Game Design + Games & Interactive Media Concentration

About this opportunity

The GAME School educates the next generation of learners and empowers them with technofluency — its development, application and implications. We prepare students to be socially aware, critically thinking global citizens who strive to bring about positive change in a society that will be increasingly shaped by revolutions in new technologies.

Game Design, BS 

The Game Design BS program within The GAME School (Games, Arts, Media, and Engineering) prepares students to become innovative game creators, scholars, and critical thinkers. The program embraces a holistic approach to games, exploring not only their design and development but also their cultural significance, social impact, historical context, and theoretical frameworks.

Media Arts and Sciences (Games and Interactive Media concentration), BS

In the Bachelor of Science program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in games and interactive media, students learn to create computational media, which is computation combined with objects, sound, video, time, space, culture and bodies; breathe behavior into media, objects or systems by programming; and think critically about how computation impacts lives and how culture makes a difference in how people experience computational media, a critical skill in this age.

This concentration program in games and interactive media pairs a maker approach with a rich historical and conceptual understanding of games, augmented and virtual reality, esports, and location-based and themed environments and experiences. Working within this interdisciplinary program, students create, envision and critique digital and hybrid spaces that impact work, education, communication, interpersonal relationships, entertainment, physical and mental health care, and lifelong learning.

Thesis

Barrett students in Game Design are encouraged to develop thesis projects that demonstrate technofluency: technical proficiency, creativity, and critical engagement with the social, cultural, and ethical implications of media technologies. 

The specific requirements, format, and scope of both the creative component and the written element will be determined by the Thesis Director in consultation with the committee, based on the nature of the individual project. Your Thesis Director has primary control over these varying requirements, ensuring they are appropriate for your specific project.

Students are encouraged to view examples of previous projects through the Barrett Digital Collection* and to attend the annual GAME School capstone showcase to see the range of work being produced by their peers.

* Note: these projects are categorized under varying terms.

Committee Formation

Thesis Director: The Director must be a full-time ASU faculty member in the GAME School with expertise in game design, game studies, or related fields. It is recommended that students choose a faculty member with whom they have previously worked, such as in upper-division courses or through honors contracts. The Director provides primary guidance throughout the thesis process.

Second Committee Member: The Second Committee Member may be any ASU faculty member or qualified professional in a related field. They assist with research support, reviewing drafts, and providing feedback.

Third Committee Member (optional): A Third Committee Member can offer insights from multiple disciplines, industry, or the larger community. With agreement from the Thesis Director, students may apply for the External Examiner Program, which provides funding for an expert outside of ASU to serve as a Third Committee Member.

Types of Projects

Game Design encourages thesis projects that align with Barrett’s five thesis pillars. The following are suggestions to inspire your thinking, but your specific project may take many forms as determined in collaboration with your Thesis Director:

1. Research

Projects may focus on original research in game design and game studies, such as:

• Game Design Research: Analysis of game mechanics, systems design, or level design principles.
• Player Experience Research: Studies on user experience, playtesting methodologies, or player behavior.
• Game Studies: Critical analysis of games as cultural artifacts, cultural themes in games, or historical evolution of games.
• Technical Research: Exploration of game engines, procedural generation, or emerging technologies in games.
• Theoretical Frameworks: Development of new approaches to understanding game design or play.

2. Creative Project

Original game-related work, such as:

• Game Development: Creation of video games, board games, table-top games, card games, or hybrid experiences.
• Game Design Documents: Comprehensive design documentation for game concepts.
• Experimental Mechanics: Development and testing of novel game mechanics or systems.
• Narrative Design: Creation of branching narratives, worldbuilding, or character development for games.
• Game Art: Development of visual styles, character design, or environmental art for games.
• Game Audio: Music composition, sound design, or audio systems for interactive experiences.

3. Community Enrichment and Service

Projects benefiting the community through service, such as:

• Games for Societal Impact: Games addressing social issues or raising awareness.
• Accessible Design: Research or development of games with accessibility innovations.
• Educational Games: Games designed to teach specific skills or knowledge.
• Health Games: Games for therapy, rehabilitation, or health behavior change.
• Community-Based Game Design: Projects involving community members in the design process.
• Game Preservation: Documentation and preservation of gaming heritage.

