BA (Hons) Games Design

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Games Design program at Leeds Arts University offers an immersive and industry-focused undergraduate experience for individuals passionate about the art and science of creating engaging and innovative video games. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a comprehensive skillset in game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, prototyping, and the technical understanding necessary to bring their game concepts to life using industry-standard game engines. It emphasizes the development of both creative vision and analytical thinking, alongside a strong understanding of player psychology and market trends. Students are encouraged to specialize in areas such as gameplay design, narrative design, or level design, developing a strong personal design philosophy within the games context. The program fosters a collaborative and project-based learning environment, mirroring industry workflows and preparing graduates for a wide array of design roles within the global games industry. Students will develop a professional portfolio showcasing their game design skills and understanding of the game development process.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Games Design program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of game design principles and practices. It typically includes core modules focusing on game mechanics and systems design, level design and architecture, narrative design and storytelling in games, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, game prototyping and iteration, game engine fundamentals (Unreal Engine, Unity), design theory and analysis, project management, and portfolio development. A strong emphasis is placed on hands-on experience using industry-standard game engines and design tools. Students will engage in individual and collaborative projects, designing and prototyping a variety of game concepts. The curriculum often incorporates workshops on scripting (C#, Blueprint), asset integration, and playtesting methodologies. Critical analysis of existing games and design principles forms an important part of the curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of effective game design. Students are also encouraged to explore emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality for game design.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Games Design program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice, prompting students to explore the theoretical, historical, and analytical aspects of game design. Research within the program often involves investigating game mechanics and player behavior, analyzing successful game design principles, studying narrative structures in games, and exploring the impact of technology on game design possibilities. Students are supported in developing their own research questions and using their game design projects as a form of inquiry. This might involve researching different game genres and their conventions, analyzing the effectiveness of various control schemes, or studying player engagement and retention strategies. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing game prototypes as a means of testing design theories and generating new knowledge about player interaction and game experience. The program fosters critical reflection on the design process and encourages students to articulate their design choices through research and analysis.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BA (Hons) Games Design program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional games industry. The university actively fosters relationships with game development studios, both local (including Rockstar Leeds) and national, as well as industry organizations like Game Republic. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in collaborative projects with BA (Hons) Games Art students, live briefs set by industry partners, workshops and masterclasses led by experienced game designers, portfolio reviews with industry professionals, and potential internships or work placements. The Industry Speaker Programme invites gaming professionals to share real-world insights and build connections for students' future careers. The annual graduate showcases provide a key platform for students to present their game designs and prototypes to potential employers.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Games Design program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining the diverse game cultures, design philosophies, and market trends within the international games industry. The curriculum often explores games from various cultural contexts, analyzing different approaches to gameplay, narrative, and art style across different regions and genres. Students are encouraged to be aware of global trends in game development and to consider the international audience for their games. The presence of international students and faculty contributes to a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, fostering an exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the field of games design. Students are encouraged to research and analyze international game design trends and to develop a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of global player preferences and market demands, preparing them for careers in a globalized entertainment market.