Game I

Course Syllabus
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ

Course title: Game Design & Development I CID -125
Department/Program Affiliation: Computer Studies/Computer Graphics
Date of Last Revision: January 2011
Credits: 3
Contact Hours: Lecture 3
Lab
Other
Prerequisites: TBD
Co-requisites: None

Course Description/Goals: This course will introduce the student to basic game theory (including
gameplay and strategy) as well as the historical development of all types of games (sports, board
games, videogames, etc.) as they were affected by world and market conditions. In addition, the
specific history of the videogame industry will be examined, as well as the overall process involved in
developing a videogame from basic concept to selling the proposal to production to marketing.
Course Objectives/Student learning outcomes: (cognitive, Psychomotor, Affective Domains)

Upon Completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the historical perspective of game design, fundamentals of the concepts, and current
state of the industry and market trends.
2. Understanding the development and creation of computer games.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how the game design process works.
4. Understand the elements needed for game design documentation.
5. Identify key terms that apply to game design.
6. Demonstrate familiarity with equipment (hardware and software applications that will be
shown in class).
7. Make critical judgment of their own and other works based on usage of software programs and
design skills.

Course Outline:
1. Introduction of game development
2. The history of game development
3. Basic building blocks of a game
4. Elements of designing a game
5. Game design interface
6. Game design documentation
7. Game play

Course activities:
The course activities will include formal and informal lectures where new material and assigned
problems will be explained. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and to
ask questions about the material. “Hands-on” work on the computer will be done during class and
outside of the regularly scheduled classroom hours.

Student Evaluation:
The student will be evaluated on the degree to which student learning outcomes are achieved. A
variety of methods may be used such as tests, class participation, projects, homework assignments, etc.

Below are the following identifies a letter grades:

A Superior indicates superior achievement and mastery of the subject
B Good indicates consistent achievement that demonstrates an understanding of the subject for continued study in the discipline.
C Average indicates satisfactory achievement that demonstrates an understanding of the subject sufficient for continued study in the discipline.
D Poor indicates performance suggesting little aptitude or application on the part of the student in that particular course. This grade will not transfer.
F Failure indicates an insufficient understanding of the basic elements of the course.

Course materials:
Textbook(s): Look further
• Back Up materials-Flash Drive etc.
• Notebook
Supplemental Materials: None
Tutoring is available at the library; please call (856) 227-7200 ext. 4411 or 4225 

Instructor: Ryan Morrison

Contact Information

• Email: in class
  • Recommended leave 1-2 day window for response.
    Office Hours:

I am able to meet by appointment only.
Unless there is a special event this is the only time I am on campus.
I can set up a virtual meeting via zoom or google meetup but you MUST set an appointment.

Textbooks:         Required:

• HISTORY OF DIGITAL GAMES
  By WILLIAMS
  TAYLOR ISBN:   9781138885554
• Challenges for Game Designers
  By Brenda Brathwaite, Ian Schreiber
  ISBN-13: 978-1584505808ISBN-10: 158450580

I do suggest you purchase these books as we will use them in future classes.

• Recommended supplies:

• USB Drive and/or Hard drive and/or Google Account for multiple backups
• Notebook for Notes and a writing instrument
• PC/MAC for home use (depending on discipline of study)
• Access to analog games
• 1 or more game consoles/mobile devices for home use
• TIME for your assignments and computer usage

Grade Breakdown

• Projects/Milestones/Assignments – 80% of overall grade
  • Game Design Assignments 15%
  • Exams (2) 20%
  • Project proposal Document (PPD)    10%*
  • Game Design Document (GDD) 45%*
  • Presentation 10%*
• Productivity/Communication – 20% of your overall grade
  • Productivity via observation (subjective)
  • Communication (subjective)

Grade Breakdown

• A – 100%-90%
• B – 89%-80%
• C – 79%-70%
• D – 70%-64%
• F – 63%-0%

Game Design Assignments– There will be a combination of assignments for this section that could include essays, board/card game construction and assignments from canvas. These assignments will account for 15% of your overall grade and are up to you to complete in the proper timeline. Each assignment will be discussed in detail and a link will be made available when the assignment is assigned.   All submission will be done digitally in canvas. There are no points given for late or missing assignments.

