Every game endeavours to take you on a journey, whether you are acting out warring kingdoms in chess or searching the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Fallout. These stories are told using many methods, from emotional, visual, tactile, and interactive elements. Within this module, you will uncover the game developer’s narrative toolkit and start understanding the importance of narrative in gameplay and how to craft your own stories to entice and grip your players. You will start with studying the fundamental principles of gameplay, how a player progresses through a level and their numerous motivations. We will discuss and investigate how control designs allow the player to make the most of the world you have created and how these differ depending on the platform your game is published on, like a home console or Virtual reality headset. We will also look at how a camera can help develop and portray the narrative you have so carefully crafted. We will also discuss which should be made most important, narrative game mechanics and how they can be used to design a game that captures the players' emotions and drives their motivation promoting player engagement. You will study story structure including branching narrative and player agency and apply it to a game as each level unfolds. It will also be essential to develop a strong understanding of how to be critical of games so that you can use those tools to reflect on your work and create the best experience you can through quality assessment and testing. You will learn how to create and manage industry standard documentation required to track your stories and manage the application and development of game mechanics based on that narrative. You will also be guided through the process of building the visual narrative for your ideas and how to develop and communicate those ideas to other; This process will prepare you to effectively convey your narrative game designs when working in the industry.
This module comprehensively explores the sophisticated blend of art and science involved in creating compelling game mechanics. You will delve into the essential components that form the foundation of the core gameplay experience across various genres, providing you with an in-depth understanding of the key elements that drive player engagement and satisfaction. This understanding is crucial for the development of innovative and engaging gaming experiences. The module covers a broad spectrum of topics within game mechanics, starting with the design and functionality of characters and game actors. You will examine the methodologies and underlying principles of character actions and movements and analyse the dynamics of movement mechanics within both open-world and linear game environments. You will investigate combat systems, encompassing melee, ranged, and magical combat, and delve into the complexities of balancing these systems to enhance the player experience. An integral part of the module is the integration of puzzles into the game narrative and progression, alongside effective strategies for managing in-game resources such as currency, items, and energy. You will explore the delicate balance between resource scarcity and abundance to optimise the gaming experience. Additionally, You will investigate player character development and progression systems, examining their influence on level design and player advancement. The module also addresses the design of cooperative and competitive gameplay dynamics, highlighting the importance of social mechanics, multiplayer interactions, and community-building features. You will discuss the integration of in-game economies and virtual currencies and how the application of general economic principles can broaden the player experience. You will learn to craft game mechanics that support player choices tailored to the genre and overarching narrative. You will also explore how physics-based solutions can enhance these mechanics, enriching the player's interaction with the game world. You will analyse the use of artificial intelligence in games, focusing on enemy behaviour, NPC interactions, and how adaptive AI can create dynamic and challenging gameplay environments. Students will uncover strategies for capturing and maintaining player interest, including using engagement metrics and feedback loops, and learn how to design game mechanics that align with player motivations and goals to foster creativity and innovation. Finally, you will explore the role of reward systems in motivating player behaviour and the techniques for balancing game mechanics to ensure fairness and enjoyment, including adjusting difficulty levels and pacing, designing mechanics that facilitate player learning and skill mastery, and analysing how skill progression impacts player satisfaction.
This module introduces you to level design fundamentals and rapid game prototyping, leveraging the capabilities of a modern game engine such as Unreal Engine. You will analyse levels from existing games, study theories of level structure and flow and then design and build levels following principles learnt. The principles of level design, including the analysis of metrics, flow, critical paths, and play styles, will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of how to craft engaging and interactive gameplay experiences. This knowledge will be invaluable as you apply independent game development skills to bring your unique visions to life. Emphasis is placed on practical techniques, such as Grey Boxing for initial level layout and playtesting for various play styles. Appropriate assets from asset stores will be selected, including graphical and mechanical assets, and then utilised in-engine to create proof-of-concept gameplay. The module will encourage creativity in applying individual specialist skills to enhance the prototypes developed, with artists improving the visual aspects of the prototype and developers enhancing the functionality. The module prepares you for future study, developing experience with working in a game engine, and will prepare you to effectively collaborate in the future by integrating visual and functional components developed by others.