Students who are interested in community-engaged projects are encouraged to work with their Thesis Director to discuss, identify, and carry out best practices, particularly those related to ethics, that are essential to this approach.

4. Global Engagement

Projects developing global awareness and engagement, such as:

• Cross-Cultural Game Design: Games exploring cultural exchange or global issues.
• Localization Studies: Research on how games are adapted across different cultures.
• Global Gaming Cultures: Analysis of how games are played and perceived worldwide.
• International Collaboration: Game projects developed with international partners.
• Cultural Representation: Critical analysis of how different cultures are represented in games.

Students interested in global engagement should explore options for study aboard programs.

5. Personal and Professional Development

Projects focusing on skills for career preparation, such as:

• Industry-Ready Portfolio: Development of polished game projects for professional portfolios.
• Game Industry Analysis: Research on business models, market trends, or development practices.
• Game Criticism: Development of critical frameworks for analyzing and evaluating games.
• Game Production: Research on project management methodologies for game development.
• Entrepreneurial Game Development: Business plans or prototypes for independent game studios.

Written Component

All thesis projects must include a written component that demonstrates scholarly engagement with games as cultural artifacts, interactive systems, and creative media. The format, length, and specific requirements of this written component will be determined by your Thesis Director based on the nature of your project. Some possible approaches include:

• Game Design Document: Comprehensive documentation of game concept, mechanics, systems, narrative, and implementation with theoretical context.
• Critical Analysis: An examination of how games relate to historical precedents, contemporary practice, cultural impact, or theoretical frameworks.
• Technical Documentation: Detailed documentation of development processes, technical decisions, and implementation challenges.
• Theoretical Framework: Development of new conceptual approaches to understanding games and play.
• Project Reflection: Critical reflection on the development process, design decisions, and lessons learned.

Your Thesis Director will provide guidance on the appropriate format, length, and scholarly approach for your specific project. What’s most important is that your written component demonstrates critical thinking about games and their contexts whether your project is primarily creative, technical, or research-oriented.

Defense Format

While defense formats may vary based on your Thesis Director’s preferences and the nature of your project, a defense typically takes shape as a presentation that provides an overview of the creative/technical work and the project’s analytical and research-based elements. The student’s presentation is followed by audience questions, a Q&A with committee members, and a reporting of the outcome of the defense. These are public events and students may invite guests.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will be established by your Thesis Director and committee members based on the specific nature and goals of your project. It is important to discuss evaluation criteria with your Thesis Director early in the process to ensure clear expectations. While criteria will vary, some aspects that may be considered include:

• Creativity in approach to games or game studies
• Technical implementation and quality
• Analytical rigor and theoretical grounding
• Integration of research with practice
• Critical engagement with game studies theories
• Quality of written analysis and documentation
• Ability to articulate and defend project choices during the defense

Academic Preparation

Students should begin preparing for their thesis early in their academic career:

First and Second Years:

• Complete foundational coursework in your concentration.
• Develop technical, creative, and analytical skills.
• Begin exploring areas of interest through honors contracts.
• Attend GAME School capstone showcases and Barrett thesis symposia.

Junior Year:

• Take upper-division courses in your area of specialization.
• Connect with potential thesis directors.
• Begin developing thesis ideas.
• Complete the mandatory Barrett Thesis Workshop.
• Complete the prospectus.

Senior Year:

• Register for thesis credits.
• Work closely with your committee to develop and complete your project.
• Prepare for and complete your defense.

Recommended Timeline

• Junior Year, Fall Semester: Attend the Barrett Thesis Workshop and begin exploring potential thesis topics.
• Junior Year, Spring Semester: Identify a Thesis Director, finalize committee, and complete the prospectus.
• Senior Year, Fall Semester: Register for first semester thesis credits and begin project work.
• Senior Year, Spring Semester: Register for second semester thesis credits, complete your project, schedule and prepare for your defense.

Other Honors Opportunities

The GAME School offers various opportunities for honors students to enhance their academic experience, including honors contracts in upper-division courses, independent study with faculty, internships, and study abroad.