Do you want to create a 3D Serious Game?

What core drives make games like “Roblox” or “Brawl Stars” so addictive? Can these same core drives be used to educate players? In this English-taught minor, you will learn the fundamentals of game development in the “Unity 3D” game engine, 3D modelling in “Autodesk Maya”, animation, scripting, storytelling, gamification, and more, with one goal: “Create a fun, challenging, and immersive 3D serious game with a serious message.”

Course Content

What you will learn…
Using a hands-on approach, you will learn the fundamentals of game development: From narrative design to UI development, from game mechanics to game scripting, from level design to 3D modelling and texturing, and from animation to sound design. You might be thinking: “Is all of this even possible within one minor?” Absolutely!

Now for the serious part…
A serious game raises awareness, breaks behavioural patterns, teaches motor skills, or conditions a player. A serious game can change the way players think, behave, or act. In this way, serious games help solve complex problems.

In concrete terms…
The minor consists of the following four courses:

• “Design Fundamentals” teaches the basics of storytelling, narrative design, game mechanics, UI/UX design, and level design.
• “Unity Fundamentals” teaches the basics of terrain building, scripting, asset management, animation, VFX, and SFX in the Unity 3D engine.
• “Art Fundamentals” teaches the basics of 3D modelling and texturing using Autodesk Maya.
• “Gamification” teaches the theory behind games and how to apply it to make your game challenging, immersive, or even addictive.

All the knowledge gained in these modules will come together in one final product: A 3D Serious Game.

Target group

This minor is suitable for anyone who wants to start creating interactive serious games or explore how the world of interactive 3D games works. No prior knowledge is required. Experience with graphic software or programming is helpful but not required. Both the classes and the course materials are in English. To participate, students must have a good laptop, preferably with a dedicated graphics card.

Why this minor?

• Do you want to learn how games are made?
• Do you want to discover how games can help people learn or change behaviour?
• Do you have a challenge or problem you would like to gamify?
• Are you curious about how games work, and would you like to create a digital interactive experience?

Then this is the minor for you.

Course structure

The minor consists of four modules:

• Unity Fundamentals
• Design Fundamentals
• Art Fundamentals
• Gamification

In addition, there is a group project: Create a 3D Serious Game.

For more information and/or a copy of the manual, please get in touch with the minor coordinator: b.slaghuis@saxion.nl. 

Activities
Learning to create 3D assets Programming game scripts Learning about interactive storytelling in a game engine Designing game mechanics Creating an interactive and educational user experience.

Assessment methods

• The modules “Unity Fundamentals”, “Design Fundamentals” and “Art Fundamentals” are assessed through an individual assignment.
• “Gamification” and “Project: Create a 3D Serious Game” are assessed through a group assignment.

How do I register?

The registration process for a Kies op Maat minor at Saxion is a bit different from what is described on the website www.kiesopmaat.nl.

How does it work?

Step 1: Download the learning agreement from the Kies op Maat website and have it signed by the examination board of your home institution. Also sign the learning agreement yourself.

Step 2: Start your enrolment via Studielink (www.studielink.nl). Go to the “Courses” tab and click on “Add new enrolment request”. Then select Saxion as the “Educational institution” and enter “KOM” as the search term. A list of all the minors will appear. Make sure you choose the correct minor. After the registration in Studielink, you will receive two emails: one that confirms your registration at Saxion and immediately afterwards an email with the login code and link for the Osiris registration portal. You can upload the signed learning agreement in the Osiris registration portal.

Due to the transition to a new registration system, you will receive these emails starting April 1!

If you have any questions about the registration, please contact our Servicepoint via 088 – 019 3000 / servicepoint@saxion.nl.

For questions about the content of the minor, please reach out to the minor contact person.