Semester(s) Offered: Spring
Credits: 4
Course Call Number: GAMES-UT 602
Prerequisite(s): Major Studio: Fall
Major Studio Spring is the second of two Major Studio classes for Junior students majoring in Game Design at NYU. Alongside Major Studio Fall, 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 in the Fall, and then in larger groups, on projects of larger scope in the Spring. The primary aim of both Major Studio classes 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.
Major Studio Spring is designed for students to work on larger teams (~7 students); the goal of the class is to expand on a pre-existing prototype developed in Major Studio Fall or another game development class. The course has a phased structure, beginning with a playable pitch session and culminating in a solid alpha or “feature complete” build.
The course is designed to mimic the production processes in a contemporary game studio, familiarizing students with these practices and readying them for participation in the games industry. The purpose is to learn to work as a team, refining & expanding on a vision, and using formal processes to facilitate teamwork and ensure accountability. These processes will be learned through practice supported by the instructor and teacher assistant.
In the first phase, students form groups around particular pre-existing playable prototypes. In the next phase, these groups work in 2 week sprints, devoted to improving and fleshing out their selected playable prototype. This phase will incorporate industry standard production processes, such as agile and scrum. The final phase, students mount a polish and usability sprint to ensure their finished work is playable and show-ready.