Topics in Game Development:
History and Development of Role Playing Games
ATEC 4373.002 M 4:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., ATC 2.602
Course Description
ATEC 4373 Topics in Game Development (3 semester hours) Course offers an in-depth exploration of the origins, history, principles, elements, development, and theory of Role Playing Games. Topics include tabletop and computer game RPGs and other similar forms of interactive storytelling as well as: player motivation, game dynamics, gamer culture, and the formation of compelling experiences within increasingly complex, open-ended technology. Students will first examine “Interactive Fiction” in various forms, including analog and tabletop games ranging from D6, D20, Dice Pool, Burning Wheel as well as other complex systems with an explicit social component like Choose Your Own Adventure-style novels with more traditional author-reader interaction. Students will then examine computer-based playable structures (CRPGs) that are designed for solo interaction, as well as those which explore the intersection of the social spaces of play and the real world, considering, among other topics, the virtual communities of MMORPGs and other less conventional uses of digital gaming and role-playing techniques such as Alternate Reality Games.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Students will gain literacy and learn to think critically about RPG games and RPG gaming issues and gain exposure to the major writers and researchers in the genre. Students will familiarize themselves with RPG elements and will learn how to critique historical and contemporary RPG games and the ideas of others, then organize and present these ideas to their classmates. Students will ultimately learn how to design and develop an original game mechanic suitable for publication and how to present that idea in a concise, coherent format.
Required Textbooks and Materials
TEXTBOOKS (Required Reading)
1) Quests: Design, Theory, and History in Games and Narratives by Jeff Howard, A K Peters Ltd (February 26, 2008) 1568813473
2) Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-playing Games by Matt Barton, A K Peters Ltd (March 3, 2008) 1568814119
3) Shared Fantasy: Role Playing Games as Social Worlds by Gary Alan Fine, University Of Chicago Press (August 14, 2002) 0226249441
4) Second Person: Role-Playing and Story in Games by Pat Harrigan & Noah Wardrip-Fruin, The MIT Press (February 28, 2007) 0262083566
RPG RULEBOOKS (Required for D1)
***Available @ 'Madness Games and Comics' for a discounted UTD price with your SID in January***
1) Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook: Roleplaying Game Core Rules, 4th Ed. by Wizards RPG Team, WotC (2008) 0786948671 - *D4,D6,D8,D10,D12,D20 Dice Required
2) The Burning Wheel Gold Edition: Character Burner and Fantasy Roleplaying System by Luke Crane and Dan Abram Cushing-Malloy, Inc. (2011) 978-0983645801 – *#10-12 D6 required
3) STAR WARS: Edge of the Empire - Core Rulebook by Fantasy Flight Games, (2013) 9781616616571
*Do not buy the 'beginner game' beta version, DO buy the special EotE dice or download the related app.
History and Development of Role Playing Games
ATEC 4373.002 M 4:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., ATC 2.602
Course Description
ATEC 4373 Topics in Game Development (3 semester hours) Course offers an in-depth exploration of the origins, history, principles, elements, development, and theory of Role Playing Games. Topics include tabletop and computer game RPGs and other similar forms of interactive storytelling as well as: player motivation, game dynamics, gamer culture, and the formation of compelling experiences within increasingly complex, open-ended technology. Students will first examine “Interactive Fiction” in various forms, including analog and tabletop games ranging from D6, D20, Dice Pool, Burning Wheel as well as other complex systems with an explicit social component like Choose Your Own Adventure-style novels with more traditional author-reader interaction. Students will then examine computer-based playable structures (CRPGs) that are designed for solo interaction, as well as those which explore the intersection of the social spaces of play and the real world, considering, among other topics, the virtual communities of MMORPGs and other less conventional uses of digital gaming and role-playing techniques such as Alternate Reality Games.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Students will gain literacy and learn to think critically about RPG games and RPG gaming issues and gain exposure to the major writers and researchers in the genre. Students will familiarize themselves with RPG elements and will learn how to critique historical and contemporary RPG games and the ideas of others, then organize and present these ideas to their classmates. Students will ultimately learn how to design and develop an original game mechanic suitable for publication and how to present that idea in a concise, coherent format.
Required Textbooks and Materials
TEXTBOOKS (Required Reading)
1) Quests: Design, Theory, and History in Games and Narratives by Jeff Howard, A K Peters Ltd (February 26, 2008) 1568813473
2) Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-playing Games by Matt Barton, A K Peters Ltd (March 3, 2008) 1568814119
3) Shared Fantasy: Role Playing Games as Social Worlds by Gary Alan Fine, University Of Chicago Press (August 14, 2002) 0226249441
4) Second Person: Role-Playing and Story in Games by Pat Harrigan & Noah Wardrip-Fruin, The MIT Press (February 28, 2007) 0262083566
RPG RULEBOOKS (Required for D1)
***Available @ 'Madness Games and Comics' for a discounted UTD price with your SID in January***
1) Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook: Roleplaying Game Core Rules, 4th Ed. by Wizards RPG Team, WotC (2008) 0786948671 - *D4,D6,D8,D10,D12,D20 Dice Required
2) The Burning Wheel Gold Edition: Character Burner and Fantasy Roleplaying System by Luke Crane and Dan Abram Cushing-Malloy, Inc. (2011) 978-0983645801 – *#10-12 D6 required
3) STAR WARS: Edge of the Empire - Core Rulebook by Fantasy Flight Games, (2013) 9781616616571
*Do not buy the 'beginner game' beta version, DO buy the special EotE dice or download the related app.
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