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Metropolitan State University (Home)

TCID 390 Introduction to Game Design

This course is an introduction to the vast and interdisciplinary field of game studies and game design. Students in this course will explore how games can be art, math, story, identity, political systems, ethical systems and more. Topics covered may include the history of video and tabletop games; the current landscape of the video game industry; future projections for game industry; an introduction to Game and Narrative Design; toxicity in the games community; race, gender, and identity in games; game design schemas, and an intro to theories of interaction design. Students will demonstrate this knowledge through creating a paper prototype of a tabletop game as part of a development team. No programming knowledge assumed.

Prerequisites

Special information

Prerequisites: WRIT 131 AND WRIT 231 or Writing requirement fulfilled.
2 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 15, 2022 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Students will be able to discuss how games have emerged as a powerful cultural and economic global community and industry.
  • Students will be able to describe the ways in which games can influence each player personally as well as influence culture as a whole
  • Students will be able to analyze games in multiple contexts such as artistic media, instruments of learning, reflectors of race and identity, and vehicles of fun
  • Students will be able to create basic materials using Adobe Photoshop or another graphics program.
  • Students will be able to create a paper prototype and conduct playtesting.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Fall 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Introduction to Game Design Layne, Alexandra Marie Books for TCID-390-50 Fall 2025 Course details for TCID-390-50 Fall 2025