This document discusses research and pre-production techniques for game development. It introduces Japanese word "irashimasu" and outlines aims for a class on initial research methods, including having students ask questions about gameplay, establish preferences, and explain why pre-production is important. Various research techniques like focus testing, analyzing development processes, and considering localization are presented. Students are assigned tasks to document their own gameplay and compare it to an online gamelog site to apply these research concepts.

1. Japanese Word of the Week (7)Irashimasuいらっしゃいます[Ura-shi-masu]You can also say YoKoso (which is where ‘yo’ comes from)

2. Aims & ObjectivesAims:Introduction to the units, presentation on the types of initial research and pre-production used in games developmentObjectives:All students will be able to ask 1 question about gameplayMost students will be able to establish evidence of preference through gameplaySome students will be able to explain why initial pre-production and research is carried out

3. Research and Pre-Productionw/c 10th January 2011Unit 3 Research Techniques for Media IndustriesUnit 1 Pre-Production for Media Industries

4. Research Techniques1 Understand the purposes of research in the media industries2 Be able to apply a range of research methods and techniques3 Be able to present results of research.

5. Pre-Production Techniques1 Understand requirements for production2 Be able to obtain resources for production3 Be able to apply production logistics.

6. I Play What I Like!2007Enchanted ArmsOblivionGRAWGRAW 2Rainbow 6: Las Vegas2009GTA4Gears of WarCOD 4: Modern WarfareModern Warfare 2Bioshock2011????????????Take some time to think about the games you have played over the last 3 years

7. Why is Documenting GameplayImportant?

8. Why is Documenting GameplayImportant?Focus testingDevelopment techniquesLocalisationReview

9. Focus TestingFocus groups are key to this term. By the end of term you will be able to: Document group preferences (on video)

10. See the impact of focus testing on newly released games

11. Explore your gameplay and record findingsDevelopment TechniquesBy playing games yourself, you will be able to dissect games at first hand. At the end of this term you will be able to: Break down game designs in detail

12. Read about and understand development blogs

13. Begin a blueprint for your final game designLocalisationUnderstanding local customs and language intricacies is key to developing a game that everyone wants to play. At the end of this term you will be able to: Highlight possible custom issues in existing games

14. Explore the world of gaming through someone else‘s eyes

15. Suggest effective localisation opportunities in your proposed game designReviewThink you’ve played every game imaginable? Chances are you haven’t even scratched the surface. By the end of this term you will be able to: Give an overview of a chosen genre citing key evidence of played games

16. Explore how journalists influence the making of world-beating games

17. Compare and contrast genre and games within genre to express preferencesActivityDiscuss amongst yourselves the games you have played over the Christmas period. When your time is up, give me 2 questions that were asked the most during your discussions.

18. 4 Ws and H

19. WWWWHhathenherehyow

20. Why here now?

21. Task 1Using a game of your choice, go home, play it and blog the pros and cons of playing your chosen game.Psst! Use the simple research techniques listedTimescale: 1 week please

22. Storing InformationStoring info is key to how games are made.This term you will learn about:Gamelogs

23. GamecastO RLY?

24. Intro to Glogs

25. Task 2Go to the Gamelogs site and read about gamelogs (there are literally thousands). Then see how your task 1 results compare?Timescale: 2 weeks please

26. Next Week!More research techniques – the DL of answersGamecasting and why we do it…

27. Gamecast

28. Overview – What Have We Learned? The beginning of research techniques

29. Trying things out for yourself

30. Types of research

31. Pre-production starting point Have we met our outcomes?