This unit has the following three main goals: 1) understanding the fundamentals of game design; 2) being able to analyse gameplay and create solutions to game design problems; 3) applying the aforementioned skills to the design of a game implementable in XNA. Topics covered include: agile & scrum development, an overview of the games industry, introductory game design theory, efficient prototyping, the history of game design, how not to build a game, basic game design factors, game knowledge, challenges and difficulty curves, professional creativity, game mechanics, game balancing, puzzle design, player psychology, design limitations, level design, player immersion, utilising story and narrative, theme development and player investment, atmosphere, game styling, effects, lighting and moods, artificial intelligence and artificial stupidity, game pitching and overall designer responsibilities.

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