SPI2000 Gamification and application development
- Course codeSPI2000
- Number of credits15
- Teaching semester2027 Autumn
- Language of instruction and examinationEnglish
- CampusHamar
- Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisite knowledge: Courses from first study year
This course explores collaborative methods for developing serious games in interdisciplinary teams. Students apply co-design, user-centered design, and gamification to create a 3D game prototype for industry stakeholders.
Key content
- Foundations of gamification and motivational psychology
- Gamification frameworks and mechanics
- Ethical design and market analysis
- Causal relationships and feedback loops, cause-effect relationship
- Use of systems thinking, systems analysis and systems dynamics to assemble complex models
- Ethical design and market analysis
- Design of gamification solutions and games for industry
Learning outcome
A candidate who has completed the course has the following learning outcomes:
The candidate
- can demonstrate understanding of gamification principles, motivational psychology, and feedback loops as applied to serious games
- has knowledge of systems thinking, systems analysis, and systems dynamics for modelling complex interactions in games for industry
- understand ethical considerations, market analysis, and stakeholder needs in designing gamification solutions
- understand the role of serious games, gamification, and simulations in promoting awareness, education, and behaviour change related to sustainability
- can demonstrate understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities of creating 3D serious games for industry
The candidate
- can apply co-design and co-creation methods to include diverse perspectives (team, stakeholders, end-users) in the design process
- can design and implement user-centered prototypes of 3D serious games
- can integrate gamification elements (rewards, feedback, progression systems) into game design for industry applications
- can experiment with and implement design patterns (Observer, Command, Composite, etc.) to support modularity, flexibility, and maintainability in game systems
- can design and prototype serious games and gamification solutions that address sustainability challenges (e.g., climate action, responsible consumption, sustainable cities)
- can apply techniques such as Entity-Component-System (ECS), Data-Oriented Design (DOD), and other relevant game programming patterns to solve design and performance challenges in games
The candidate
- can demonstrate an understanding of ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities in the creation of digital content for serious games
- can adapt their work practices to meet industry standards and project requirements within a collaborative production environment
- can demonstrate readiness to apply game design and production skills in industrial or societal contexts beyond entertainment
The students work within their chosen specialisation under supervision.
Supervision will be conducted both at an individual level and in groups.
At the end of the semester the students work in interdisciplinary groups to develop a 3D game for industry (“Serious games”) together with students from Bachelor in Game Art and Animation.
- 1 group assignment
- 80% attendance in teaching and 100% attendance in specific learning activities according to the teaching plan
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Practical examination | ECTS - A-F | Group |
Reading list
No reading list available for this course