Final Exam Details :: Foundations of Interactive Game Design :: CS 80K

The final exam for CS 80K consists of a take-home part and an in-class part.

At home: Create a non-computer game

Before the final exam, you must create an original non-computer game, and then bring a printout of the rules to the final exam. This is an individual effort. You can develop any kind of game, so long as it does not use a computer, and meets the guidelines posted below. The class text has multiple examples of non-computert games that you can use as inspiration. You may discuss your game with other classmates or people before the exam. You may play test your game before the exam. Some possibile categories for your game include, but are not limited to:

• Board game
• Card game
• Puzzle game
• Role playing game
• Children's game

Guidelines for the game are as follows:

• The game must have a name
• The rules must be typed, and fit on no more that 2 pages (10pt or larger, multi-column is OK)
• Game elements (game pieces, boards, cards, dice, etc.) are not part of the 2 pages
• No restrictions on game media (cardboard, plastic, leather, it's all OK)
• The game must be playable inside the Media Theater while many other students are also playing their games
• A complete game should take less than 30 minutes
• The game must not be a drinking game.
• Game must be original. No minor variants on existing games. Major variants of existing games are OK.
• Game play must not involve breaking laws or campus regulations (the "Don't get your professor in trouble" rule)
• No flames, uncontrolled liquids, knives, swords, whips, or functional weapons of any kind

During the exam: Play your game, write about it

You must bring to the exam a printout of your typed rules. You must also bring all items needed to play your game at least twice. During the exam you will play your game with other students in the class, and you will play their game. This game play process will take about 75 minutes.

Once you have finished playing games, you will write a short essay, 2-4 pages, describing the aspects of your game design that worked well, aspects that can be improved, and an overall impression of the gameplay. This essay must link discussion back to concepts discussed during class this quarter, including (but not limited to) challenge, conflict, rewards structures, emergent behavior, and fictional background.

The exam is open-book, open-note.

Recommended Preparation

Recommended preparation for exam involves spending 3-5 hours re-reading and reviewing the course texts covering the topics of challenge, conflict, rewards structures, emergent behavior, and fictional background. We then recommend spending another 2-4 hours creating your game and typing up its rules. If you are focused, you should be able to successfully prepare for this exam in one day. Staying up all night studying is not recommended, and is likely counter-productive. A solid night's sleep (8+ hours) is perhaps the best possible preparation for the exam, once you have created your game.

Final Q&A

Q: Can I bring food to the exam?
A: Yes, that's fine. Your brain runs on sugars, and needs energy for peak performance.

Q: Should I bring some paper to write my essay?
A: That's a good idea. We'll have some available, but you are encouraged to bring your own. Bring at least two pens as well.

Last modified: 1/2/2008