CSE1GDT Exam Revision

Paul Taylor 2009

The Exam – What to bring

• Programmable or non-programmable calculator

• Unmarked, non-electronic English dictionary• Ruler, compass, coloured pencils• Students permitted to bring a highlighter to

highlight exam paper during reading time. No writing is permitted during this time.

The Exam - Format

• 3 Hours• 70% of your mark• 180 marks = 100%• Section A = 30 marks Compulsory• Section B = 60 marks Compulsory• Section C = 60 marks (4x 15)• Section D = 60 marks (1x 30 2x 15)• You must complete 180 marks, max score is 180, so

if you have time do a couple extra!

Games

• What makes a good game designer?

• Is game design art?

• What is a genre?

• How do players interact with the game?

How do games work with players?

• Can you force a player to experience an emotion?

• How does immersion relate to enjoyment?

Storylines

• Do games need a story?

Interfaces

• What is an interface?

Gameplay

• Does a game need to avoid linearity?

• What are the two types of knowledge relevant to game players?

• What effects can frequent saving have on gameplay?

Puzzles vs Games

• What are the differences?• What is similar?

Skill and Difficulty

• Curves• Atomic skill = intrinsic skill (without time)• Three types of difficulty– Absolute– Relative– Perceived

Game Flow

• What is the flow?• What should it look like?• What are challenges,?• What are the three types?• How do challenges relate to game flow?

Challenge Hierarchies

• What is it?• It contains the three challenge levels!

Game Elements

• Four of the main game elements:– Mechanics– Story– Aesthetics– Technology

Riddles, Puzzles and Games

• What are the differences?

• Feedback• Strategies• Manipulation

Levels of Knowledge

• There are five levels of knowledge• Be able to describe each of them!• Remember the Venn diagram

Story and Gameplay

• How do stories integrate with games?

Creative Productivity

Remember:• Executivasaurus Marketensis• Executivasaurus Financialis• Executivasaurus Presidentens

Creating Games

• What would you do if you were given a really bad game idea and told to make it?

• How would you justify it to the people who run your games company?

Creative Thinking

• Is it essential to a game designer?• How can you get the most out of your

subconscious?

Being able to do this will help you in your exam too!

How did your assignment go?

• What did you achieve?• What failed? Why?• What are the Mechanics?• How did you balance the mechanics?• What made it fun?• How does it give feedback?• How could you change it to a different game?

Physical Input

• What are the latest input devices?

• What are some of the ways you COULD use them?

• Hint: Ignore ways that are ALREADY used.

Audiences

• Who are you building a game for?• Why do they want it?• How do you sell it?

The End

Barry is a Guinea Pig!!!