Exams-There will be two exams given this semester. They are equally weighted and are a required portion of the class. Failure to be available on the day of the exams will result in a Zero (0) grade for that exam and will have an effect on your final grade. Exams start times will be given at least two weeks in advance and more than ample time for ANY student will be given for ALL students.

PPD-Publisher Proposal Document –The PPD is due on week 6 and is directly linked to other grades for the semester (Story, GDD and Presentation). Failure to complete your PPD and turn it in as per requirements (lecture) will result in a grade of Zero (0). If late, you will receive a zero grade for the assignment and you forfeit your ability to turn in your GDD assignment due week 14 and counting for 45% and forfeit the ability to do your presentation which is worth 10% of your overall grade producing an automatic failure for the semester (60% at Zero). There are no acceptable excuses for the major assignments covered in this syllabus to be late other than death or dismemberment which will both require proof.   Failure to turn in your PPD on time forfeits your chance at turning in your GDD story or your GDD and forfeits the ability to do the presentation week 14/15.

GDD Story-The GDD Story will be discussed during lecture and is a required milestone of the GDD. The story is due in PDF format completed on week 10 and will follow the same rule set as the PPD, GDD and Exams. It will not be accepted late and must be turned in via canvas using this format (format: firstname _ lastname_story.pdf eg: ryan_morrison_story.pdf) no later than the first 15 minutes of class week 10.  Failure to turn your story in on time will result in a Zero (0) grade for your GDD and Presentation causing you to fail the class. There are no acceptable excuses for the major assignments covered in this syllabus to be late other than death or dismemberment which will both require proof.   Failure to turn in your story on time forfeits your chance at turning in your GDD.

GDD- Your GDD is due on week 14 within 15 minutes of class beginning and is directly linked to other grades for the semester (PPD, Story and Presentation). Failure to complete your GDD and turn it in as per requirements (notes given in lecture as per syllabus) will result in a grade of Zero (0). In addition, the student will forfeit the opportunity of doing their presentation for the project also causing a Zero (0) grade and causing the student to fail the class overall (60% of overall grade).  If the student is more than 15 minutes late to class on the due date the student will forfeit their ability to hand in the GDD at all resulting in Zero (0) grades for the GDD and the presentation grades and will fail the course. There are no acceptable excuses for the major assignments covered in this syllabus to be late other than death or dismemberment which will both require proof.

Presentation-All students will be required to give a 6+ minute “Pecha Kucha” (google it) style marketing presentation based on their project. This presentation will require a 20 slide, 20 second per slide format which will be explained further in the semester. This is NOT an optional portion of the class. Presentations will be delivered in person. Failure to be prepared for your presentations, both technically and with your slides will result in forfeiture of your GDD Grade and your Presentation grade resulting in a failing grade for the course. There are no acceptable excuses for the major assignments covered in this syllabus to be late other than death or dismemberment which will both require proof.

Attendance/Participation-Lateness will not be tolerated; there is a 3-4 minute window but do not make a habit of it, parking can be a bad situation, so please be prepared for it. If you are late more than twice it will count as one absence. Any more than two (2) total absences will result in failure of the course as is CCC policy, choose your absences wisely, if you are absent the day of an exam or assignment a zero (0) grade will be given for that quiz/exam/assignment.  Breaks should be taken based on need and will be given during class and attendance will be taken after breaks. Meals should be planned around class and breaks should NOT be treated as dinner/lunch/breakfast, no food or drinks are allowed in the lab. (Example: 1 absence 2 lateness=failure; 1 absence 1 lateness=safe; 4 lateness=failure; 3 lateness 1 absence=failure) Attendance will be based on your discussions and if we have digital meetings set up.

Plagiarism/Piracy/Content -The Jungle Book Clause-Students found cheating on exams or plagiarizing on documents will automatically fail this course. Any student caught using a piece of software or music illegally is also subject to automatic failure of the course as well as any actions deemed necessary by the college. Any plagiarism on the GDD will result in higher disciplinary action leading to but not limited to expulsion.  All class projects should avoid topics regarding sex, religion and gratuitous violence and gore. If this causes uncertainty with your projects, please see me for clarification.

