This section focuses on creativity techniques and processes for generating compelling game concepts and mechanics.
Audience - Understanding your target players is crucial for successful game design. We’ll explore how to identify, analyze, and design for specific player demographics and psychographics.
Storytelling and Character Design - Games often rely on narrative elements to engage players. This component covers how stories and characters function within interactive environments.
Mechanics, Rules and Rewards - The core systems that drive gameplay will be examined, including how rules create meaningful choices and how reward systems motivate continued play.
Planning the Player Experience - You’ll learn to design intentional player journeys and emotional arcs throughout the gaming experience.
Game Environments - This explores how different contexts and settings influence game design decisions and player expectations.
Unit 2: Implementation
The second unit shifts focus to the practical aspects of bringing game concepts to life:
Non-digital and Digital Prototyping - You’ll learn various prototyping methods, from paper prototypes to digital mockups, understanding when and how to use different approaches.
User Experience Design - This covers the principles of creating intuitive, engaging interfaces and interaction patterns for games.
Visual Design - Aesthetic considerations and visual communication principles specific to game environments will be explored.
Playtesting - Perhaps one of the most critical skills in game development, you’ll learn how to effectively test your games with real players and iterate based on feedback.
Assessment
This course uses a comprehensive continuous assessment approach designed to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and practical skills:
This course is assessed entirely through continuous assessment—there is no final examination.
The assessment breakdown is as follows:
- Practical Assignments: 40% - These hands-on projects will test your ability to apply game design principles in practice
- Case Study: 20% - An in-depth analysis of existing games, demonstrating your critical evaluation skills
- Project: 40% - A substantial piece of work where you’ll develop and prototype your own game concept
This assessment structure ensures that you’re continuously engaged with the material and developing practical skills throughout the semester.
Required Reading
The following books form the foundation of our course materials and provide comprehensive coverage of game design theory and practice:
Primary Textbooks:
Tracy Fullerton (2014) - Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games, Third Edition - A K Peters/CRC Press (ISBN: 9781482217162)
Jesse Schell (2014) - The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Second Edition - A K Peters/CRC Press (ISBN: 9781466598645)
Supplementary Reading:
Morgan McGuire (2008) - Creating Games: Mechanics, Content, and Technology - A K Peters/CRC Press (ISBN: 9781568813059)
Scott Rogers (2014) - Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design - Wiley (ISBN: 9781118877166)
Raph Koster (2013) - Theory of Fun for Game Design - O’Reilly Media (ISBN: 9781449363215)
These texts complement each other well—Fullerton and Schell provide comprehensive theoretical frameworks, while McGuire, Rogers, and Koster offer practical insights and industry perspectives.
Summary
This course introduction establishes the foundation for your journey into ludology and game design. Key takeaways include:
- Comprehensive Scope: The course covers both theoretical understanding and practical application of game design principles
- Hands-on Learning: Assessment emphasizes practical work through assignments, case studies, and projects rather than traditional examinations
- Industry-Relevant Skills: You’ll develop skills in prototyping, playtesting, and user experience design that are directly applicable in the game industry
- Critical Analysis: The course develops your ability to evaluate and critique games systematically, essential for becoming a thoughtful designer
- Creative Development: From idea generation to prototype implementation, you’ll experience the complete game development pipeline