SPI2000 Gamification and serious game development
- Course codeSPI2000
- Number of credits15
- Teaching semester2027 Autumn
- Language of instruction and examinationEnglish
- CampusHamar
- Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended: Courses from first study year
This course focuses on the development of a serious game or gamified application within interdisciplinary teams. Projects may address real-world challenges, industry needs, or other relevant contexts. Students will learn and apply key concepts, methods, and tools to support the design and development of their projects.
Key content
- Foundations of gamification and motivational psychology
- Fundamentals of systems thinking and system dynamics for modelling
- Gamification frameworks and mechanics
- UX design and development
- Development and design methodologies
- Ethics and market analysis
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
- 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 serious games and other applications
- is familiar with development and design methodologies in the context of serious game and application development
- 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 serious games or gamified applications 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 serious games and gamified applications
- 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)
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.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written examination with an adjusting oral examination | ECTS - A-F | Group (1 - 6) | 100 | Group portfolio examination with an adjusting oral exam |
- 1 group project-based assignment, assessed with grades from A-F, with adjusting oral exam.