ADK1003 Game Design
- Course codeADK1003
- Number of credits10
- Teaching semester2026 Spring
- Language of instructionEnglish
- CampusHamar
- Required prerequisite knowledge
No special requirements
- Game design
- Dramaturgical structures in video games
- Level design
- Synergies between gameplay and story development
- Analysis of video games
- Developing game design documents and finding sources of inspiration
- Game testing
- Project management
- Historical development within the gaming industry
- Interdisciplinary development of a product
- Systems thinking in game design
Learning Outcome
Upon completing the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
The student:
- has fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding in game design
- is familiar with the tasks and working methods of a game designer in various game productions
- has knowledge of simple analysis tools and techniques for games
- understands the basic similarities and differences between different types of games
- is familiar with historical developments in the gaming industry
- knows how to find sources of inspiration and apply them to their own work
- is familiar with developing a cohesive design that culminates in a video game
- understands the use of systems thinking in game design
- understands the use of project management tools in video game production
The student:
- can analyze simple games in terms of the relationship between mechanics and experience
- can use various techniques to balance existing and new game designs
- can specify and operationalize a game design to create a specific gaming experience
- can develop an interactive project from idea to final implementation through an iterative process
- can discuss and explain core concepts such as games, game design mechanics, and balancing
- can identify mechanics and gameplay patterns in different types of games
- can create new game design ideas and document them effectively
- can work in interdisciplinary teams
- can write an analytical academic text
- understands various project management methods and processes
- can adhere to minimum requirements for developing a viable video game
- can carry out First Playable, Alpha, Beta, and Gold Master according to the schedule
- understands historical developments within the gaming industry
The student:
- can explain and justify design choices with reference to the curriculum
- has a theoretical and cognitive basis for further analytical and creative work with interactive productions
- has theoretical and practical experience through analysis and game testing of games and the design and redesign of new and existing games
- can conduct an iterative game design process from start to finish, with a focus on prototyping, testing, and documentation
- can develop various game design documents
- can find, assess, and refer to sources of inspiration from the gaming and film industries
- can actively use source references in their own work
- can plan a video game project in an interdisciplinary working group
- can justify professional choices in the development process
- can use simplified system analysis in game design
The course is designed as a combination of lectures, practical exercises, self-study, and supervision.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portfolio Assessment | ECTS - A-F | Individual |
| 50 | ||
Written assignment | ECTS - A-F | Group (2 - 4) |
| 50 |
-
1 group assignment, 2–4 students per group, counts for 50% of the final grade
-
2 individual assignments, counts for 50% of the final grade
To pass the course, both examinations must be passed.
In the case of group examinations, all group members share responsibility for the full content of the assignment/product/performance.
Reading list
No reading list available for this course