As a 300 level class that is also somewhat introductory you can expect the material to be introductory yet thought provoking and challenging. The goal of all of my classes is to introduce you not only to tools, processes and steps, but more importantly how to think and explore the universe of the subject matter for yourself and leave the class with the ability to ask good questions and know how to find those answers. I will be utilizing material structures from optional course readings, video material, and material written by me to facilitate the collection of instruction and student exercises.

In the Digital Game Design class YOU (students) will:

• Acquire an in-depth working knowledge of digital game design artistry.
• Be introduced to the processes, frameworks and approaches used in major development companies and indie game development collectives.
• Learn to approach your work in a manner reflecting holistic creativity, purpose, and foresight.

Class Lab

When: Thursday's from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Where: Mesa Del Sol PC Lab

Hartung 108 - Students have Lobocard access 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week. You can use the labs anytime except when a class is scheduled. In spring 2025, class times are:

• Wednesday 9-12:30 and 5:30-9
• Thursday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, and 5:30-9
• Friday 9-12:30

Mesa del Sol 210 - Students have Lobocard access 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week. These computers include animation and gaming software that are not present in other locations. You can use the labs anytime except when a class is scheduled. In spring 2025, class times are:

• Monday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, 5:30-8
• Tuesday 9-12:30
• Wednesday 9-12:30, 1:30-5, 5:30-8
• Thursday 9-12:30, 4-8

CERIA Editing Rooms - Book an editing room through the CERIA equipment cage. The cage is open Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm, and Friday 9am to 5pm.

As we complete the first week and have had a chance to introduce ourselves you will find that this industry attracts a very diverse group of students. I have been teaching courses like this for over 14 years now and it is always the case. Honestly, the diversity is what makes this course so much fun to teach. Some of you may be artists and some of you may be computer scientists. Some of you may be taking this class because you think it might be fun and some of you may not even know why you are taking it. No matter what reason you have for being here, you are here and I am happy to have you in this class.

What does diversity have to do with digital game design let alone that it is a benefit?

I’m glad you asked!

Since we all come from different backgrounds and are here for different interests, we will be able to provide a unique perspective to the problem solving process that would otherwise be missed sans diversity. The art of computer design and games involves using tools to solve a given problem or set of problems that is not only visually appealing, but scalable and efficient. Since our main goal is to solve problems with an infinite number of ways to go about that process, the more perspectives we have, the better results we will have.

Ultimately we are working with ideas, tools, rules, processes and workflows that can be very technical in nature. However, these tools are simply a means to an end. The goal is to create memorable and meaningful experiences for our players. The end result is and always should be artistic. Yes, I did just say that we are problem solving using technical tools and processes for art. It may seem a bit contradictory, but really this is no different then any other art form. A pencil illustrator follows the same process. The problem they are solving is producing an image on a blank page using only pencils. They must use certain techniques and processes to lay the graphite onto the paper in a way that achieves the desired result. We approach our problem to produce a work of art on the computer in the end just like any other skilled artisan utilizes their medium to create a work of art. Creativity is treated as an equal with technicality.

Title IX

Our classroom and our university should always be spaces of mutual respect, kindness, and support, without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence. Should you ever need assistance or have concerns about incidents that violate this principle, please access the resources available to you on campus, especially the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center and the support services listed on its website (http://loborespect.unm.edu/). Please note that, because UNM faculty, TAs, and GAs are considered "responsible employees" by the Department of Education, any disclosure of gender discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence) made to a faculty member, TA, or GA must be reported by that faculty member, TA, or GA to the university's Title IX coordinator. For more information on the campus policy regarding sexual misconduct, please see: https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/2000/2740.html

As I mentioned earlier, our diversity within this course will ultimately shape the outcomes of this class, it would not be fair for me to limit the needed exchange of ideas in order to utilize that diversity. Even though we do not have any “group work” in this class, we are however working through the same material, the same problems and the same assignments all at the same time. It is because of this that I encourage you to collaborate together (through whatever safe means you can muster in COVID times) to solve these problems. Please do not take this as an opportunity to simply glean off of others hard work. You have registered for this class voluntarily. You have paid for this class voluntarily; therefore, I assume that each of you are here to learn the material. So let’s learn together.

One book is required and the other is HIGHLY recommended:

• Required::: Games, Design and Play by Colleen Macklin and John Sharp
• Optional::: Advanced Game Design by Michael Sellers

Classroom Overview

This takes place at Mesa del Sol, a 20-minute drive from main campus at 5700 University Blvd SE. The UNM door is on the side of the building across from Netflix. Parking there is free, and a shuttle bus is also provided. On Thursdays, the bus leaves from the Redondo side of George Pearl Hall at 5:00pm and leaves Mesa del Sol to return to main campus at 8:05pm.