Develop a Game Design Document by evaluating and synthesising game ideas into an original video game concept.

Assignment Title - GAMECOMX - Game Development Competition

Unit Learning Outcomes:

LO1 Develop a Game Design Document by evaluating and synthesising game ideas into an original video game concept.

LO2 Use different design and development methodologies with tools and techniques associated with the creation of a video game.

LO3 Work individually and as part of a team to plan and produce a functional video game, including support documentation.

LO4 Evaluate the performance of a video game against its Game Design Document and original concept.

Assignment Brief and Guidance -

For the past six months you have been working for a leading games design and development studio located in the city centre. During your regular weekly meeting you are told that the studio is running an internal competition called `GAMECOMX` to give employees an opportunity to design and develop original game ideas. Your manager suggests that this would be a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your capabilities by developing an original game concept. After considering all the options, you and several other colleagues decide to enter the competition.

The competition is divided into four separate stages.

Stage 1: Proposal

Develop and blend different game-based ideas into an original video game concept. To do this you will need to analyse and combine common elements (such as type, story, characters, environment, levels, gameplay, loops, art, sound, user interface and controls) with your original concept to create a suitable Game Design Document, including a review of any risks that could affect successfully completing your game.

Stage 2: Build environment review

Establish an appropriate environment in which to design and develop your game. To do this you will need to research and compare different software tools, techniques and methodologies. Once you have reviewed the options you will need to justify your preferred build choices.

Stage 3: Peer-review and develop

Although you work as part of a team, most of your development will be done individually. However, after you have completed Stage 2 you must prepare and present a formal presentation and peer-review to highlight and explain your game. Interpret and justify any appropriate feedback that can help you refine or improve your work - once completed, continue to develop your game.

Stage 4: Demo and evaluation report

As the competition draws to a close you will be issued with a specific date and time during which you will be expected to present and demo your game. Don`t forget this is your opportunity to really `sell` your effort and all your hard work. You should carefully plan and prepare for this demo, consider what features you want to highlight and don`t forget to tell the development story (for example: what were your technical challenges, unexpected issues, successes, failures, etc.). Once you have completed your demo you will need to provide an appropriate, documented evaluation of the game (including a copy of your fully commented source code) and an installable (and executable) version of your video game.