Subject description SPD202

Level Design 1

2023 Fall

  • Subject code

    SPD202

  • Version

    1

  • English name

    Level Design 1

  • Subject points

    7.5

  • Study level

    First cycle degree

  • Semester

    3rd semester

  • Number of semesters

    1

  • Subject's supervisor

    Trygve Bjellvåg

  • Decision

    Translated version. The Norwegian version of this course description is approved by The Education Committee 23.02.2023 UU/ADM-case no. 21/23.

Introduction

This course will give the student practical experience in level design and development. The student will gain experience in creating a playable area as part of a practical solution, but also an introduction to the analysis of narrative, context, beats, pacing, flow, visual language, mood, light, sound and assets to make the area a reality. The student must demonstrate the production quality by creating supporting documentation such as playthrough/flythrough videos/screenshots/making of and documentation of the level itself and development.

The student will also explore published game titles and receive weekly challenges/case studies to find strengths and weaknesses in level design. After completing the project, the student creates a post-mortem of the design choices, and they will be able to take valuable lessons with them in future projects.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student ...

  • has an understanding of the function of level design in the development of a game
  • has an understanding of how to use an iterative cycle in the design process
  • can evaluate optimization and give examples of how and when to optimize a level

Skills

The student ...

  • can identify strengths and weaknesses in level design for an already existing game
  • can demonstrate "speed-mapping" for prototyping and iterating on a level
  • can construct a level from concept to finished level with high production quality

General competence

The student ...

  • can identify issues within an existing level design and provide constructive feedback
  • can document the design process for a level and thus effectively communicate with a team
  • knows the pros and cons of a variety of design and development tools on the market

Degree

Bachelor in Game Design

Learning activities

The course will be taught through lectures and exercises. Varied forms of assessment are used in the work, with an emphasis on portfolios/folder methods

Student work load

Participation in the class - 48 hours

Guidance - 2 hours

Self-study - 80 hours

Course work - 70 hours

Recommended use of time in total - 200 hours

Compulsory assignments

No compulsory activity in this course.

Examination

Exam: Individual portfolio assessment

Duration: Semester

Grading scale: The Norwegian grading system uses the graded scale pass or fail

Weighting: Passing of the overall assessment

Support materials: All support materials are allowed

Re-sit examination

Re-sit exam: revise and resubmit an improved version of the individual portfolio assessment