Games Production

This module introduces you to audio and visual technologies and their use in the creation of assets for interactive games.

This module will introduce the use of 3D modeling and animation software to create industry-standard visual assets to the correct technical specifications for implementation within a games engine. These assets will typically be environments, environment assets, weapons, characters and/or vehicles.

Audio asset development will focus on a variety of audio production tools and techniques that will cover MIDI editing, music production and composition, Foley recording and performance, Foley sound design, voice acting, dialogue recording, editing and post-production.

There will be an emphasis on workflow studies based on the use of specialist software, which will encompass different 3D modelling, texturing and rendering techniques.

An understanding of the fundamentals of game mechanics is important in the creation of a games technology product. This module aims to provide you with the underpinning knowledge of games design and how technology decisions are influenced in relation to genre, target audience and gaming platform. You’ll be introduced to the processes involved in the initial creation of games concepts and development of interactive games through the study of Ludology and the use of gaming elements including rules and rewards. You’ll study the global and cultural development of games, the theory behind game mechanics and how that impacts on hardware and software.

This module also aims to develop your understanding of the cultural significance, historical context and the traditional narrative structure of interactive games. You’ll be given the opportunity to develop an original game design which you’ll manage from the development process through to final realisation of a technology product.

Understanding global markets and demographics is vital when developing games technology products, especially when identifying consumer trends and new market opportunities.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the specific global models and the impact of social and economic processes involved in the creation of interactive video games. You’ll investigate specific technology issues that contribute to the growth of the games industry, such as hardware and software developments, platform specific issues and economic and social trends.

You’ll study a variety of business and legal aspects of the contemporary games industry. New law protocols, such as, intellectual property, ownership, development and publishing cycles, alongside business planning will form the core of the module, with instruction and analysis of industry standards in studio organisation and management, building upon your understanding of independent and AAA games studios.

This module will further develop and consolidate your technical knowledge of audio/visual theory and practice that was initiated in the Asset Production for Games module. You’ll be expected to undertake efficient coordination of resources and effective deployment of technology in order to create refined end products intended for a prescribed professional purpose.

You’ll be introduced to advanced modelling and sculpting techniques and will be expected to use their initiative to effectively produce original 3D character models and environment models to an industry standard.

Audio assets will focus on producing character Foley, recording dialogue and developing soundtracks. Assets created will to be to the correct technical requirements for implementation within a game engine.

You’ll be expected to critically evaluate your work in professional terms, reflecting upon the theoretical knowledge and practical skills implemented in your portfolio piece.

This module focuses on the creation of industry-standard technical documentation as part of the games development pipeline. This module will enhance your understanding and consideration of player interaction and the use of games mechanics in the development and realisation of an interactive game.

You’ll be introduced to a range of techniques and processes involved in the development and realisation of computer games, including scripting techniques, level design concepts, user interface, scenario scripts, character realisation, narrative structure, cut scenes and use of dialogue/audio.

You’ll look at the technical requirements of managing a games production and the planning of project management documents to evidence such industry-standard practices as software specifications, asset list and milestones.

Following this, you’ll produce an industry-standard game design document for an original game concept. You’re required to show a clear progression within this technical documentation with consideration paid to emotional and psychological in-game triggers. The games design document will be used in the coordination of a games production and will feature in-depth guidelines for a development team in all parts of the production process.

During this module you’ll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy. This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

This module aims to develop and consolidate your knowledge of computer games engines focusing on scripted languages and specific level mechanics. Emphasis will be placed upon the understanding and implementation of custom scripting using industry-standard games engines to develop original gameplay segments alongside custom menus and UI design. You’ll explore the practicalities behind standard languages to create game sequences and set scenarios in place.

You’ll critically analyse and evaluate the use of scripted sequences throughout the progression of video game development to demonstrate proficiency with script principles and programming knowledge.

This module introduces you to advanced animation techniques specifically geared towards video games production. The techniques covered will allow students to develop physics based and keyframe animations in multiple contexts. In addition to this there will be emphasis placed upon the use of motion capture hardware and software in the games industry. The focus of study will be on learning and implementing asset and character animations into industry-standard game engines.

You’ll need to develop and refine skills in all areas of game animation, including researching current trends and techniques used in the industry, kinematics, animating from observation and imagination, pre-production and post-production techniques.

This emphasis on planning, developing and the integration of original animations for games, including character, vehicle and weapon animations will aid your understanding of the processes needed to produce industry ready cut scenes, cinematic, trailers and dynamic in-game assets and events.

Utilising a broad range of skills, from 2D drawings to advanced 3D software techniques you’ll have the opportunity to create visually striking original work, which highlights the power and complexity of contemporary games engines.

This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake sustained investigation into a specific area of creative technology that builds on your previous knowledge, experience and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5. This module will allow you to explore critically a specific issue or area of personal interest within your chosen field allowing you to explore individual lines of enquiry connected to your career goals. You’ll achieve this by undertaking a self-initiated practical research project supported by tutor supervision.

As part of this investigation you’ll also enhance your abilities to communicate your findings with an audience and consolidate your skills in project management and self directed work, both of which are vital for a career within the creative media industries.

The module serves to acquaint you with the key skills and practices required to undertake and complete independent project research and to create practical creative media technology products as a response.