EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES

FALL 2024 – 2025

DURATION OF COURSE : FALL SEMESTER

COURSE CODE & TITLE COURSE LEVEL : AGAD 401 Level Design &
Mechanics
COURSE TYPE : Department Core Course
CREDIT VALUE :3
GROUP(S) :1
COURSE PERIOD(S) &
CLASSROOMS : CD021 Friday 14:30 - 17:20
PRE-REQUISITES :-
INSTRUCTOR : Nedim Oğul
OFFICE TEL :-
E-MAIL : [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course aims to give students the theoretical background
and perspective to be able to analyse game mechanics and level design with academic
frameworks. Furthermore, students will be able to design their own levels with ready-made
assets in 2D and 3D using game engines.

AIM(S) AND OBJECTIVES:

· To introduce students to academic game analysis techniques and frameworks
· To familiarise students with level design challenges as well as game environment
design.
· Provide a holistic understanding of how these level design and mechanics are woven
together to create an immersive and fun experience for the player.

GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On successful completion of this course, all students will have developed knowledge and
understanding of:
 Environment Design for games
 Level Design for games
 3D level design principles and practice
On successful completion of this course, all students will have developed their skills in:
 Understanding game level design challenges as solutions
 Developing coherent game environments
On successful completion of this course, all students will have developed their appreciation
of and respect for values and attitudes regarding the issues of:
 The solution to challenging problems in creating game levels
 Designing beautiful environments for video games
CONTENT AND SCHEDULE:

TOPIC: Prior to the class, you

should read these texts:

WEEK Introduction to Level Design and

1 Mechanics

WEEK Mechanics and Game Analysis I

2

WEEK Mechanics and Game Analysis II

3

WEEK Level Design Analysis

4

WEEK Level Design in UE5

5

WEEK Workshop and Feedback

6

WEEK Mid-Term Assignment/Project

7-9

WEEK Environment Art in UE5

10

WEEK Applied Level Design in Game Engine I

11

WEEK Applied Level Design in Game Engine II

12

WEEK Applied Level Design in Game Engine III

13

WEEK Workshop and Feedback

14

WEEK Lecture ends this week.

15 - 16 FINAL EXAMS WEEK
TEACHING/LEARNING APPROACH:
This course is composed of lectures, class work, assignments and a final project. The students
should participate in 80% of the class work and should submit/complete all their assignments
and projects.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Mid-term Project % : 30
Final Project % : 40
Class Work % : 20
Attendance % % : 10

COURSE POLICIES:
PLAGIARISM
This is intentionally failing to give credit to sources used in writing regardless of whether they are
published or unpublished. Plagiarism (which also includes any kind of cheating in exams) is a
disciplinary offence and will be dealt with accordingly.)

GRADING CRITERIA:
(A)(A-): exceeded expectations, work above what is required, superior, excellent: Students work and
understanding of the topics in the course contents is of exceptional quality and the submissions (of exam papers and/or
assignments / homeworks) shows a depth of understanding of the issues embodied in the program / course outline. Excellent
understanding of the concepts and the principles of the concerned theme as demonstrated by correct and accurate knowledge
and application of practical home work. Response to problems / questions is clear, legible, concise and accurate. Completing
all of the assignments on time in an outstanding manner. Excellent performance.
(B+)(B)(B-)(good): met all expectations as specified for the class in a professional manner, good: Student's
work demonstrates above average understanding of the issues embodied in the program / course outline. Better than average
understanding of the concepts and the principles of the concerned theme as demonstrated by correct and accurate knowledge
(as shown in exam papers) and application of home work, but doesn’t have the depth and outstanding quality of “A”. Response
to problems / questions in exams is fairly clear, legible, but occasionally contains some inaccuracies. Completing assignments
on time in an above average manner. Performance exceeds the minimum requirements.
(C+)(C)(C-) (average): met minimum class requirements: Student's work (as shown in exam papers and/or
assignments) meets the minimum requirements of objective criteria. Work shown in exam papers and assignments
demonstrates average understanding and effort. An average understanding of the concepts and the principles of the
concerned theme as demonstrated by reasonably correct knowledge and application of practical work in answering questions /
solving problems / completing assignments etc., but doesn’t have any depth. Response to problems / questions is reasonably
clear, legible, but contains inaccuracies. It reveals a sufficient understanding of the issues, but lacks depth in understanding
and approach in tackling the problems / questions / issues. Content and form don’t go beyond basic expectations and/or display
some substantial errors. Acceptable performance that doesn’t go beyond the minimum requirements.
(D+)(D) (narrowly fail): did not meet minimum requirements: Student's work does not adequately fulfill
requirements, but still deserves credit. It demonstrates weak / below average understanding and/or effort. The answers to the
questions do not show reasonably correct knowledge; they do not meet the minimal standards yet reveal insufficient
understanding of the issues concerned. Performance demonstrates severe problems in many areas. Completing assignments
on a level measurably below average, incomplete assignments or not completing many assignments. Student has to make
more effort to pass the course.
(D-)(F) (fail): did not meet minimum requirements and must repeat the course next semester: Student's work
is unresolved, incomplete and/or unclear. Minimum course objectives are not met, and student's work demonstrates lack of
understanding or effort. Performance is not acceptable. Work does not meet the most minimal standards. It reveals no
understanding of the issues concerned, lack of basic academic skills and knowledge or completely incomprehensible writing.
Not completing many of the assignments, or completing assignments inadequately or both.
(NG) (nil grade): Failure due to absence. Indicates poor attendance and/or failure to complete assigned work including
exams. Conditions that lead to NG Grade.
i) Not attending the Class and Studios more than 30% of the total hours.
ii) Not attending any Mid-term and / or final exams or submitting any course work assignments.