Computer Games Design Subject Spotlight
with Dr Peter Howell from University of Portsmouth
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In this Subject Spotlight, Peter Howell delivers a lecture from the University of Portsmouth’s BA (Hons) Computer Games Design (PH) course, with an overview of the process of games design from concept to creation. You will learn what it takes to become a critical games designer, learning about the different elements and mechanics to consider, as well as looking at The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a case study. You will then learn about what it means to be a critical games designer, taking on an activity which encourages you to study an existing game and consider the different elements that come together to enhance the player’s experience. Peter Howell will then give you a glimpse into the potential careers - obvious or not - that you could embark on with a degree in Games Design from the University of Portsmouth.
Dr Peter HowellUniversity of PortsmouthComputer games and animation
All episodes
1. An introduction to games design
2. Elements of games design
3. Case study - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
4. Being a critical games designer & activity
About the university
University of Portsmouth
Based in the heart of the UK's only island city, the University of Portsmouth is committed to giving every student a life-changing experience. Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community where students develop skills and confidence for a rewarding career. The campus is a compact site that's interwoven with the city and is just steps away from the beautiful seafront. Portsmouth is committed to their students’ futures too, with 94% of graduates in work or further study, and they offer a broad range of degrees across subjects including business, creative and cultural industries, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and technology. Learners will be able to access plenty of options for professional development through placement, work experience and volunteer opportunities. In addition, a dedicated careers and employability service is on hand with expert advice so Portsmouth's students are well placed for success and are given support well beyond graduation.
University of Portsmouth profile →Meet the academic
Dr Peter Howell
Peter Howell is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Design in the School of Creative Technologies at the University of Portsmouth, and the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Computer Games Design (PH). Peter has over 10 years experience teaching game design and development in Further and Higher Education, focusing primarily on game systems design, player experience design, 3D asset creation, level design and scripting, and academic games research. Peter has previously worked as a Game Designer for The Chinese Room and now leads the Advanced Games Research Group at the University of Portsmouth. Peter’s research focuses on the psychology of games and play and particularly on the effects of subverting player expectations. More broadly, Peter is interested in the application of psychological theory to the practices of game design, game play, and games education.
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