Browse by Course code: COMP3218

In this lecture we look at how innovation in games has moved from the creation of new genres, to the incorporation of new technology, that has unlocked new ways to play games. In particular we look at casual and social games, motion controllers, virtual reality, augmented reality, location-based games, mixed reality, and alternate reality.

In this final week we will look at the tensions between ludology and narratology in games design, in effect how the agency of games has been reconciled with the dramatic requirements (and lack of agency) in narrative. I will argue that there are two broad approaches, the mainstream method of concentrating in the Fabula, and a method pioneered by many indie games of fusing narrative and play. We will look in more detail at what this might mean in terms of thematic cohesion, diegetic choices, and mechanics and metaphor. In the second lecture we look at Spec Ops: The Line, as a rare example of a AAA title that takes this fusion approach. Looking at how the game uses many of the techniques we have explored.

This week we will look at issues surrounding setting the difficulty of your game at an optimal level, and tuning that to suit your audience.

In this lecture we go over the fundamentals of interactive game narratives. Defining what we mean by narrative, and placing games in context with other ergodic literature. We look at non-linear structures, agency, and the narrative paradox. Concluding with a set of mechanisms that games designers use to manage agency in their narrative games. Also included is an introductory video for the second Expo on Digital Storytelling.

This is the introductory lecture to COMP3218. We introduce ourselves, cover the philosophy of the course, the structure and assessment process, and lead an initial game design exercise.