Program Overview

Introduction to GAME 201: Game Design I

GAME 201 is a course that introduces students to the fundamental requirements of game design. This course builds upon game mechanics and core loops, utilizing these concepts to create fully formed and engaging gaming experiences.

Course Details

• Course Code: GAME 201
• Course Name: Hoahoa ā-Kēmu I - Game Design I
• Duration: 17 weeks
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week
• Points: 15 points (one point is about 10 hours of work)

Course Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Develop and execute video game design concepts.
2. Use video game software development tools and technologies.
3. Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team within a professional setting.

How the Course is Taught

• Lectures, studios, and tutorials require in-person attendance.
• Lecture recordings will be made available for subsequent revision.
• There will be 2 x 2-hour studios with one hour of the first dedicated to a lecture and the remainder dedicated to studio time.

Assessment

• GDD + Pitch: Written document (600 words minimum) outlining an in-depth game concept and oral presentation (maximum 10 minutes) to pitch concept (expected workload: 20 hours). Mark: 20%
• Collaborative Game Design: Groups (up to 4) produce a playable final 2D game (software output) (expected workload: 50 hours). Mark: 40%
• Development Blog: Journal kept over the course of group development demonstrating design process and work contributions (2,000 words). Mark: 40%

Fees

• Domestic Students: NZ$1,083.45
• International Students: NZ$5,235.75

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: DSDN 102 or COMP 103 and 30 further points from the BDI, BAS, or BBSc schedules.
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: MDDN 221, MDDN 243

Taught By

• School of Design Innovation — Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

Key Dates

• Academic Year: The teaching period covered by trimesters 1, 2, and 3.
• Trimester: One of three teaching periods that make up the academic year—usually March to June, July to October, and November to February.
• CRN: A unique number given to a single version of a course.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• Start Date: 23 February 2026
• End Date: 21 June 2026
• Lecture Times: Tuesday 12.40pm, Friday 12.40pm
• Campus: Te Aro

What You'll Need to Get

• No specific texts or equipment are required for this course.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.