Students completing this class will be familiar with the most important terminology in video game criticism, and will be able to apply this knowledge to in-depth analyses of the medium.This class is linked to the AAU Game Jam and participation will be mandatory. The Winter Game Jam will take place on campus (Dec. 15-17, 2023). This information is subject to change. Please check course description regularly for updates. 

Short lecture inputs; hands-on analyses of selected games; participation in a Game Jam; discussions

Videogames and other digital experiences have become the leading medium in western, post-/late modern societies, overcoming stereotypical expectations as to the gender and age of players. In order to be able to appreciate games and their socio-cultural potential accordingly, it is necessary to use an appropriate terminology and accurate critical methods - we must learn to 'read' games. This course introduces students to the craft of designing  videogames, including a detailed analysis of the key game design elements, such as examining game concepts and worlds, storytelling, character and user interface design, core mechanics and balance. 

no prior knowledge necessaryLink auf weitere Informationenhttps://www.itec.aau.at/gamejam/

Active participation in an AAU Game Jam (date tba)Active participation in class and at homeWritten assignments (game review) The use of AI support or AI-generated text is prohibited in all of my courses!In order to check whether this ban is respected, there is the possibility of a compulsory, individual, and oral follow-up defence of submitted or presented work. Should the use of AI be detected in any assignment, or a follow-up defence not be sufficient, the task concerned will automatically receive a fail-grade and your violation will be reported to university leadership, just as is the case with any other form of academic dishonesty or cheating.

Active participation and written assignments: Documentation, analysis and critical reflection.

The game review complies with criteria explained in class. 30% active participation (assignments, discussions, etc.)70% game review