1. SM3120 Game Level Design Lesson 01 – Basic of Game Design Ryan Lam

2. Class introduction What is this course about? What is this course about? Game level designGame level design Programming skill in level scriptingProgramming skill in level scripting Use of standard game editor to produce online multiplayer gameUse of standard game editor to produce online multiplayer game Teamwork in implementing game conceptTeamwork in implementing game concept

3. What are not covered in the course? What are not covered in the course? iphone/ipad/android game development iphone/ipad/android game development Formal programming languages (e.g. Flash ActionScript, C++, Java …..etc) Formal programming languages (e.g. Flash ActionScript, C++, Java …..etc) API (e.g DirectX or OpenGL) API (e.g DirectX or OpenGL) Design games for mobile phones, game consoles (Xbox, PS2) Design games for mobile phones, game consoles (Xbox, PS2) Game history Game history How to make money by making games. How to make money by making games.

4. Teacher introduction Favorite games: Starcraft, Starcraft 2, AOE, C&C, MarioKart, warcraft 3, Rainbox Six, Ut2003, casual games …..etc Favorite games: Starcraft, Starcraft 2, AOE, C&C, MarioKart, warcraft 3, Rainbox Six, Ut2003, casual games …..etc Currently playing ipad games... Currently playing ipad games...

5. Introduction - Lecture Common game level design tools/framework Common game level design tools/framework The basic of game design The basic of game design Building terrain Building terrain Building architecture spaces Building architecture spaces Lighting and atmospheric effect Lighting and atmospheric effect Placing encounters Placing encounters Breathing life into game level Breathing life into game level Dialogue and story Dialogue and story Polishing (testing, fix bug, balance) Polishing (testing, fix bug, balance) Genres Genres

6. Introduction - Laboratory Producing a good game takes a lot of time and skill Producing a good game takes a lot of time and skill The only way to develop the skill is to practice, which takes time The only way to develop the skill is to practice, which takes time Modern 3D games take years to develop by teams of 20 or more people Modern 3D games take years to develop by teams of 20 or more people We can ’ t do this in a single term We can ’ t do this in a single term

7. Introduction - Laboratory Need some way of getting production practice, try out your ideas Need some way of getting production practice, try out your ideas Use an existing game engine/editor: Use an existing game engine/editor: program code already writtenprogram code already written framework to work inframework to work in design toolsdesign tools can download some assets from the net - saves timecan download some assets from the net - saves time

8. How to make game level in iphone/ipad/andriod ?? 1. cocos2D – http://www.cocos2d-iphone.org http://www.cocos2d-iphone.org 2. iTileMaps – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwiKqDQB-8ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwiKqDQB-8ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwiKqDQB-8g http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/itilemaps/id432784227?mt=8http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/itilemaps/id432784227?mt=8http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/itilemaps/id432784227?mt=8 3. Map Editor - http://www.mapeditor.org http://www.mapeditor.org 4. Unity 3D - http://unity3d.com/ http://unity3d.com/

9. How about the game industry in HK? How about the game industry in HK?

10. What can you do after this course? May be: Game Programmer May be: Game Programmer May be: Game Designer May be: Game Designer May be: 3D artist May be: 3D artist May be: Cinematic Animator May be: Cinematic Animator May be: Interior Designer May be: Interior Designer May be: Home Designer May be: Home Designer …..etc …..etc http://us.blizzard.com/en- us/company/careers/directory.html#region=Americas http://us.blizzard.com/en- us/company/careers/directory.html#region=Americas http://us.blizzard.com/en- us/company/careers/directory.html#region=Americas http://us.blizzard.com/en- us/company/careers/directory.html#region=Americas http://www.gameone.com.hk http://www.gameone.com.hk http://www.gameone.com.hk http://www.firedogstudio.com http://www.firedogstudio.com http://www.firedogstudio.com http://www.floorplanner.com http://www.floorplanner.com http://www.floorplanner.com http://www.sketchup.com.hk http://www.sketchup.com.hk http://www.sketchup.com.hk

11. Assessment Assignment One 20% Assignment Two 30% Group Assignment 40% Class Participation 10% Total100%

12. What is video game? Video games are our way to escape reality, become a hero, just kill some time or killing “someone”. Video games have become an everyday part of our lives.

13. Evolution of Video Games Early Years 1947-1960 1960’s 1970’s 1980’s Current Conclusion Sources

14. 1st Generation Video Game

15. Early Years 1947-1960 1947 Thomas T Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann applied for a patent for s machine in which a person used knobs to simulate firing at targets. Cathode Ray Tube Clock

16. Early Years 1947-1960 In 1951 Ralph Baer came up with the concept which essentially allowed for development of video games : by giving an audience the ability to manipulate what was projected on their television sets, their role changed from passive observing to interactive manipulation. Ralph Baer

17. Early Years 1947-1960 The 50’s saw a lot of independent inventors coming up with basic video games. Such as OXO in 1952, and Tennis for Two in 1958. OXO in 1952 Tennis for Two in 1958

18. 1960s By this point all the video games have been experimental programs ran on university computers. Now, they were becoming more popular in 1961 several games were created at MIT: Mouse in the Maze HAX Tic-Tac-Toe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnO6xnMtpY8

19. 1961 - 1962 Also in 1961 a group of students programmed the game Spacewar, that pitted two opponents against each other in trying to shoot the other one down.

