UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

FIT1073 Game design

Faculty of Information Technology

FIT1073 Game design is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 3 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
4 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before FIT1073

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

After FIT1073

2 units list FIT1073 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Overview

Design worlds, shape stories, and test ideas - this is where game creation begins. This unit introduces the core principles of game design and storytelling for games. You'll explore how mechanics, systems, and narrative structures work across game contexts, and how design decisions shape the games we play. No prior coding experience is needed - this unit focuses on game design fundamentals through paper-based prototypes and creative experimentation. Working in a collaborative environment, you'll design, test, and refine your ideas while building skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback. This unit is entirely a combination of human-human interaction and paper-based game-making; no generative AI is allowed or involved in learning tasks. The combination of theory and practice in this unit is geared to equip you with the skills to not only design games, but also to critique existing games and new game ideas. The unit provides knowledge and skills, which you can apply within game development projects across subsequent units within the Games and Immersive Media major.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonFlexible

Assessment

  • Building a Game WorldPresentation
    15%
  • Detailing a Game EnvironmentPresentation
    15%
  • Major Game DesignProject
    40%
  • Reflection and ReviewWritten
    30%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Construct a game narrative that expresses effective structure and mapping of plotlines and characters;

  2. 2

    Design environments with clearly indicated game mechanics, level design and balancing;

  3. 3

    Formulate a theoretical game design to a specific brief, implementing effective game narrative, mechanics, level design and balancing;

  4. 4

    Constructively critique game designs based on understanding of good design principles;

  5. 5

    Work collaboratively in a team environment.

  6. 6

    Explain the ethical responsibilities of game designers by analysing how design choices can create unintended social or psychological harms.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars12 hours
  • Studio activities36 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

There are no recommended texts for this unit, though links to online publications and PDFs and books relating to weekly material will be provided in the lecture and tutorial notes.

Technology resources

This unit does not have any technology requirements for the class sessions. All work within class is done without the use of electronic devices. You will be expected to have a web-connected device (i.e., laptop or tablet) for completion of assessment tasks outside of class time.

Where it fits

FIT1073 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Mx Josh Olsen

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FIT1073?

FIT1073 has no prerequisites.

What can I take after FIT1073?

FIT1073 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including EDF3406 and FIT2145. Those lead on to 3 units in all.

When is FIT1073 offered?

In 2026, FIT1073 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

How much work is FIT1073?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does FIT1073 have an exam?

No. FIT1073 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include FIT1073?

FIT1073 is part of Games and immersive media; Games design; and Games development.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20232024202520262027