Program Overview

University Program Information

The university offers a range of programs and courses, including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education options.

Academic Programs

• Undergraduate programs
  • Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD)
  • Design and Artificial Intelligence (DAI)
  • Engineering Product Development (EPD)
  • Engineering Systems and Design (ESD)
  • Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
  • Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD)
  • Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT)
• Graduate programs
• Continuing education (SUTD Academy)
• 42 Singapore

Course Details

50.033 Foundations of Game Design and Development

This is an introductory course about the basics of game creation, providing an overview of different aspects of game development. Students will get in touch with C# Programming, starting with console application, then GUI games on various platforms with graphics, dialog boxes, and user control.

Prerequisites

• 50.001 Information Systems & Programming
• 50.004 Algorithms

Learning Objectives

1. Apply fundamental game design concepts, including mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics, to create engaging and balanced games.
2. Develop skills in rapid prototyping, playtesting, and iterative design to enhance gameplay and user experience.
3. Gain proficiency in using game development tools and technologies, such as game engines and scripting languages, to build functional games.
4. Demonstrate effective collaboration and project management techniques to work successfully in teams and complete game development projects.
5. Develop the ability to critically analyze and evaluate games to understand the elements of successful game design and apply these insights to their own projects.

Measurable Outcomes

1. Students will produce simple games with novel ideas, demonstrating their understanding and application of game design principles.
2. Students will create and refine game prototypes through multiple iterations, incorporating feedback from playtesting sessions.
3. Students will use code libraries and game engines (Unity) to quickly create and deploy runnable game projects.
4. Students will demonstrate successful teamwork and project management by completing a collaborative game development project within set deadlines.
5. Students will perform critical analyses of existing games and present evaluations that identify key elements of successful game design, applying these insights to their own game projects.

Topics Covered

• Formal elements of game
• Basics of game design: genres, core mechanics, player empathy, and feedback
• Storytelling, story elements, traditional story structure, nonlinear and collaborative storytelling
• Interactivity modes, balance, and economies
• Level design in video games
• Video game interface
• Behavioral design and exploration of player motivation
• Game polishing
• Unity basics: introductory knowledge, basic game feedback and asset management, utilizing the Physics engine
• Intermediate Unity features: audio and scene management, animation, input management
• Advanced Unity Programming: object persistence, state management, game architecture

Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Material

No textbook required. Recommended books are listed below.

• Jebediah Pavleas et al., Learn 2D Game Development with C#, 1st ed. New York, NY: Apress, 2013.
• Daniel Schuller, C# Game Programming: For Serious Game Creation, 1st ed. Independence, KY: Cengage, 2010.
• James M. Van Verth et al., Essential Mathematics for Games and Interactive Applications: A Programmer's Guide, 2nd ed. San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufmann, 2008.
• David M Bourg and Bryan Bywalec, Physics for Game Developers: Science, math, and code for realistic effects, 2nd ed. North Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media, 2013.

Course Instructor(s)

• Prof Natalie Agus

Research Areas

The university has various research areas, including:

• Design·AI Research
• Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance

Innovation and Enterprise

The university has an innovation ecosystem that includes:

• Future of Innovation
• Educational technology
• Fabrication lab
• Innovation Showcase
• Book of Innovations
• STEAMunity
• Design Innovation (Consultancy & Training)
• daVinci@SUTD Experience
• STEAMxD Immersion Programme
• Digital Learning Capability Centre (DLCC)

Campus Life

The university offers a range of campus life experiences, including:

• Student life
• Global experience and exchange
• Career development
• Student well-being
• Academic facilities
• Housing
• Sports and recreation centre
• F&B and services
• Library

About the University

The university has a strong focus on Design·AI, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. The university is led by a team of experienced leaders, including the President Emeritus and faculty members.