IGB400 Game Studio 3: Game Innovation


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:IGB400
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:IGB300 OR IFB398
Coordinator:Daniel Johnson | dm.johnson@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit explores how game technology and design can be applied in innovative ways. This unit aims to extend your discipline expertise, providing you with the additional knowledge, skills and insights that allow you to create an innovation within the field. Furthermore, you will be able to explore innovation within the games industry or impact more broadly on other industries. You will have the opportunity to research and apply generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their project, exploring use cases such as text generation, code generation, and 2D/3D asset generation.

The unit has a particular focus on helping you create a well rounded portfolio, social media profiles, curriculum vitae as well as developing your interview and job test skills to support you post graduation. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Integrate in-depth of knowledge in a game development discipline.
  2. Create game innovation through creative problem solving and reflective knowledge integration.
  3. Work independently and critically reflective professional practice.
  4. Effectively use oral and written communication to articulate project process and outcomes.
  5. Prepare and review your professional profile and clearly articulate your career goals and professional capabilities in the form of curriculum vitae.

Content

The topics explored in this unit include:

  • Research to identify areas of innovation in your field of expertise
  • Project planning and proposal development
  • Independent implementation of the project plan to produce the specified outcome/output
  • Evaluation of the project outcome including an impact assessment
  • Ongoing oral and written reflection on the emerging knowledge, processes, etc.
  • Developing employment artefacts including a professional portfolio, CV and review of social media profiles.
  • Preparing for employment including interview and job test skills.

Learning Approaches

This unit uses a mentoring approach to learning where you are in charge of and have responsibility for your own development.  You will be expected to search for and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources as well as develop of a project brief based on this research. At this stage of your course, it is expected that the project you undertake will be highly complex, requiring attention to a diverse and conflicting range of issues. You will be required to independently apply relevant knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the degree.

Teaching staff will use individual consultations to check-in on your progress and provide mentoring across the semester. These consultations will be supported by special-focus lectures that are directed at developing your capacity to innovate in the game design/development field. Workshops related to developing your professional profile will also be included at key times during the semester to prepare you for life after graduation. Furthermore, you will also be involved in seminar presentations that give you practical experience in preparation and presentation of ideas for peer group discussion.

Industry guest speakers from the Games Design Industry (including First Nations People) will be invited to discuss their work and career paths.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will have a range of opportunities to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit including:

  • Detailed formative feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your work and suggestions for further consideration on a weekly basis as part of your individual consultation with with your project supervisor.
  • Guidelines and objectives will be provided for each piece of assessment to help you assess your progress.
  • Opportunities for self and peer feedback will be available at seminars and workshops. 
  • Comprehensive written feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks via the rubric.
  • Student Success Group feedback is available on your Curriculum Vitae.

Assessment

Overview

You will be required to undertake three assessment tasks in this unit, which provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to meet the unit learning outcomes. The first task is an individual project requiring you to review your professional identity, prepare a Curriculum Vitae and update your professional portfolio. The second task is an individual project where you will present your intended project for development over the course of the semester with time for questions and answer at the end. The third task is an individual project consisting of the primary artefact you have worked on over the semester, relevant to addressing a gap in your portfolio from the first task, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in an area of your choosing.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Portfolio

This assessment requires to undertake three tasks related to your life after graduation:

  1. Review and update your professional identity on social media

  2. Prepare a Curriculum Vitae.

  3. Critique and update your professional portfolio. Your portfolio should represent a compilation of the output you have created throughout your degree including that created in this unit. This includes both the final output (e.g., games developed) as well project management processes, project management processes, comments and responses from meetings and presentations, and reflections of your growth as a game development professional. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 5
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Seminar Presentation with Q&A (Oral or Group)

Seminar presentation (with accompanying slides) assessed by a panel of academics, with input from an industry representative and/or peers. The presentation will include a question and answer component, assessing reasoning and design decisions to determine depth and breadth of learning.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Weight: 20
Length: 15 mins total (10 mins presentation, 5 mins questions)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Project (Applied) with Check-ins

The project format is variable for different disciplines, and could take form of a discussion paper, case study, design, creative work (e.g., game), model, simulation, algorithm, or a technical demonstration of GenAI or other emerging technologies. Project progress will be monitored through a series of structured check-ins with the teaching team and will provide frequent opportunities for individual feedback.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Fortnightly check-ins are 5-10 mins throughout semester

Weight: 60
Length: 5-10 minute check-ins fortnightly
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Part A due Week 6, Part B due Week 13.
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

There is no required textbook for this unit. A list resources will be offered to you in week one, and at other times in response to individual student work.

Resource Materials

Other

Canvas site.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

IN05 Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments

  1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of games and interactive environments principles and theory, with an in-depth knowledge of one games-related discipline.
    Relates to: ULO1, Seminar Presentation with Q&A (Oral or Group), Project (Applied) with Check-ins
  2. Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
    Relates to: ULO2, Project (Applied) with Check-ins
  3. Create engaging and meaningful games experiences for specific target audiences in partnership with diverse industry and community stakeholders using industry-relevant software and technologies..
    Relates to: ULO2, Project (Applied) with Check-ins
  4. Communicate complex concepts at all stages of the development cycle to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written, oral and interactive visual formats.
    Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Portfolio, Seminar Presentation with Q&A (Oral or Group), Project (Applied) with Check-ins
  5. Critically reflect on social, ethical, cultural, legal and accessibility issues in the context of games and interactive environments, including as they relate to First Nations Australians.
    Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio, Seminar Presentation with Q&A (Oral or Group), Project (Applied) with Check-ins
  6. Evidence the development of your learning, professional capabilities and skills through creating a curated portfolio of work.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, Portfolio, Seminar Presentation with Q&A (Oral or Group), Project (Applied) with Check-ins