Digital Game Design

The rapidly growing global digital game industry, which seems to be focused on software development, can actually be designed as holistically through the discipline of communication, as it is essentially an entertainment media / medium and requires the production of audio-visual content.

About

The digital game industry today is one of the main trends of the communication industry, which can be described as digital nativism and puts the generation born into digital technology into focus.

With this programme, ARUCAD focuses on this field of education that meets the future by foreseeing the future social position of the generation known as digital nativist. The Digital Game Design programme is also supported by the university profile and mission of ARUCAD in terms of being an educational field based on communication science and enriched by the design and art fields. The students of the department will graduate with an intense practical education where they can learn the fastest growing digital game design with all its components within the scope of creative industries which are considered an important production and consumption ecosystem in the digital society.

Programme Type

Bachelor Degree

Duration

4 Years

Head of Department

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yunus Luckinger

Digital Game Design

Quick Links

Academic Staff

*FALL*
Course No	Semester	Course Code	Course Name	Course Category	Credit					Pre-requisite
Course No	Semester	Course Code	Course Name	Course Category	T	P	L	C	ECTS	Pre-requisite
1	1	COMM101	Fundamentals of Communication	FC	3	0	0	3	5
2	1	COMM107	Drawing I	FC	2	2	0	3	5
3	1	GAME103	Discrete Mathematics	AC	3	0	0	3	5
4	1	GAME105	Game History & Analysis	AC	3	0	0	3	5
5	1	GAME107	Game Design & Design Principles	AC	2	2	0	3	6
6	1	SOFL101	Academic English I	UC	3	0	0	3	4
Total Credits					16	4	0	18	30
*SPRING*
7	2	COMM106	Sociology of Communication	FC	3	0	0	3	5
8	2	COMM122	Digital Storytelling	FC	2	2	0	3	6
9	2	GAME104	2D Character Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
10	2	GAME106	World Building & History of Civilizations	AC	3	0	0	3	5
11	2	VCDE132	Computer Graphics and Image	FC	2	2	0	3	5
12	2	SOFL102	Academic English II	UC	3	0	0	3	4
Total Credits					15	6	0	18	30

*FALL*
13	3	COMM201	Theories of Communication	FC	3	0	0	3	5
14	3	GAME217	2D Game Animation	AC	2	2	0	3	6
15	3	VCDE201	Sight, Sound & Motion	FC	2	2	0	3	5
16	3	VCDE211	Vectorial Drawing	FC	2	2	0	3	5
17	3	TUDI/TURK201	Turkish Language I	UC	2	0	0	2	2
18	3	AIIT/ HIST201	Atatürk Principles and History of Revolutions I	UC	2	0	0	2	2
19	3		Area Elective I	AE	3	0	0	3	5
Total Credits					16	6	0	19	30
*SPRING*
20	4	COMM206	Communication Law and Ethics	FC	3	0	0	3	5
21	4	GAME202	Concept Art for Digital Games	AC	2	2	0	3	5
22	4	GAME218	Fundamentals of Game Programing	AC	2	2	0	3	6
23	4	GAME222	Interface Design for Games	AC	2	2	0	3	5
24	4	TUDI/TURK202	Turkish Language II	UC	2	0	0	2	2
25	4	AIIT/ HIST202	Atatürk Principles and History of Revolutions II	UC	2	0	0	2	2
26	4		Area Elective II	AE	3	0	0	3	5
Total Credits					16	6	0	19	30

*FALL*
27	5	GAME301	3D Modeling, Texturing & Lighting I	AC	2	2	0	3	5
28	5	GAME303	Game Coding I	AC	2	2	0	3	5	GAME218
29	5	GAME305	Project and Portfolio I: Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
30	5	GAME321	3D Character Modeling & Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
31	5		Area Elective III	AE	3	0	0	3	5
32	5		Faculty Elective I	FE	3	0	0	3	5
Total Credits					14	8	0	18	30
*SPRING*
36	6	COMM302	Creative and Critical Thinking	FC	3	0	0	3	5
33	6	GAME302	3D Modeling, Texturing & Lighting –II	AC	2	2	0	3	5	GAME301
34	6	GAME304	Game Coding II	AC	2	2	0	3	5	GAME303
35	6	GAME306	Project and Portfolio II: Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
37	6		Area Elective IV	AE	2	2	0	3	5
38	6		Faculty Elective II	FE	2	2	0	3	5
Total Credits					13	10	0	18	30

