This module introduces you to the theory and practice of the design, development, and production of video games, including physical prototyping, digital prototyping, and the initial stages of the production pipeline. You will develop your study skills and wider independent research skills by investigating games, genres and technical methods. You�ll learn about the legal and technical framework for games, their regulatory bodies and associated organisations. Through lectures, seminars and workshops, you will develop a mixture of technical skills as well as a solid understanding of the theories and principles of design, to enable you to develop successful and compelling game-play experiences. You�ll be working in a creative environment, where specialists and peers will regularly view and review your work. The module is assessed by a written assignment and a practical assessment.

This module gives you the opportunity to acquire the key skills and underpinning knowledge to rig simple objects, bipeds and quadrupeds. You will develop your skills so that you can produce 3D computer animations using a mixture of theoretical techniques, evaluative techniques, and practical skills, using industry-standard software.? You�ll be introduced to a range of industry-standard tools and techniques for planning and developing animated 3D content for video games, utilising your own creativity and ingenuity throughout, to develop more responsive and?user friendly?3D animation for games. The module is assessed by two short portfolios, which will help you start building a professional portfolio throughout the programme.

This module will introduce you to industry-standard modelling software and 3D modelling techniques including texture mapping, scene lighting and material editing/setup. You will have opportunities to develop your creative approach by using reference images to create initial concept drawings which will then be developed into models. By the end of the module you will have a collection of in-game 3D models and textures that form a portfolio of work demonstrating a broad range of skills relevant to 3D modelling and texturing. The module is assessed by two short portfolios.

In this module you will be developing and producing a range of the functioning game mechanic prototypes that enable gamers� interaction and experience. You will use an industry standard game engine to explore and interact with the software, develop technical skills, and evolve your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking. Areas you�ll cover will include project management, documentation standards, version control, product testing, visual scripting, user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), material/shaders, game audio, map/level development and tools to improve game engine design and development. The module is assessed by two short portfolios.

In this module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles and practices that relate to user interface and experience. You will engage in relating factors which influence user interfaces, such as usability, accessibility and appropriateness. This will provide opportunities for you to experiment and reflect on the work you produce. You will identify and functionally re-create a user interface, from an existing video game product, experimenting with aspects of interaction and user feedback, and will have demonstrated your understanding of the theoretical principles. Areas of focus will include (but not be limited to): project management, documentation standards, version control, further visual scripting, user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) fundamentals and principles, user relations, and further exploration of game engine development.

You�ll develop your research abilities and investigative skills in the context of emergent technologies and industry trends. Exploring the production pipeline and processes, you will have an opportunity to explore various innovations in the sector. This reflects industry structure and expectations in both content and practical application. Following a period of broad experimentation � and negotiating with your team and your tutors - you will identify a specific technology for further research. You will select appropriate methodologies to investigate, and experiment with it, and draw conclusions based on your project findings. Your team will then create an innovative aspect of a game based on your research and experimentation. You will also enhance your prospects for employment through studying the legal and social contexts for your chosen emergent technology.

By the end of this module you will have further developed the skills introduced in module GA4003, including lighting and rendering methods.?There will be a clear focus on low to hi-poly asset modelling and texturing for game content. You will use these techniques to create sculpted organic components in the building of video game characters.This module will introduce you to industry standard modelling software and 3D modelling techniques including texture mapping, scene lighting and material editing/setup. You will have opportunities to develop your creative approach by using reference images to create initial concept drawings which will then be developed into models. By the end of the module you will have a collection of in-game 3D models and textures that form a portfolio of work demonstrating a broad range of skills relevant to 3D modelling and texturing.

In this module you will be developing complex scripting skills through practical exploration and apply attention to product detail through design and iteration. Using an industry standard game engine, you will have an opportunity to produce and develop your own designed video game experience, from initial concept to polished product; further develop your technical skills, and enhance your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, towards the whole production and implementation of video game content.You will be further exploring the production pipeline and production processes that are essential for developing a video game experience, and will have opportunities to further develop your understanding of game engine tools and features, initially introduced by module GA4004. Areas of focus will include (but not be limited to): project management, documentation standards, version control, product testing, further visual scripting, asset sourcing and implementation, rapid development and further exploration on tools to improve game engine design and development.

You will have opportunities to enhance your developing creative, technical and professional position in the market by identifying a suitable work placement that will facilitate reflections relating to employability skills.    You will take part in a placement of 20 hours and produce a Personal Development Plan (PDP). This will include communication, team work, organisation, independence, initiative, technical skills  and wider employability skills, based on feedback and personal reflections whilst on placement. To facilitate your placement experience, sessional content will prepare you for a career in the gaming sector with a clear focus on professional standards, including the Independent Games Developers Association (TIGA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and the Pan European Game Industry PEGI) and underpinning knowledge of fundamental aspects of independent work and employment such as an understanding of Gantt charts and budgeting. By the end of this module you will have acquired valuable professional skills and a comprehensive portfolio that can be used for progression into industry or further studies.   Although it is the responsibility of the student to identify and manage their work placement, your progress will be overseen by a tutor.

In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles and practices that relate to the creation and use of audio in games. You will engage in debates relating to factors which influence audio selection, enhancing your awareness of various tools and trends that help build and develop atmosphere, accentuation, dramatic effect and feedback. This will provide opportunities for you to experiment and reflect on the work you produce, actively learning through your experience and those of your peers. You will design the sound catalogue and audio interface for an existing video game or asset pack, experimenting with aspects of interaction and user feedback. By the end of the module you will have a series of practical experiments and will have demonstrated your understanding of the theoretical principles underpinning audio design.