20. 1970’s Textual games and ASCII art.

21. 1970’s The Magnavox Odyssey was first unleashed on the gaming public around this day in 1972. It's credited as the first home video game console. http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/27743/home-video-game-consoles-turn-40 Ralph Baer

22. 1970’s Maze War

23. 2nd Generation Video Game

24. 1970’s The early 70’s saw the development of first coin-operated machines like Galaxy Game and Computer Space. All of these were based on the Spacewar. But the creators of the Computer Space were not happy with the deal they got and started their own company: Atari. Nolan Bushnell Computer Space 1971

25. 1970’s In 1972 the newly started Atari came out with their first game – Pong. It was a very popular game selling over 19,000 copies. Pong 1972 The aim is to defeat the opponent in a simulated table tennis game by earning a higher score

26. Late 70’s In 1978 the game that made it popular to play video games was created this game was Space Invaders Space Invaders 1978 The pixelated enemy alien has become a pop culture icon and represent video game.

27. Late 70’s The late 70’s are considered The Golden Age of Video Games. There were video game machines appearing everywhere: malls, stores and restaurants. The game established the maze chase game genre It opened gaming to female audiences It was the first video game to feature power-ups It is frequently credited as the first game to feature cut scenes Pac-man 1979 Cut scene

28. 1981 Donkey Kong

29. 1981 Galaga

30. 3rd Generation Video Game

31. 1980’s 80’s saw the climax of the Golden Age of Video Arcade Games. With the switch to the PC and more powerful consoles available, more and more games were being programmed. In the 80’s many more genres were invented. One of the best video game franchise got it’s start in 1985: Super Mario

32. 1980’s Exploration was created by using current technology to like we have never seen before. Combined with a rich world, the Legend of Zelda series was born. Legend of Zelda - Action Adventure

33. 1980’s Kung Fu Master Prince of Persia 1989

34. 1980’s Golden Axe - Slasher Dragon Warrior - RPG

35. 1980’s Top 5 Car Racing Game in 80s

36. What is Game Design? Humans have been devising and playing games for thousands of years. Humans have been devising and playing games for thousands of years. There is hot debate about which existing game is the oldest: There is hot debate about which existing game is the oldest: GoGo African stone game - AwariAfrican stone game - Awari

37. GoAwari

38. What is Game Design? Creating and playing in an artificial world is the heart of all games. Creating and playing in an artificial world is the heart of all games. Many games, such as Go, Chess, Mahjong and Poker, were perfected so long ago that their rules have not changed for centuries. Many games, such as Go, Chess, Mahjong and Poker, were perfected so long ago that their rules have not changed for centuries.

39. Many games come on the market, enjoy a brief popularity, and fade away again. Many games come on the market, enjoy a brief popularity, and fade away again. People always interested in new games, so there is a constant demand for new game designs. People always interested in new games, so there is a constant demand for new game designs. What is Game Design?

40. Game design is the process of: Game design is the process of: Imagining a gameImagining a game Defining the way it worksDefining the way it works Describing the elements that make up the game (conceptual, functional, artistic and others)Describing the elements that make up the game (conceptual, functional, artistic and others) Transmitting that information to the team that will build the gameTransmitting that information to the team that will build the game What is Game Design?

41. How about China, do we have any good games/toys? How about China, do we have any good games/toys?

42. Key Areas for Game Design Core Mechanics Interactivity Storytelling and Narrative

43. Core Mechanics Core Mechanics Core Mechanics The rule that define the operation of the game world make up the core mechanics of the game, or the foundations of gameplay. Core mechanic is the heart and soul of the game Core mechanic is the heart and soul of the game If the core mechanics aren ’ t sound, you end up with a poor game. If the core mechanics aren ’ t sound, you end up with a poor game.

44. Core Mechanics?

46. Storytelling and Narrative Storytelling Storytelling All game tell a story. The complexity and depth of that story depends on the game. At one extreme, the game is a story. At the other extreme, it ’ s the player who tells the story by the act of playing. At one extreme, the game is a story. At the other extreme, it ’ s the player who tells the story by the act of playing. Even Tetris has a story – a story created by the player as she plays. Even Tetris has a story – a story created by the player as she plays.