*FALL*
39	7	GAME402	Psychology for Game Design	AC	3	0	0	3	5
40	7	GAME403	Preliminary Senior Project	AC	2	2	0	3	5
41	7	GAME411	Internship	AC	3	0	0	0	5
42	7		Area Elective V	AE	2	2	0	3	5
43	7		Faculty Elective III	FE	2	2	0	3	5
44	7		University Elective I	UE	2	2	0	3	5
Total Credits					14	8	0	15	30
*SPRING*
45	8	GAME404	Senior Project	AC	0	4	0	2	10	GAME403
46	8	GAME414	Environment & Level Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5	GAME301
47	8		Area Elective VI	AE	2	2	0	3	5
48	8		Faculty Elective IV	FE	2	2	0	3	5
49	8		University Elective II	UE	2	2	0	3	5
Total Credits					8	12	0	14	30

AREA ELECTIVES
Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T	P	L	C	ECTS
GAME207	Traditional Board Game Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME208	Sound Production for Games	2	2	0	3	5
GAME211	Data Structures and Algorithms	3	0	0	3	5
GAME213	AI in Gaming Industry	3	0	0	3	5
GAME214	Creative Advertising Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME215	Toy Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME216	Database Systems	2	2	0	3	5
GAME219	Speculative Design and Art	2	2	0	3	5
GAME309	Game Optimization Techniques	2	2	0	3	5
GAME313	Mobile Application Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME315	Assistive Technologies	3	0	0	3	5
GAME316	Computer Networks	2	2	0	3	5
GAME318	Technology Ethics	3	0	0	3	5
GAME317	Digital Interactive Storytelling	2	2	0	3	5
GAME319	Game and Web Technologies	2	2	0	3	5
GAME320	Introduction to Python Coding	2	2	0	3	5
GAME409	Architectural Features and Level Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME410	Visual Effects in Game Engine	2	2	0	3	5
GAME412	Data Driven Design in Game	2	2	0	3	5

FACULTY ELECTIVES
Course Code	Course Name	T	P	L	C	ECTS
VCDE206	Transmedia Storytelling	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE218	Data Mining	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE219	Introduction to Arduino and Mechatronics	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE224	Future and Emerging Technology	3	0	0	3	5
VCDE301	Illustration	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE305	Conventional Printmaking Techniques I	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE312	Web Design	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE315	Introduction to Stop Motion	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE405	Mobile Application Design	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE411	Assistive Technologies	3	0	0	3	5
DIME301	Writing Skills	3	0	0	3	5
DIME402	New Generation Media	3	0	0	3	5

UNIVERSITY ELECTIVES COURSES
Course Code	Course Name	T	P	L	C	ECTS
ARCH320	Designing with Light and Shadow	2	2	0	3	5
ARHA409	Architecture, Art, Urban Space and Technology in Science Fiction Film	2	2	0	3	5
ARHA101	History of Art: An Introduction	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA107	The Ancient Middle East	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA109	Ancient Egypt	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA110	Ancient Greece	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA401	Theory and History of Art History	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA406	Contemporary Architecture and Art	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS202	Art Concepts	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS205	Mythology	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS303	Contemporary Art	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS360	Art and Space	3	0	0	3	5
CDNC220	Body Conditioning I	2	2	0	3	5
FIDE201	Film Genres	3	0	0	3	5
FIDE215	Post Production Studio	2	2	0	3	5
FMPA221	Icons and Styles of 20th Century	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA222	Culture of Performance Art	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA324	Music in The Electronic Age	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA325	World Music and Cultures	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA326	Musical Cinema	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA423	Creative Practice and Dance	2	2	0	3	5
INAD310	Contemporary Design Approaches	3	0	0	3	5
INDD310	Design History	3	0	0	3	5
INDD317	Furniture and Design	2	2	0	3	5
INDD430	Iconic Design Objects of 20th Century	3	0	0	3	5
PHVD102	Contemporary Issues in Photography	3	0	0	3	5
PHVD216	Experimental Photography	1	4	0	3	5
UNIV401	Sustainability	3	0	0	3	5

No	PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
1	Knows the historical development of the field of communication, basic concepts, theories.
2	Knows the basic concepts and terminology related to the field of game design.
3	Has knowledge about the history of computer and video games and developments in this field.
4	Knows game design processes and related applications.
5	Has the ability to utilize various disciplines such as communication, art, music, psychology, mythology, cinema, etc. in the game design process.
6	Has the ability to analyze analog and digital game genres.
7	Has the ability to use contemporary game engines and problem solving skills.
8	Has the knowledge of questioning the game designs with an analytic and critical perspective.
9	Has knowledge about media literacy.
10	Has the competence to prepare projects based on ethical principles in game development processes.
11	Has the competence to evaluate games as an art form.
12	Has the competence to use game design concepts and methods in related fields such as design, software development and media.
13	Has the competence to take part and responsibility in game development teams.
14	Has the competence to collect, analyze and interpret analytical data about games and players.
15	Has the competence to develop and present a digital game project by using game design practices effectively.
16	Evaluates artificial intelligence applications in their studies with a critical approach in terms of aesthetics and originality, and uses them in accordance with ethical rules.

