Information Package / Course Catalogue
Game Design Fundamentals
Course Code: BDT162
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 1
Prt.: 1
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

The main objective of the course is to introduce video games by focusing on their current status in the new media and entertainment market; to examine from a sociocultural and multidisciplinary perspective; education, advertising, social media, etc. It is aimed to experience the design process for various purposes such as Discussion topics; It starts with the cultural and economic effects of games on society and includes gamification, machinima, games of change, etc. follows new trends such as Students suggest research topics related to non-game topics and environments. Working on the game design process through the adventure genre is another focus of the course.

Course Content

729 / 5.000 Çeviri sonuçları Fundamentals of Game Design I is a one-semester course that explores the fundamentals of game design. The focus of the class is the creation of several non-digital (non-computer) games. Just as art students can take “basic design” classes in drawing or color theory classes to get involved in the art of painting, this class offers fundamental game design training at its core. It focuses on elements common to all games that are fundamental to a game designer working in any format, from sports to board games to computer and video games. Although the focus of the course is on the creation of non-digital games, digital games will also be discussed and one of the assignments is the creation of the digital game concept.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.To understand the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication and to gain the ability to make design-oriented applications that center the player.
2.To be able to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
3.Understanding and using game design theories and methodologies in game development; to make entertaining, attractive, inclusive and instructive games according to the target audience.
4.To understand the technologies and informatics fundamentals used in game development; Mastering the use of game engines.
5.Being able to manage the game design and development process by making the necessary documentation; To be able to follow the game production line with this documentation.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Game Design Workshop by Tracey Fullerton
2.Rules of Play Rules of Play
3.Various articles ve Visual materials
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
General introduction of the lecture
Week 2 - Theoretical
Introduction: Game Design, Game Designer, Game Development Process
Week 3 - Theoretical
Basic Building Blocks of Games
Week 4 - Theoretical
Games as a System
Week 5 - Theoretical
Games as Dramatic Structures
Week 6 - Theoretical
Controlling Game Dynamics: Dominant Strategy, Game Balance and Reward/Punishment Systems
Week 7 - Theoretical
Prototyping and Game Testing
Week 8 - Theoretical
Prototyping and Game Testing
Week 9 - Theoretical
Game Jam.Game Jam Guide: How to Prepare for an Intensive Game Development Process
Week 10 - Theoretical
Term Project Study - Fun and Functionality Test
Week 11 - Theoretical
Term Project Study - Functionality and Game Balance Test + Game Box Design
Week 12 - Theoretical
Term Project Study - Functionality and Game Balance Test + Game Box Design
Week 13 - Theoretical
Term Project Study - Game Balance and Accessibility Test + Game Box Design
Week 14 - Theoretical
Term Project Submission and Presentations
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Assignment2%10
Midterm Examination1%25
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment53120
Term Project1145
Midterm Examination110111
Final Examination110111
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)75
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
OÇ-1
3
OÇ-2
5
OÇ-3
OÇ-4
OÇ-5
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026