You can still enrol for classes starting in November
This subject is accepting enrolments until 28 Nov
Game Design Introduction
UndergraduateCUR-DIG102024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Take the first step from gamer to game designer. Evaluate the look and structure of games, and develop your own concepts. Study limitations of tech through time, and make connections between games of today, and non-digitised games of yesteryear.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $1,118
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Game Design Introduction
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- communicate game design concepts and ideas both orally and visually
- evaluate and aesthetic and structural aspects of games to develop new game concepts
- examine the limitations imposed on games by their techno-historical context
- analyse how digitally mediated games are connected to play, sport, toys, and non-computer, video games as a cultural phenomenon
- Games, Players and Game Designers
- Game Design Frameworks
- Game Design Elements: Mechanics and Aesthetics
- Game Design Elements: Game Technology
- Game Design Elements: Game Story
- Game Design Idea Generation and Constraints
- Why We Play Games: Fun and Engagement
- Game Design Documentation: Overview, Mechanics and Engagement
- Game Development Pipeline
- Game Design Documentation: Story and Narrative
- Game Design Documentation: Aesthetics, Technology and Accessibility
- Game Design Prototype Development
- Game Design Evaluation and Testing
This subject invites students to consider the design, structure, functionality and application of games and gaming. The subject presents various ways to consider game elements including as virtual environments, toys, narrative engines, sets of algorithmic rules, simulations. There is a primary focus on digitally mediated games, especially those that leverage three dimensional modelling and rendering. Students will undertake critical analysis of existing games, as well as explore the potential for game creation through the design and conceptualisation of their own games.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Case Study (30%)
- Project Proposal (30%)
- Project Report (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Computer capable of running project-relevant animation software
- Software requirements - Relevant Animation Software (eg. Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya, zBrush etc)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
UndergraduateCUR-AGD-DEG
Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
UndergraduateCUR-BAS-DEG
Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)
UndergraduateCUR-CME-DEG
Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
UndergraduateCUR-IAH-DEG
UndergraduateCUR-IND-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.