YEAR 1
*FALL*
Course No	Semester	Course Code	Course Name	Course Category	Credit						Pre-requisite
Course No	Semester	Course Code	Course Name	Course Category	T		P	L	C	ECTS	Pre-requisite
1	1	GAME101	Introductıon to Game Design	AC	2		2	0	3	8
2	1	GAME103	Discrete Mathematics	AC	3		0	0	3	5
3	1	GAME105	Game History & Analysis	AC	3		0	0	3	5
4	1	COMM101	Fundamentals of Communication	FC	3		0	0	3	5
5	1	PLAS111	Drawing I	AC	2		2	0	3	3
6	1	SOFL101	Academic English I	UC	3		0	0	3	4
Total Credits					16		4	0	18	30
*SPRING*
7	2	GAME102	Sign, Representation & Symbols	AC	3		0	0	3	5
8	2	GAME104	2D Character Design	AC	2		2	0	3	4
9	2	COMM102	History of Communication	FC	3		0	0	3	5
10	2	VCDE132	Computer Graphics and Images	AC	2		2	0	3	6
11	2	FIDE212	Storyboarding Techniques	AC	2		2	0	3	6
12	2	SOFL102	Academic English II	UC	3		0	0	3	4
Total Credits					15	6		0	18	30

YEAR 2
*FALL*
13	3	GAME201	Story Structure in Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
14	3	GAME203	Introduction to Game Programing	AC	2	2	0	3	6
15	3	COMM201	Theories of Communication	FC	3	0	0	3	5
16	3	VCDE211	Vectorial Drawing	AC	2	2	0	3	5	VCDE132
17	3	TUDI/TURK201	Turkish Language I	UC	2	0	0	2	2
18	3	AIIT/HIST201	Atatürk’s Principles & History of Revolution I	UC	2	0	0	2	2
19	3	–	Departmental Elective I	AE				3	5
Total Credits								19	30
*SPRING*
20	4	GAME202	Concept Art for Digital Games	AC	2	2	0	3	5
21	4	GAME204	2D Game Animation	AC	2	2	0	3	6
22	4	GAME206	3D Character Modeling	AC	2	2	0	3	5
23	4	COMM202	Sociology of Communication	FC	3	0	0	3	5
24	4	TUDI/TURK202	Turkish Language II	UC	2	0	0	2	2
25	4	AIIT/HIST202	Atatürk’s Principles & History of Revolution II	UC	2	0	0	2	2
26	4	–	Departmental Elective II	AE				3	5
Total Credits								19	30

YEAR 3
*FALL*
27	5	GAME301	3D Modeling, Texturing & Lighting -I	AC	1	4	0	3	5
28	5	GAME303	Game Coding I	AC	2	2	0	3	5
29	5	GAME305	Project and Portfolio I: Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
30	5	GAME307	Composition with Sight and Sound	AC	2	2	0	3	5
31	5	–	Departmental Elective III	AE	–	–	–	3	5
32	5	–	Faculty Elective I	FE	–	–	–	3	5
Total Credits								18	30
*SPRING*
33	6	GAME302	3D Modeling, Texturing & Lighting –II	AC	1	4	0	3	5	GAME301
34	6	GAME304	Game Coding II	AC	2	2	0	3	5	GAME303
35	6	GAME306	Project and Portfolio II: Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	5
36	6	GAME308	Interface with Game Engines	AC	1	4	0	3	5
37	6	–	Departmental Elective IV	AE	–	–	–	3	5
39	6	–	Faculty Elective II	FE	–	–	–	3	5
Total Credits					–	–	–	18	30

YEAR 4
*FALL*
40	7	GAME401	Project and Portfolio III: Game Design	AC	2	2	0	3	7
41	7	GAME403	Preliminary Senior Project	AC	2	2	0	3	8
42	7	–	Departmental Elective V	AE	–	–	–	3	5
43	7	–	Faculty Elective III	FE	–	–	–	3	5
44	7	–	University Elective I	UE	–	–	–	3	5
Total Credits					–	–	–	15	30
*SPRING*
45	8	GAME402	Psychology for Game Design	AC	3	0	0	3	5
46	8	GAME404	Senior Project	AC	0	4	0	2	10	GAME403
47	8	–	Departmental Elective VI	AE	–	–	–	3	5
48	8	–	Faculty Elective IV	FE	–	–	–	3	5
49	8	–	University Elective II	UE	–	–	–	3	5
Total Credits					–	–	–	14	30

