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So you want to be a games designer?

This is a Computer games and animation Subject Spotlight with Dr Peter Howell from University of Portsmouth. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Computer games and animation.

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In this Subject Spotlight, Peter Howell delivers a lecture from the University of Portsmouth’s BA (Hons) Computer Games Design (PH) course, with an overview of the process of games design from concept to creation. You will learn what it takes to become a critical games designer, learning about the different elements and mechanics to consider, as well as looking at The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a case study. You will then learn about what it means to be a critical games designer, taking on an activity which encourages you to study an existing game and consider the different elements that come together to enhance the player’s experience. Peter Howell will then give you a glimpse into the potential careers - obvious or not - that you could embark on with a degree in Games Design from the University of Portsmouth.

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About University of Portsmouth

Based in the heart of the UK's only island city, the University of Portsmouth is committed to giving every student a life-changing experience. Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community where students develop skills and confidence for a rewarding career. The campus is a compact site that's interwoven with the city and is just steps away from the beautiful seafront. Portsmouth is committed to their students’ futures too, with 94% of graduates in work or further study, and they offer a broad range of degrees across subjects including business, creative and cultural industries, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and technology. Learners will be able to access plenty of options for professional development through placement, work experience and volunteer opportunities. In addition, a dedicated careers and employability service is on hand with expert advice so Portsmouth's students are well placed for success and are given support well beyond graduation.

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Meet the academics

Dr Peter Howell

Peter Howell is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Design in the School of Creative Technologies at the University of Portsmouth, and the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Computer Games Design (PH). Peter has over 10 years experience teaching game design and development in Further and Higher Education, focusing primarily on game systems design, player experience design, 3D asset creation, level design and scripting, and academic games research. Peter has previously worked as a Game Designer for The Chinese Room and now leads the Advanced Games Research Group at the University of Portsmouth. Peter’s research focuses on the psychology of games and play and particularly on the effects of subverting player expectations. More broadly, Peter is interested in the application of psychological theory to the practices of game design, game play, and games education.

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Interactive quizzes and activities

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What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

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Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

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The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!