Extra Help/Appointments-If you would like to meet, I recommend that you set up an appointment at least 3 days in advance. Otherwise it would be best to contact me via email or to leave a message with Junelle Barr outside of my normally scheduled hours. Anytime I do have a class you may consider this to be an open lab for yourself pending space. Tutoring is available on the third floor of the library (http://www.camdencc.edu/tutoring/ (Links to an external site.)) 856-227-7200 ext. 4275.

Public Discussion-AKA the Hample Clause-Any work involving class projects or activities (Attendance to events as a class or team) cannot be discussed in public and/or online areas or arenas without a review from your instructor. This includes blogging, FB updates and tweeting as well as posting on forums. The review process could be as little as a conversation or email but please do not do anything to discredit any student or professional ties with any outside affiliate to the college or the instructors. These relationships take years in some cases to develop and could be condemned with a sentence or a small statement. If you have a question in regards to this policy please ask for clarity. For clarity my lectures are the sole property of Ryan R Morrison and may not be recorded accept by myself. These lectures are © Copyright 2021 by Ryan Morrison.  If you have any questions or special needs please ask immediately.

Internet/Social media section-Most assignments and class participation may be done through digital interface using Slack or Canvas or email. Each student is required to participate or use your existing account to communicate within the class in this online environment. Extra credit and reminders will be given through this medium throughout the semester. This is a private (to students only) area but please be aware of anything you may post and please remember to sign out before you leave class for the day.

Coordinator Meeting
Prior to the end of this class (by week 14) you are required to meet with our section coordinator. You will meet with a representative of our department to ensure you are taking the correct classes for the program as he is the only person who can sign your graduation paperwork at the end of your class time. Failure to meet this simple requirement will result in a full letter grade reduction. An assignment will be given in regards to this, failure to do this will equal a reduction in your final grade by a full letter.

All Students MUST adhere to the Acceptable Use policy of Camden County College-AKA the Mason Clause
Policy Handbook for Students (Links to an external site.)

Page 26 is AUP

https://www.camdencc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Acceptable-Use-of-Technology.pdf (Links to an external site.)

I would like to highlight the following from the policy.

Guidelines
In making acceptable use of technology you MUST:
1. Use files, information, and software for authorized purposes only;
2. Use files, information, and software for which you have authorized access;
3. Comply with state and federal copyright regulations;
4. Comply with vendor license agreements;
5. Use information in ways that support the mission of the College; and
6. Comply with other College technology-specific guidelines, such as those for
academic computer laboratories, WEB Page and E-Mail.
In addition, you MUST BE:
7. Respectful in your use of shared resources, therefore, academic needs take
precedence;
8. Responsible for maintaining the security of information;
9. Responsible for engaging in activities that will maintain the integrity of the
system and information contained within; and
10. Responsible for observing the policies of all networks accessed through
College resources.
In making acceptable use of technology you MUST NOT:
11. Give your password to anyone else or misrepresent your identity;
12. Use the College’s equipment or software for commercial use or personal gain;
13. Engage in activities that are against federal or state law;
Camden County College
I I
Board of Trustees Policy
Subject: Number
215
Page
2
Of
2
Acceptable Use of Technology Date:
March 3, 1998
Supersedes:
14. Use, copy or modify anyone else’s files without permission;
15. Interfere with College operations;
16. Use resources to annoy, harass, discriminate or intimidate anyone;
17. Use resources to send, download or transmit materials that contain profanities,
obscenities or sexually explicit materials.
18. Destroy, remove or modify College computer equipment or software.
Enforcement/Consequences
The College considers any intentional violation of acceptable use guidelines to be a
serious offense that will lead to disciplinary action under standard College rules for
misconduct and existing judicial, disciplinary or personnel processes.

Variable Grading
At the end of the term multiple grading points named “variable” will be unlocked and utilized to make sure the math needed to ensure grading is executed properly. There is no assignment for the student as the instructor will implement this part of the course.

Weekly Breakdown and schedule