AREA ELECTIVES
Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T	P	L	C	ECTS
GAME207	Traditional Board Game Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME208	Sound Production for Games	2	2	0	3	5
GAME211	Data Structures and Algorithms	3	0	0	3	5
GAME213	AI in Gaming Industry	3	0	0	3	5
GAME214	Creative Advertising Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME215	Toy Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME216	Database Systems	2	2	0	3	5
GAME219	Speculative Design and Art	2	2	0	3	5
GAME309	Game Optimization Techniques	2	2	0	3	5
GAME313	Mobile Application Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME315	Assistive Technologies	3	0	0	3	5
GAME316	Computer Networks	2	2	0	3	5
GAME318	Technology Ethics	3	0	0	3	5
GAME317	Digital Interactive Storytelling	2	2	0	3	5
GAME319	Game and Web Technologies	2	2	0	3	5
GAME320	Introduction to Python Coding	2	2	0	3	5
GAME409	Architectural Features and Level Design	2	2	0	3	5
GAME410	Visual Effects in Game Engine	2	2	0	3	5
GAME412	Data Driven Design in Game	2	2	0	3	5

FACULTY ELECTIVES
Course Code	Course Name	T	P	L	C	ECTS
VCDE206	Transmedia Storytelling	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE218	Data Mining	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE219	Introduction to Arduino and Mechatronics	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE224	Future and Emerging Technology	3	0	0	3	5
VCDE301	Illustration	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE305	Conventional Printmaking Techniques I	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE312	Web Design	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE315	Introduction to Stop Motion	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE405	Mobile Application Design	2	2	0	3	5
VCDE411	Assistive Technologies	3	0	0	3	5
DIME301	Writing Skills	3	0	0	3	5
DIME402	New Generation Media	3	0	0	3	5

UNIVERSITY ELECTIVES COURSES
Course Code	Course Name	T	P	L	C	ECTS
ARCH320	Designing with Light and Shadow	2	2	0	3	5
ARHA409	Architecture, Art, Urban Space and Technology in Science Fiction Film	2	2	0	3	5
ARHA101	History of Art: An Introduction	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA107	The Ancient Middle East	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA109	Ancient Egypt	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA110	Ancient Greece	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA401	Theory and History of Art History	3	0	0	3	5
ARHA406	Contemporary Architecture and Art	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS202	Art Concepts	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS205	Mythology	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS303	Contemporary Art	3	0	0	3	5
ARTS360	Art and Space	3	0	0	3	5
CDNC220	Body Conditioning I	2	2	0	3	5
FIDE201	Film Genres	3	0	0	3	5
FIDE215	Post Production Studio	2	2	0	3	5
FMPA221	Icons and Styles of 20th Century	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA222	Culture of Performance Art	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA324	Music in The Electronic Age	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA325	World Music and Cultures	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA326	Musical Cinema	3	0	0	3	5
FMPA423	Creative Practice and Dance	2	2	0	3	5
INAD310	Contemporary Design Approaches	3	0	0	3	5
INDD310	Design History	3	0	0	3	5
INDD317	Furniture and Design	2	2	0	3	5
INDD430	Iconic Design Objects of 20th Century	3	0	0	3	5
PHVD102	Contemporary Issues in Photography	3	0	0	3	5
PHVD216	Experimental Photography	1	4	0	3	5
UNIV401	Sustainability	3	0	0	3	5

No	PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
1	To know and explain the basic concepts, theories, institutional structures of communication.
2	To know the history of the game industry and the foundational theories of game design, thus, to be able to explain the terms of professions, professional ethical roles and responsibilities of the profession.
3	The ability to follow the technological and socio-cultural developments and understand the impact of these development on the game industry and observe the changes.
4	The ability to take part in international working environments and be able to analyse the international game industry’s needs.
5	Knowledge of count design, pattern manipulation and terminology for game and production tools.
6	Being able to produce, designs, create and program application works in the production processes related to this profession.
7	Knowledge of the basic principles and processes related to the narrative, aesthetics, technical elements of audio-visual animated and interactive content, and distinguishing successful or unsuccessful works with these aspects.
8	The awareness that each design involves social contexts and in some cases, ethical choices, being able to analyse and evaluate these situations.
9	Ability to solve problems using resources to find the best solutions to game development challenges.
10	Ability to create, develop and manage professional workflows,
11	Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers, and colleagues in the industry, in a professional context, using written, oral, and up-to-date communication technology.

Please find below recommended supplies/materials you will need for the department of study:

Adobe Creative Suite
Unity 3D
Blender
PC: Minimum 16 GB RAM, minimum 500 GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX4050 graphic card Wacom tablet or similar