The study of monetisation, analytics, and engagement is crucial for modern game designers in determining the economic viability of games, enabling data-driven decision-making, and helping to improve player engagement and retention. This module will provide you with an in-depth exploration of game monetisation, including various models and strategies, and the use of analytics to drive engagement and revenue. The psychological underpinnings of player engagement and purchasing behaviour will be explored, offering insights into how game design decisions can influence monetisation outcomes. The module will also address the operational aspects of in-game transaction management, ensuring compliance with legal standards and fostering ethical monetisation practices. Ethical dilemmas, such as the potential for exploiting player psychology and the responsibility of developers in fostering a fair and transparent gaming environment, will be critically examined. You will investigate practical aspects of monetisation, including case studies and hands-on workshops and the development of monetisation strategies for specific scenarios. You will look ahead to emerging trends in-game monetisation and analytics, preparing you to navigate the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to engage with specialist practice in either game art or game programming. Throughout this module, you will undertake a short course in your chosen specialist practice, which is accessed via Canvas, our online learning platform. Courses available will develop your skills in either 2D Game Art (such as creating vector art and bitmap sprite sheets) or fundamental Game Programming (such as developing an interactive text adventure game in a high-level language such as C# or Python). You will undertake most of this study independently, though there will also be a number of break-out sessions and seminars available during the trimester with a focus on either art or programming. Most lessons will focus on professional skill development, such as study skills, time management, continued professional development, and organisational skills in managing your specialised practice and reflecting effectively, following suggested frameworks. These skills will not only enhance your ability to study your specialist practice but will help you develop essential skills that will enhance your employability as an industry practitioner. Upon the completion of artwork or code, you will produce a self-reflection on the work you have produced compared to a professional exemplar, identifying successes and areas for further development. You will need to complete weekly tasks and keep track of your progress as evidence of your academic engagement and time management. By the end of the module, you will have produced a portfolio of material that demonstrates your engagement in specialist game production practices.
Entering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionThis module offers an extensive exploration of 3D modelling and animation, providing you with an in-depth understanding of the techniques and principles behind creating compelling digital content. The course is structured to cover both the foundational and advanced aspects of 3D design, preparing you for sophisticated applications in various industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and Real-time 3D. You will continue to develop skills in polygonal modelling, enabling the creation of intricate 3D models with a focus on precision and detail. You will master the art of blocking out as a conceptualisation technique, allowing for rapid prototyping and iterative design processes, then explore advanced sculpting tools and techniques to add intricate details and organic forms to 3D models, enhancing realism and artistic expression. Once your meshes are complete, you will gain expertise in advanced texturing methods, including procedural texturing, UV mapping optimisation, and the application of high-fidelity textures. Building understanding of the complexities of material creation and application, simulating diverse surfaces and properties to achieve photorealistic results. You will learn the different uses of light, from both a scenery perspective to Actor integration with advanced lighting principles and techniques to create realistic and visually stunning 3D scenes, exploring global illumination and advanced lighting setups. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of animation principles, refining keyframe animation, easing and interpolation techniques and how to apply the Disney 12 rules. You will master the use of cameras and timelines for precise control over viewpoint and animation timing, emphasising cinematic storytelling techniques utilising scene and level management tools. You will explore advanced techniques in armature design for character animation, including implementing sophisticated control rigs. You will also investigate how to use baked animations for efficient rendering and export, ensuring optimised performance in resource-intensive applications. In addition, you will investigate the possible uses of cutting-edge real-time animation, applying skills to create interactive and dynamic content for emerging platforms and technologies which will serve as a foundation for further study at level 6 in Real-Time 3D and the Art of Immersive Experiences, and put your knowledge at the forefront of the game art industry.
This module comprehensively explores game interface design's intricate and multifaceted aspects, encompassing various elements crucial for creating immersive and user-friendly gaming experiences. You will explore the intricacies of identifying requirements, designing cues, and making critical decisions between diegetic and non-diegetic elements. The course will cover spatial considerations, collaboration dynamics, and choosing the right software for effective implementation. You will develop an understanding of user needs and translate those needs into functional design elements, then explore techniques to guide player actions and reactions through visual and auditory cues. You will analyse the impact of in-game elements within the game world (diegetic) versus those overlaid on top of it (non-diegetic) and how these elements can be used throughout the design of multiple game styles and genres. These genres will be used to help examine the spatial aspects of interface design, including screen real estate, 3D considerations, and the impact on user engagement, then developed into understanding how multiplayer and collaborative gaming experiences influence interface design. You will evaluate and select appropriate software tools for designing and implementing game interfaces. Exploring breaking the fourth wall and incorporating theatrical elements for a more immersive gaming experience, establishing clear visual hierarchies to prioritise and convey information effectively. You will design intuitive and effective menu systems for seamless navigation within the game and adapting interface design to suit different gaming platforms, addressing unique challenges and opportunities presented by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) interfaces which may require students to explore interface design strategies for dark or low-light gaming environments. This will be enhanced by analysing existing design languages and tropes associated with gaming genres to create cohesive and immersive interfaces, along with semiotics and the design of symbols and icons that convey meaning within the context of your game world.
Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
This module comprehensively explores the intricacies of 3D environment design, covering various critical topics for creating immersive digital landscapes. You will delve into multiple design, implementation, and optimisation aspects to develop the skills to craft visually stunning and functionally sound virtual environments. Through theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, this module equips you with the expertise to conceptualise, design, and implement captivating 2D and 3D environment elements across various digital platforms. In this module, you will learn to Identify and analyse different types of environment creation, exploring their unique characteristics and design considerations. You will develop your understanding of the principles of practical camera work to best implement both 2D and 3D environments, including framing, composition, and dynamic camera movements. You will learn to efficiently gather audiovisual references and to organise and integrate these resources into the design process. Exploring the use of asset packs for kit-bashing and blocking-out techniques to streamline the initial stages of environment design and enhance workflow efficiency. You will also be able to develop a sound stage to immerse the learners fully. You will learn techniques for conveying narratives through the environment, using visual elements to tell a story and engage the audience by exploring the symbiotic relationship between architectural elements and level design, considering both functional and aesthetic aspects and how they can tie into narratives. Then, learn to guide player experiences by implementing effective object collision and constraints to ensure a realistic and interactive user experience within the game environment. You will master the art of lighting and shading to evoke mood, atmosphere, and realism within a game environment to increase the impact and effectiveness of these creative techniques including weather, fog, and ambient atmosphere effects. You will understand the importance of optimisation for performance, implementing strategies to ensure efficient rendering and smooth user interaction, enforcing rigorous testing processes and, embracing iterative design, refining the 2D & 3D environmental elements based on feedback and usability testing.
This module is designed to simulate a professional game development environment where students from diverse specialisations collaborate to develop a game based on a live brief. This module offers an immersive experience that introduces collaborative development, bringing together small groups of students with varied expertise to create a game demo for a live brief. The core objective is to foster essential team-based skills and provide a practical understanding of collaborative game development processes, and it will help you develop skills foundational to the level 6 Game Studio Design and Development module. You will be introduced to Agile methodologies, a cornerstone of modern software development, including game creation. This segment will delve into the principles and practices of Agile, highlighting its significance in managing complex game development projects efficiently. Students will learn to navigate the intricacies of sprints, which are short, focused periods of work aimed at achieving specific project milestones. The module strongly emphasises the use of scrum and kanban boards, powerful tools for visualising work progress and managing tasks within a team. These tools are instrumental in fostering a transparent and organised workflow, enabling teams to track their progress effectively and adjust as needed. Daily stand-up meetings, a staple of Agile methodologies, will be explored for their role in maintaining team cohesion and ensuring project alignment. You will learn practical skills in version control and the use of shared repositories, which are essential practices for collaborative game development. You will gain hands-on experience in managing either code or art assets collaboratively, learning how to navigate potential conflicts and maintain a cohesive codebase. Communication and collaboration are highlighted as pivotal elements of successful game development. The module will introduce you to techniques and strategies for effective interaction within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that all members can contribute their specialist skills productively. Project management skills are also a critical focus, enabling you to allocate time and resources critically to meet project deadlines and objectives. This includes understanding the balance between scope, time, and quality, and how to adapt to changing project needs and challenges. To provide real-world context and inspiration, the module will feature case studies of successful team-based game development projects. These examples will illustrate best practices, common challenges, and innovative solutions in collaborative game creation, offering you valuable insights and lessons. By the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative game development process, equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to team-based projects in the game design and development industry and navigate the complexities of professional game development environments while contributing your specialist skills to the development of a small, cohesive game project.
