Semester(s) Offered: Fall
Credits: 4
Course Call Number: GAMES-UT 601
Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Programming for Games, Introduction to Visual Communication, Intermediate Game Development, Intermediate Game Design
Taught By: Jeff Petriello / Maxi Boch / Matt Parker
Major Studio: Fall is the first of two Major Studio classes, which are taken by all Junior students majoring in Game Design at NYU. These classes are designed to prepare students for their Capstone projects by giving them time to work independently producing games, first alone on small prototype projects, and then in larger groups, on projects of larger scope. The primary aims of Major Studio are to give students more experience in concepting and developing games, and to build up a set of work which could be used in a portfolio or developed into a Capstone project.
The fall class is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students work alone to create a series of five rapid, one-week prototypes, in response to prompts or constraints given by the instructor. In the second phase, students form into groups (of 3-5 students) to work on two four-week projects, starting with one of the successful prototypes from the first phase. These longer projects should culminate in playable ‘proofs of concept’, which could later be developed into a full game. These projects are designed to mimic the early stages of concepting and prototyping games in a modern game studio, where rapid-prototyping is increasingly used for deciding on long-term projects.
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1) Learn to develop playable prototypes on short deadline that explore or test creative ideas in a practical, hands-on way.
2) Develop additional speed and efficiency to their regular practice as game creators when making finished, non-prototype games.
3) Practice collaborating with other students in developing promising prototypes into a clear proof-of-concept version of a game.
4) Explore creative ideas and develop a personal artistic voice as a game designer.