To help you transition smoothly onto the BSc (Hons) Games Design course and prepare for the content ahead, we have outlined a few activities for you to complete before you arrive. These will introduce you to some of the key industry tools and help you begin developing your understanding of game design, storytelling and narrative.
Software to Install
If possible, please install the following software before the start of the course:
Unreal Engine 5.5
Blender
These tools will form an important part of your design workflow, from creating and prototyping environments to developing and visualising gameplay experiences.
If you are unable to install or run this software on your personal computer, please do not worry. You will have access to the required software and facilities when you begin the course.
Blender Practice
Spend some time familiarising yourself with the Blender interface and the basics of 3D modelling. A useful starting point is:
Blender Guru – YouTube channel
Try exploring basic navigation and experimenting with simple activities such as creating, moving, rotating and scaling objects. You do not need any previous experience with Blender, and you are not expected to create anything complex before starting the course.
Narrative Research Task
Explore how storytelling is used to enhance the player experience in modern games.
You may look at games such as:
The Last of Us – Naughty Dog
Cyberpunk 2077 – CD Projekt Red
Alternatively, you can choose another game that you know well or find particularly interesting. Consider:
- Narrative structure
- Character development
- World-building
- Player choice and agency
- Environmental storytelling
- How emotion is created through gameplay and story
Make a few short notes about what you find particularly effective and why. Think about what engages you as a player and how some of these approaches could inspire your own game design ideas.
You do not need to produce a formal written submission. The purpose of this activity is simply to begin thinking critically about how games use storytelling, characters and environments to create engaging player experiences.