This module addresses the growing trend in the entertainment industry of using game engines to create content for broadcast, serious games for training and entertainment media; from Hollywood to YouTube, real-time 3D assets have been used for projects of any budget. In this module, you will delve into the exciting intersection of game engines and content creation that's revolutionising the entertainment industry. From blockbuster Hollywood films to engaging YouTube content, real-time 3D assets are making their mark across all budget levels. By studying thus module, you will be developing skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the modern entertainment industry. You will be equipped with cutting-edge techniques, such as those used in the Volume at XRP, to master the creation of real-time 3D content using industry-standard engines like Unreal Engine. This journey builds upon your foundational game design knowledge and steers it towards the realm of virtual production. You will tackle everything from project planning and virtual asset development to performance capture and the nuanced art of virtual cinematography. You will immerse yourself in practical projects, navigating through the complexities of planning, developing, and executing virtual productions. Whether it's crafting video game cutscenes or creating content fit for the big screen, you will learn to bring your visions to life. Game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity aren't just for developing gameplay anymore; they're pivotal in simulations and entertainment, offering photorealistic renders that breathe life into architectural visualisations and beyond. You will witness firsthand how game assets are now leveraged in real-time rendering for live 'in-engine' presentations, transforming traditional animation workflows. Your hands-on journey will guide you through the design, development, and optimisation of interactive 3D environments and applications. Emphasising real-time rendering and interactivity, you will unlock the full potential of Unreal Engine to craft immersive digital experiences. From drafting comprehensive project plans to understanding the nuances of virtual asset creation, you will refine your skills in 3D modelling, texturing, rigging, and animation, ensuring everything is optimised for real-time rendering. Collaboration and effective communication are key; you will learn to collaborate with others to set up projects, and master performance capture for both game and film characters, integrating facial and body motions seamlessly into your virtual creations. You will explore the stages of visualisation in virtual production. From pitching ideas with compelling visuals to pre-visualising shots and sequences, and from scouting virtual locations to troubleshooting with technical visualisation. Post-visualisation will allow you to review and refine your projects, ensuring a polished final product. Lastly, you will venture into advanced virtual cinematography, learning about camera movements, framing, and composition in virtual spaces. By applying traditional cinematography principles to virtual production, you will enhance your narrative storytelling skills, bringing your digital stories to life in a whole new way.
This module is intended to foster your independent study with the guidance of a supervisor. In this module, you will devise your own project which will enhance your own studio work and interests, while exploring experimental approaches to a specific area of game design, art, or development. Experimental practice may include a variety of relevant topics as indicated below, and the topic will be negotiated with your supervisor. It should be illustrated with game-related artefacts and evidence of experimental approaches. The approach is to be discussed with your supervisor, and you will produce and agree upon a learning agreement at the start of the module. You will need to manage time efficiently, producing and following a plan of action to ensure that required work is achievable within the timeframe. Standard game development software will be provided, but the use of any emerging technologies not already approved for use on campus lab machines will need to be carried out on personal devices instead or arranged with IT support before commencement of the module. The classes provide a forum for students to learn from each other's research and practice. There will be opportunities for individual tutorials with the module tutor, your project supervisor, and professional skills tutors. Examples of topics that might be considered include: • Procedural Content Generation • Generative Artificial Intelligence in Games Development • Experimental Animation Techniques • Environmental Storytelling • Algorithmic Experimentation • Utilisation of Emerging Technologies in Game Design, Programming or Art Production At the end of the project, you will present a poster to an invited audience, showcasing the results of your experimental practice, and reflect on the process in a final report, in which self-reflexivity and a critical distance will be encouraged.
This capstone module synthesises the skills and knowledge acquired through previous coursework into a comprehensive, studio-based game production experience that emphasises the transition from academic learning to professional practice. Here, you will culminate your skills and knowledge in a game studio experience, reflecting a professional game developer's environment. You will engage in a real-world simulation of a game development studio, applying advanced principles of project management, game localisation, legal frameworks, and QA testing. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and executing diverse roles within large-scale projects, promoting job roles, preparing CVs, and conducting interviews for these roles as part of early course activities. In this module, you will apply for and take on a role emulating an industry position, by engaging in a recruitment simulation activity, where you will craft a CV, cover letter and participate in interviews, securing a role that aligns with your skills and interests. This practical approach ensures that you are well-prepared for the competitive job market you're about to enter. During the project, you will not only learn about the intricacies of project management, legal considerations, and the nuances of game localisation but also apply these principles firsthand in a controlled, studio-like setting. As part of an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to a shared vision, strategising organisational frameworks and navigating the journey from concept to market. Your contribution will be pivotal in managing stakeholder expectations and mastering the publishing landscape. At the end of the module, you will take part in a conference-style presentation, working with a team of peers to present your specialist contributions and project successes.