Program Overview

Introduction to GAME 203

The GAME 203 course, also known as Game Prototyping – Design, utilizes game jams and hackathons as a learning environment. Students work with commercial developers to learn how to develop new and innovative game prototypes. Design students collaborate with students from the Graphics and Games major.

Course Details

• Dates: 23 Feb 2026 to 7 Feb 2027
• Starts: Trimester 1+2+3
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,083.45
  • International students: NZ$5,235.75
• Lecture Start Times: Monday, 3.40pm
• Campus: Te Aro
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 3.0 hours per week for 50 weeks
• Points: 15

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: DSDN 102 or COMP 103
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: CGRA 259 taken concurrently

Taught By

The School of Design Innovation — Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation teaches this course.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be announced once the course has begun.

About This Course

GAME 203 is an on-campus only course, not available for distance study. All class sessions are delivered in person at the Te Aro Campus. The course uses game jams and hackathons for students to learn how to develop new and innovative game prototypes, collaborating with students from the Graphics and Games major.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Use digital rapid prototyping tools to design, create, and test prototypes.
2. Work in groups with diverse skills to create innovative designs, manage task allocation, communicate ideas, integrate work, and coordinate the production of a software output.
3. Pitch ideas and present prototypes orally and with supporting material.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the design of a game prototype, the process of development, and reflect on the learning value.

How This Course Is Taught

• Lectures, studios, and tutorials require in-person attendance.
• Lecture recordings are made available for subsequent revision.
• The course includes 6 introductory lectures and tutorials, followed by 3 intensive studio sessions (Game Jams or Hackathons) run in conjunction with industry.
• Students participate in a minimum of one game jam per trimester unless another plan is proposed and approved by the course coordinator.

Assessment

• Game Prototype Development: 30% (21 hours outside of scheduled class time)
• Oral Presentation of Game Prototype: 10% (3 hours prep time outside of class)
• Game Jam Reports: 60% (3 reports, 1000-2000 words each, 8 hours per report = 24 hours total outside of scheduled class time)

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory requirements for this course.

Lecture Times and Rooms

Specific lecture times and rooms are scheduled throughout the trimesters.

What You'll Need to Get

No specific texts or equipment are required for this course.

Course Coordinator

Byron Mallett is the course coordinator for GAME 203.