Instructors are available for consultation by appointment.

Instructors email list:    game-design@mit.edu
Class email list:            game-design-class@mit.edu

Course Description

An historical examination and analysis of the evolution and development of games and game mechanics. Topics include a large breadth of genres and types of games, including sports, game shows, games of chance, schoolyard games, board games, roleplaying games, and digital games. Students submit essays documenting research and analysis of a variety of traditional and eclectic games. Project teams required to design, develop, and thoroughly test their original games.

 

This class aims to give students the tools, references, and historical context to analyze and compare game designs across a variety of different genres. Along with texts, this class will also have students design and modify games in teams to shed light on the interaction and evolution of game rules. Please note that digital games will only be one of the many genres examined in this class.

Class Requirements

The grade of the course will be  determined by participation and in-class preparedness (15%), the first individual essay (10%), the second individual essay (25%), and  two team projects (25% each). Extensions will only be granted if students request them at least one week in advance.

Regular attendance is required -- we may not consider grading your exercises if you miss a 10% of sessions without justification.


Required Readings

The textbook for this class will be Salen, K. & Zimmerman, E. (2004). Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.  MIT libraries grants  access to  the book in electronic format  within MIT campus; the book is also available for purchase at the Coop.
The rest of the readings will be available here, either as .pdf  files or a link to the reading online.