780.222 (21S) Practical Game Criticism
Overview
For further information regarding teaching on campus, please visit: https://www.aau.at/en/corona.
- Lecturer
- Tutor/Tutors
- Course title german Practical Game Criticism
- Type Course (continuous assessment course )
- Course model Online course
- Hours per Week 2.0
- ECTS credits 2.0
- Registrations 13 (20 max.)
- Organisational unit
- Language of instruction Englisch
- Course begins on 09.03.2021
- eLearning Go to Moodle course
Time and place
Course Information
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this class will be familiar with the most important terminology in video game criticism, and will be able to apply this knowledge to in-depth analyses of the medium.
Important notice:
This class will take place fully (100%) online! Detailed instructions about the schedule and procedure will be provided via e-mail and Moodle. Please, check your AAU inboxes regularly!
This class is linked to the AAU Game Jam and participation will be mandatory. The preliminary date will be announced soon. This information is subject to change. Please check course description regularly for updates. The AAU Game Jam is going to be an online event as well!
Teaching methodology including the use of eLearning tools
Short lecture inputs; hands-on analyses of selected games; participation in a Game Jam; discussions
Course content
Game ideas are cheap and plentiful. Advancing those ideas into games that people want to play is one of the hardest, and most under-appreciated, tasks in the game development cycle. This course introduces students to the craft of designing computer and video games, including a detailed analysis of the key game design elements, such as examining game concepts and worlds, storytelling, character and user interface design, core mechanics and balance. Plus, we will discuss the major game genres and identify the design patterns and unique creative challenges that characterize them. We'll start by taking a look at various examples, then moving forward to an accessible, practical approach to analyzing games (beginner's guide). Video games and other digital experiences have become the leading medium in western, post-/late modern societies, overcoming stereotypical expectations as to the gender and age of players. In order to be able to appreciate games and their socio-cultural potential accordingly, it is necessary to use an appropriate terminology and accurate critical methods - we must learn to 'read' games. This is what this class is there to achieve, to give students access to useful theories and then have them apply this knowledge to their hands-on, shared experience of selected games.
Keywords/Topics:
Development cycle
Craft of designing (video) games
Game design elements
Major game genres
Video game marketing
Video game journalism
Practical approach - analyzing games
Socio-cultural potential
Appropriate terminology
Critical thinking
Hands-on experience
Literature
Reading packets will be provided in digital form. There is no need to buy any books.
Link to further information
https://www.itec.aau.at/gamejam/Examination information
Examination methodology
Active participation in an AAU Game Jam (online!)
Active participation in class and at home (online!)
Written assignments (post mortem and game review)
Examination topic(s)
Active participation and written assignments: Documentation, analysis and critical reflection.
For further information, please join the Welcome Session!
Assessment criteria / Standards of assessment for examinations
The written post mortem and game review comply with criteria explained during lecture. The final grade is an aggregate (two pillars of assessment):
50% active participation (assignments, discussions, short presentations)
50% post mortem and game review
Grading scheme
Grade / Grade grading schemePosition in the curriculum
- Master's degree programme Game Studies and Engineering
(SKZ: 992, Version: 17W.2)
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Subject: Game Studies
(Compulsory subject)
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Practical Game Criticism (
0.0h KS / 2.0 ECTS)
- 780.222 Practical Game Criticism (2.0h KS / 2.0 ECTS) Absolvierung im 1. Semester empfohlen
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Practical Game Criticism (
0.0h KS / 2.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Game Studies
(Compulsory subject)
Equivalent courses for counting the examination attempts
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Wintersemester 2024/25
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Sommersemester 2024
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2023/24
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Sommersemester 2023
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2022/23
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
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Sommersemester 2022
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2021/22
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2020/21
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2019/20
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
-
Wintersemester 2018/19
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)
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Wintersemester 2017/18
- 780.222 KS Practical Game Criticism (2.0h / 2.0ECTS)