What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will learn how to plan, design and create a videogame level within the context of a creative brief. This module provides you with theoretical and technical knowledge and skills that can help you find a job in the games industry upon graduating. You are required to think critically about videogame aesthetics and processes, rather than emulating existing game styles. You will learn how to use the level design pipeline to create a videogame level from start to finish. It is an iterative process that will be useful to adopt in future projects. The brief will require you to translate abstract concepts into finished 3D level designs, testing your ability to breakdown complex ideas and communicate them through control of image, sound, three-dimensional space and interaction. You will learn the industry standard techniques for modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering game objects and environments. Many of the technical skills learned on this module will also help strengthen knowledge about computer graphics for animation. You will learn how to use visual scripting to program basic interaction within your level. Experience with this node-based system is built upon in the compositing module next semester. You will also gain a better overview of how software packages relate to each other, how to move assets between them and the strengths and weaknesses of particular software.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be introduced to the overall context and background to the brief in an initial lecture. You will be given a set of technical workshops in which you will learn the theory and practice of designing game levels. You will undertake weekly independent learning in order to solidify material covered in class and to develop your personal response to the brief. Throughout the module you will keep a blog to document the development of your practice and idea development.
A mid-term presentation will give you the opportunity to receive formative feedback from peers and tutors on the direction of your work. You will also be given formative feedback during group crits and individual tutorials. Once the making process has begun, tutors work alongside you individually or in a group to support you through the making process.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given a brief and guide which outlines all of the important information about the module. This will be available on the eLearning Portal, alongside detailed presentations and resources provided by the tutor.
Tutors will provide verbal feedback during classes, group crits., individual tutorials and formal presentations. You will also take part in peer assessment activities such as play testing other student’s work and offering feedback. You will receive written verbal formative feedback after the mid-term presentation and summative feedback after final submission. Tutors are also contactable via email.
You will have access to video training resources that help reinforce and consolidate technical processes from taught sessions. A list of the most helpful resources is available on the module guide.
Due to the high level of technical challenge posed by this module, a technician will also support workshops and studio sessions, supporting you with any technical issues you may have.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand how to translate abstract concepts to physical designs.
2. Understand how to create a 3D videogame level using industry software and workflows.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. To generate rich visual and conceptual analysis of a contemporary artist.
4. To construct a level design that genuinely explores the themes of an artist.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Expand awareness of contemporary art culture, the ethics of videogame representation.
How will I be assessed?
You will submit a folder containing an exported version of your final game level. It is also recommended that you export video capture of your level in order to use as part of your show-reel upon graduation. You will also submit a link to your blog containing documentation of your development work.
A 500 word critical analysis of your work is also required.
Early in the module you will be given formative feedback on your initial responses to the brief. You will continue to receive this verbal feedback from staff and peers in workshops, group crits, individual tutorials and supervised studio sessions.
Following the final project submission, you will receive written summative feedback on your achievement against all of the MLOs, using the Faculty Feedback sheet and a final grade will be given. Feedback will be provided within 20 working days of submission.
Your work should be submitted via the eLearning Portal. On the module page in the eLearning Portal, there is a folder called ‘Assignment Submission’ you will find all the necessary links in this folder.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years and 4 months
Location Sri Lanka
City Sri Lanka
Start January
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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