MMP 270: Introduction to Video Game Design
3 credits, 2 hours lecture, 2 hour lab
Course Description
This course introduces game design principles and video game production practices. Game history, theory and design principles will be covered through lecture, discussion and readings. Readings in the form of texts, videos and games will be assigned for written analysis and discussion. The course will review game production historically and current practices for game development including software, environments and production process. Students will learn topics such as character design, setting and level design, interaction programming, sound design, user testing design and analysis, presenting ideas, giving and interpreting critique and feedback. Production assignments include asset creation of graphics, animation and sound, programming game interactions, creating user testing forms and concept presentations. Students will work individually and/or in groups to develop and complete a video game throughout the semester. Game production environments such as Web/JavaScript, Unity, Unreal Engine, Game Maker, Godot Engine or others could be used. Asset creation will be done with software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Piskel, cfxr, Audacity, Audio Tool and others.
Prerequisites: MMP 100
| Course Student Learning Outcomes (Students will be able to…) | Measurements (means of assessment for student learning outcomes listed in first column |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to understand an object oriented programming language. | Homework assignments |
| 2. Use visual design skills to create an interactive experience. | Homework assignments |
| 3. Use audio production skills to create assets music and sound effects. | Midterm project and Final project |
| 4. Collaborate with another student on a project. | Final |
| 5. Write a video game narrative break down. | Final |
| 6. Understand basics of game design. | Assignments, Midterm and Final |
Requirements and Evaluation of Students
- Blogging assignments: 20%
- Production assignments: 30%
- Midterm project: 20%
- Final project: 30%
Outline of Topics
- Game Design Principles
- Game History
- Video Game Development Environments
- User testing and feedback
- Concept presentation
- Programming Basics
- Organization of object-oriented code
- Programming for Interactivity (events, mouse and key input, browser events)
- Programming Multimedia elements (sound, images)
- Sound design
- Building a Complete Application
Required Texts
The Art of Computer Game Design
by Chris Crawford
Other Resources
A class blog will be used to post content, readings responses and game assets throughout the semester. The blog may be created using Medium, WordPress or another blogging platform. Students should create accounts to post content on the blog. Students are required to read and comment on each other’s work.
Additional readings and tutorials will be assigned by the instructor.
Use of Technology
Software used: Adobe Animate CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC, Audacity, and a text editor such as Sublime or Brackets for code editing. Audacity and Sublime are free and open source. All software required for this course are available outside of class in BMCC’s computer labs. See this link for list of rooms and schedule.
Web based tools such as jfxr, Piskel and AudioTool will also be used.
Students will use Blackboard to post assignments. Faculty will upload grades and comments there too, along with any other course material they see fit. To login to blackboard, go to https://cunyportal.cuny.edu/, login and click on the Blackboard menu item.
Students will need to login to the classroom computer and blackboard every time the class meets. If you do not have (or cannot remember) your id and password for both/either, contact the BMCC helpdesk right away: 212-220-8379 helpdesk@bmcc.cuny.edu ; RoomS141 (199 Chambers Street). You may also rest your password by going to https://cunyportal.cuny.edu/ and clicking on “Account & Password Reset”
Below are the college’s general education learning outcomes, the outcomes that checked in the left-hand column indicate goals that will be covered and assessed in this course. (Check at least one.)
| General Education Learning Outcomes | Measurements (means of assessment for student learning outcomes listed in first column |
| Communication Skills: Students will be able to write, read, listen and speak critically and effectively | Class presentations, Final project collaboration |
| Quantitative Reasoning: Students will be able to use quantitative skill and the concepts and methods of mathematics to solve problems. | Student homework assignments |
| Scientific Reasoning: Students will be able to apply the concepts and methods of the natural sciences | |
| Social and Behavioral Science: Students will be apply the concepts and methods of the social sciences | |
| Arts & Humanities: Students will be able to develop knowledge and understanding of the arts and literature through critiques of works of art, music, theatre and literature. | Student reading/viewing reflection assignments |
| Information & Technology Literacy: Students will be able to collect, evaluate and interpret information and effectively use information technologies. | Student homework assignments |
| Values: Students will be able to make informed choices based on an understanding of personal values, human diversity, multicultural awareness and social responsibility. | Student reading/viewing reflection assignments |
Free BMCC Student Support Services
BMCC is committed to the health and well‐being of all students. It is common for everyone to seek assistance at some point in their life, and there are free and confidential services on campus that can help.
Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/arc/ room S230, 212‐220‐8195, arc@bmcc.cuny.edu. If you are having problems with food or housing insecurity, finances, health insurance or anything else that might get in the way of your studies at BMCC, contact the Advocacy and Resource Center (formerly Single Stop) for assistance. Please contact us at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu, call 212-220-8195, or come by the office at room S230. You may also contact the Office of Student Affairs, S350, 212‐220‐8130, studentaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu, for assistance.
Counseling Center www.bmcc.cuny.edu/counseling, room S343, 212‐220‐8140, counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu. Counselors assist students in addressing psychological and adjustment issues (i.e., depression, anxiety, and relationships) and can help with stress, time management and more. Counselors are available for walk‐in visits.
Office of Compliance and Diversity https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/about-bmcc/compliance-diversity, room S701, 212-220-1236. BMCC is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment free of unlawful discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment, where all students are treated fairly. For information about BMCC’s policies and resources, or to request additional assistance in this area, please visit or call the office, or email olevy@bmcc.cuny.edu, or twade@bmcc.cuny.edu. If you need immediate assistance, please contact BMCC Public safety at 212-220-8080.
Office of Accessibility www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility, Students who need academic accommodations in connection with a disability must initiate the request with BMCC’s Office of Accessibility (OA). Students need to register with the Office of Accessibility in order to officially disclose their disability status to the College and to determine eligibility for appropriate reasonable accommodations (including any prior IEPs or 504s). Please contact the OA at the start of the semester (or as soon as possible) to coordinate any accommodation request/s: www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility, Room N360 (accessible entrance: 77 Harrison Street), 212-220-8180, accessibility@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Class Participation
Participation in the academic activity of each course is a significant component of the learning process and plays a major role in determining overall student academic achievement. Academic activities may include, but are not limited to, attending class, submitting assignments, engaging in in-class or online activities, taking exams, and/or participating in group work. Each instructor has the right to establish their own class participation policy, and it is each student’s responsibility to be familiar with and follow the participation policies for each course.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found on BMCC’s Web site, http://www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the college bulletin (also available online).
