Update:  please note that students outside of computer science are encouraged to enroll in this course!

Study the theory and process of designing computer games

This course focuses on the design of the user experience in computer gets — from their rules and simulated worlds to their stories and social experiences. Over the semester, students will collaborate in two-person teams to design and make several working computer games. Students in the course will study the design of significant existing commercial games for both PC and console. Readings will include work by influential game designers and game studies theorists. Lectures are designed to invite student discussion. The course will teach the use a number of introductory game development environments (including Game Maker and Kodu), as well as provide a place to discuss design ideas, game analysis concepts, and related subjects.

No programming experience is necessary.  The course is open to all students with at least sophomore standing.

The course is taught by Dr. R. Michael Young.

• Course syllabus
• Course schedule (2009)
• Assignments (2009)

Pre-requisites This course is open to ALL students with at least sophomore standing.

Course time and location, Fall 2009

Office hours for Fall 200