47. Narrative Narrative Narrative means that part of the story that is told by you, the author and designer, to the player. Narrative is the non-interactive, presentational part of the story. Narrative is the non-interactive, presentational part of the story. Tetris has a story, but it contains no narrative. Because playing games is an active process and listening to a narrative is a passive one. Tetris has a story, but it contains no narrative. Because playing games is an active process and listening to a narrative is a passive one. Storytelling and Narrative

48. Good story?

56. Good Story?

57. Interactivity Interactivity Interactivity For our purposes, interactivity is the way that the player sees, hears, and acts within the game ’ s world. In short, the way the player plays the game This covers a lot of diverse topics: graphics, sounds, user interface --- everything that comes together to present the gaming experience. This covers a lot of diverse topics: graphics, sounds, user interface --- everything that comes together to present the gaming experience.

58. Interactivity

59. Interactivity

60. Latest portable game consoles

61. Interactivity

62. Interactivity

63. Interactivity

64. Iphone/ipad/Android

65. Interactivity

66. Interactivity

67. Interactivity

68. Interactivity

69. Interactivity

70. Interactivity

71. Interactivity

72. Important Tips 1. Game are for entertaining people (not you) 2. To come up with clear ideas about what does and doesn ’ t work in games: AudienceAudience Other game in same genreOther game in same genre Your own gaming preferencesYour own gaming preferences 3. Game should empower their players

73. Important Tips 4. A game ’ s challenges make up its gameplay 5. Give the player rest breaks between challenges. This helps to create a good pace/rhythm, which keep the players playing your game 6. The first 10 mins of your game is the most important

74. Important Tips 7. Consistency and growth are the 2 main concepts that keep your game interesting and playable. 8. At the end of your game, give the player a good sense of closure. Or, reward the player who finishes your game. 9. A good game name

75. Important Tips 10. Give your game as much polish as possible, and have fun doing it. 11. Don ’ t forget your family, friends, lovers during the development process. 12. Work hard, play hard!

76. Documenting the Design As part of their job, game designers produce a series of documents to tell other about their game design. As part of their job, game designers produce a series of documents to tell other about their game design. Types of design documents: Types of design documents: High concept(2-4 pages) High concept(2-4 pages) Game treatment (10-20 pages) Game treatment (10-20 pages) Game script (50-200 pages) Game script (50-200 pages)

77. High concept Writing the high-concept document is the first step after writing down the initial idea. Writing the high-concept document is the first step after writing down the initial idea. Its aim is to express the fundamental spirit of the game. Its aim is to express the fundamental spirit of the game. The high-concept document should take, at most, a week to create, of which four days are spent thinking and one is spent writing The high-concept document should take, at most, a week to create, of which four days are spent thinking and one is spent writing

78. High concept The high-concept documents covers these details: The high-concept documents covers these details: Player motivationPlayer motivation Target audienceTarget audience GenreGenre Unique selling pointUnique selling point CompetitionCompetition Target platformTarget platform Overall storylineOverall storyline licensing issueslicensing issues

79. Game treatment The purpose of the game treatment is to present the game in broad outline to someone who ’ s already interested in it and want to hear more about it. The purpose of the game treatment is to present the game in broad outline to someone who ’ s already interested in it and want to hear more about it. Your goal at this point is to get funding of some sort, either to create a more complete design or a prototype. Your goal at this point is to get funding of some sort, either to create a more complete design or a prototype. It can be a tool for selling the game to a potential publisher or investor. It can be a tool for selling the game to a potential publisher or investor.

80. Game treatment The treatment should answer some of the questions left by the high-concept document. The treatment should answer some of the questions left by the high-concept document. You should provide screen shots, background on the key characters, a brief description of the overall storyline to tell what the game will look and feel like to play. You should provide screen shots, background on the key characters, a brief description of the overall storyline to tell what the game will look and feel like to play. You should also include an analysis of the competition and indicate the ways in which your game will be different and better. You should also include an analysis of the competition and indicate the ways in which your game will be different and better.

81. Game Script The game script (or “ bible ” ) is the largest and the last in this series. It ’ s not a sales tool; it ’ s much too large and comprehensive for that. The game script (or “ bible ” ) is the largest and the last in this series. It ’ s not a sales tool; it ’ s much too large and comprehensive for that. It ’ s intended to document design decisions, not to persuade anyone of anything. It ’ s intended to document design decisions, not to persuade anyone of anything. The game script is the definitive reference for all matters relating to the structure and organization of the game, what the player does and see – the gameplay, storyline, characters, user interface, and the rules of play. The game script is the definitive reference for all matters relating to the structure and organization of the game, what the player does and see – the gameplay, storyline, characters, user interface, and the rules of play.

82. Game Script The game script does not include the technical design. The game script does not include the technical design. It documents the creative, conceptual, and functional aspects of the game. It documents the creative, conceptual, and functional aspects of the game. It dose not address how the game is build or implemented in software. It dose not address how the game is build or implemented in software. The technical design document, is usually based on the game script and is written by technical direction for the game. Technical design is beyond our course. The technical design document, is usually based on the game script and is written by technical direction for the game. Technical design is beyond our course.