2017-2018 Graduate Catalog

CS 583 Theory of Computer Gaming

Creating a video game is more than writing code to control events. This course examines the thinking behind computer game development. By looking at thoughtful writings and actual games we address topics like fun; conflict, catch-up strategy, gameplay, emotion, surprise, endogenous value, level design, feedback, surprise, problem statements, flow, rules and randomization. Throughout the course each student works to complete a game development document that leads to a game prototype. This prototype is utilized in player testing to see what happens when a game idea becomes reality to players.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

May be taken at same time as CS 571