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Introduction
V
ideo Game Design Foundations provides students with a complete understanding
of the technological and creative aspects of video game design in an easy-to-follow
format. This “turnkey” curriculum is the complete guide to immersion in the field, from
beginning each game build project through completion, integration, and marketing.
Simulated design teams will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of team building,
including the creative, business, and technological components required to launch a
new video game system.
Students will participate in a simulation of a real video game design team, seeing
each project from origination to fruition. This provides a valuable lesson in team
building that can be applied to any other aspect of the technology and engineering
industries in real-life future careers.
Pivotal to the success of any employee is the application of soft skills and the
ability to work on teams. Creative lessons take the students through a series of self-
improvement lessons relevant to the workforce of today. Through self-assessment and
critical analysis, students will be better able to evaluate themselves and others.
In addition to training in soft skill, students will develop mastery in the hard skills
of art, science, and technology needed to design video games. In the end, students
will be technically proficient and will demonstrate learning by constructing an original
game build.
Video Game Design Foundations presents content in ten chapters, with each
chapter acting as a building block that supports the next skill learned. This allows
students to learn the objective of each lesson, practice the corresponding skill, and lay
the foundation on which to acquire the next skill set.
You are encouraged to study Video Game Design Foundations to expand your
understanding of the role technology plays in modern society and the future of
high-quality jobs. Applying the key lessons, skills, and content of this curriculum
will provide great insight into a growing technological society and provide a solid
foundation demanded for success in the future world of technology.
The textbook provides the theory of video game design. It aligns with the
International Game Developers Association (IGDA) recommended educational
framework. Beginning with discussions on teamwork, the student learns about gaming,
computerized gaming, and the evolution of gaming. Students then learn about artistic
aspects of perspective, design, and animation. The technical aspects of collision theory
and programming logic are discussed, followed by explanations of the hardware of video
games. The text concludes with explanations of the global economy and supply chains.