Cardiff School of Technologies>Courses>Introduction to Video Game Design Micro-course

Introduction to Video Game Design Micro-course

The Introduction to Video Game Design micro-course will give you an overview of the early development pipeline of a video game

You will learn how every video game starts out, from creating a Game Design Document and concept art, through to making the first rough block-out of a game level in a suitable game engine and testing the game mechanics and player experience. You will learn about level design, industry standard practices, and the role of the narrative structure – how storytelling can help create a sense of immersion in video games. 

By the end of the micro-course, you will have made your first steps into the world of game design and development. 

The course is open to everyone who has an interest in video games and how they are made.

Micro-courses are flexible short courses, delivered in mixed online and face-to-face formats. Currently they are being piloted across Welsh universities with no cost to the learner. You can attend a micro-course to upskill and learn something new, as a pathway to employment, or to have a taste of a specific subject. Digital technology micro-courses at Cardiff Met cover topics that are in demand by industry. Click here to see the other micro-courses at Cardiff Met.

Course Content

The micro-course will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of lectures, online learning activity, on-campus seminars, lab work and small group work. 

Topics include:

  • Creating a Game Design Document
  • Producing concept art
  • Creating a prototype level in a game engine

Coursework and Assessment

Assessments are designed to consolidate your learning. 

You will complete two short assignments throughout the micro-course. These include a level demonstration and a written game design document of about 1,500 words.

Suggested Readings

Rogers, S. (2014) Level up! : the guide to great video game design. Second edition. Chichester, England :: Wiley. (Required) 

Csikszentmihalyi, M. and Csikszentmihalyi, I.S. (eds.) (1988) Optimal experience : psychological studies of flow in consciousness / [electronic resource]. Cambridge :: Cambridge University Press. 

Gregory, J. (2018) Game engine architecture . 3rd edition. Boca Raton, FL :: A K Peters/CRC Press an imprint of Taylor and Francis. 

Evan Skolnick (7201) Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques. Potter Craft. Available at: 

Epic Games - Various (no date) Unreal Online Learning. Available at: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/onlinelearning-courses?sessionInvalidated=true 

World of Level Design (4201) UE4: BSP Blockout From Concept Art to an Interior Motel Room - Tutorial. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yShBi3yJaY.

How to Apply

You can book your place on the Introduction to Video Game Design micro-course on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Online Store. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Contact Us

For more information about this micro-course, please contact Dr Fiona Carroll, FCarroll@cardiffmet.ac.uk.


Key Course Information

Place of Study:
Llandaff Campus 

School:
Cardiff School of Technologies 

Course Length:
10 weeks (1 x 2-hour session per week). Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm. 

Start date:
10th May 2022 – 12th July 2022 

Max Number:
20 people

Cost:
Free

Full terms and conditions in relation to accepting an offer to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University can be found by visiting www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/terms