CSC404: Video Game Design
Course topics include: game history & genres, “ludology” (theory of fun, story creation, optimal
experience), character and level design, industry tools & processes, graphics & animation, modeling
techniques, collision detection, visual effects, scripting (passive & active), HCI & interface design,
verification & playtesting, business of gaming. Material & projects based on real-world processes.
Instructor Information
Name
Steve Engels
Office
BA4266
Phone
(416) 946-5454
Emma Westecott
Email
[email protected] (put “404” in subject)
[email protected]
Course Materials
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Web Page: http://www.cs.utoronto.ca/~csc404h
TA Contact: [email protected]
Text:
Rabin, Steve. Introduction to Game Development, 2nd ed. Charles River Media, 2009
Course Schedule
Jan 5
 Intro to Unity
Jan 10
Jan 12
Game Jam Assignment 1 – Jan 14
Jan 17
Jan 19
Game Jam Assignment 2 – Jan 21
Jan 24
Jan 25 & 26
Creative Brief – Jan 27
Jan 31
Feb 2
Feb 7
Feb 8 & 9
Feb 14
Feb 16
 Course Intro
 Game Mechanics
 Pitching Games
 Design Documents
 Topic TBA
 Project Management
 Ludology
 Character Design
 Pitch Presentations
 Level Design
 Design Presentations
Design Document – Feb 10
 UX Design
Reading Week
Feb 28
Mar 1 & 2
Playable Prototype – Mar 3
Mar 7
Mar 9
Ubisoft Playtest Session
Mar 14
Mar 16
Mar 21
Mar 22 & 23
Mar 28
Mar 30
 Prototype Demos
 Playtesting Primer
 Audio Engineering
 Topic TBA
 Level Up Overview
Apr 4
 Topic TBA
 Alpha Presentations
 Playtesting Session?
 Game AI
 Beta Presentations
Beta Release – Mar 24
 Monetization and Metrics
Level Up – April 5
Mark Breakdown
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Assignments – 10%
Course Project – 80%
Participation – 10%
Assignments
A1: Create a small, simple, complete game (beyond tutorial level)
A2: Complete game with more advanced gameplay. Demonstrate other features (e.g. splash screen,
HUD updates, multiple levels, character behaviours, etc.)
Project Milestones
Note: For each of the following, you are expected to critique other groups when you are not presenting.
Milestone #1: Game Pitch (10%)
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Present two game design ideas (one main, one backup) that target the theme and the audience.
Describe gameplay, secret ingredients, max and min completeness levels for final product.
Short presentations that demonstrate a thorough understanding of gameplay.
Submit: Creative brief document
Milestone #2: Design Specifications (10%)
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Present all pre-coding design details of the final game.
Include: mock-ups, storyboards, mood boards, sketches, data models, task breakdown, etc.
Presentations highlight game mechanics, concept art and technology proof-of-concept.
Submit: Design document
Milestone #3: Game Alpha (15%)
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In-class demo of prototype (minimum target from Milestone 1).
Describe goals of final sprints, and target for final product.
Milestone #4: Beta Release (15%)
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In-class demo of completed product, and playtesting results.
Outline challenges and features of final design, describe finishing touches.
Produce user manual, with illustrate descriptions of the story, gameplay and controls.
Submit: User manual, playtesting report
Milestone #5: Playtesting Demo & Final Items (30%)
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Testing & evaluation at Level Up Showcase event (http://www.levelupshowcase.com)
Final reflections on development process and final product.
Submit: Final game, video trailer, peer evaluation