Games Studies - Exercise 1 & 2

23/09/2025 - 07/11/2025 (Week 1 - Week 8)
Shema Goldie Angwen / 0372129
Games Studies
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Exercises

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CONTENT LIST

• Instructions
• Lecture
• Exercise
• Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURE

- WEEK 1-

Core Principles of Game Design

1. Player Experience

• Focus on Emotion
• User-centered Design
• Flow State

2. Gameplay Mechanics

• Primary Mechanics: core action that is been included to play the boardgames (shuffle cards, rolling dice, rock paper scissors)
• Secondary Mechanics: utilize the rules and regulations to play the game 
• Feedback Loops: positive feedback, negative feedback (make player more cautions in future turns), dynamic feedback loops (poker face, managing expression to win battles)

3. Storytelling in Games 

• Player Agency: Allowing players to influence the story, creating a sense of ownership (players immerse into the story) 
• Environmental Storytelling: story told through world design, visuals, and settings 
• Narrative Arcs: 

4. Balance and Challenge 

• Difficulty Curve: A smooth escalation in difficulty keeps players engaged without frustration 
• Skills vs. Luck: Require player skill but also allow for luck/ randomness 
• Player Progression: Provide a sense of achievement that keeps them investor and motivated

5. Feedback and Iteration (ensure the game is playable and enjoyable at all levels)

• Playtesting: helps identify areas of the game that need improvement
• Feedback loops: 
• Fine-tuning the experience

6. Immersion and Worldbuilding

• Immersion: Helps players feel connected to the world and invested in the story
• Context for actions: Deepen the emotional impact of the game

Challenges in Game Design

1. Over Complicayopm

2. Failing to Adapt

3. Monetization vs. Player Experience

- WEEK 2-

Fun: emotionally satisfied

Education: complex problem-solving, critical thinking, real-world application

The challenge is to create and design entertaining and educational games. The goal is to make learning feel natural and rewarding without sacrificing fun.

Strategies

1. Learning Through Play

2. Layered Learning

3. Game mechanics as Educational Tool

4. Storytelling with purpose

Learning through play: Games as simulations

Real-world scenarios allow players to learn through trial and error, while simultaneously engaging in strategic decision-making.

Avoiding Over-Instruction Gameplay Mechanics

Avoid making the educational content too overt or forced. Use gradual learning: Don't bombard the player with information all at once.

Player Motivation and Rewards Gameplay Mechanics

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic: Players driven by curiosity, exploration, and achievement

Extrinsic: Rewards like points, level, or badges reinforce progress

- WEEK 3-

No Lecture

- WEEK 4-

Design Thinking:

- Emphasize: Putting yourself in their shoe when you encounter problem

- Define

- Ideate

- Prototype

- Test

For designers, testing is needed in between 

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EXERCISE

Exercise 1

Part A

Part B

Exercise 2 

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REFLECTION

Analyzing a game gave me deeper insights that I can apply further when creating my own game. This exercise taught me a lot. The use of Generative AI as required by Ms. Anis helped me generate more topics, expand on existing ideas, and make my essay paragraphs more complete. I truly feel that Generative AI is a helpful tool for me.