GAME DEV'S TOOLKIT
A cooperative tool about estimating game development tasks.
By Sai Manmita Singari ,Georgi Madzharov, Nickos Spyrakos Anargyros Freskos, Tim Dijkstra
PREMISE
As part of a project aimed at building confidence in new game designers at HKU, I explored how collaborative learning can demystify the game development process.
I was interested in how first-year students, often unfamiliar with production workflows, could gain a better grasp of task estimation and project phases through active discussion and teamwork.
This led to the Project AAA, a cooperative game designed to help students engage with the realities of game development. By estimating the time required for different tasks in varied contexts, players learn to express their design knowledge, make informed decisions, and grow more confident in their abilities.
This toolkit encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and a shared understanding of what it takes to bring a game to life.
Research
For Project AAA, I explored how collaborative exercises can build confidence in game design students by making the production process tangible and engaging. To create a meaningful and reflective gameplay experience, I integrated several interconnected themes around task estimation, team discussion, and production phases, as summarized here:
Production Phases
The core mechanic centers around tasks drawn from various phases of the game development pipeline—concept, pre-production, production, and testing.
Each task is presented on a card and prompts students to estimate the time needed to complete it, reflecting real-world challenges in project planning and time management.
Randomized Context
To simulate diverse development scenarios, the game uses randomized "wheels of names" to assign a genre and work sphere for each session. This adds context and variability, encouraging players to adapt their thinking based on different project scopes and team roles.
Discussion & Learning
Players are encouraged to discuss and debate task durations collaboratively, drawing on their understanding and experience. This process not only fosters critical thinking but also helps students articulate their design knowledge, building confidence in their judgment and communication skills.
Co-operation
The game’s cooperative nature reflects the necessity of joint action in combating climate change. Mechanics such as trading, donations, and joint technology building reinforce the theme of shared responsibility and collective resilience.
Simulation
By simulating project planning and estimation under various constraints, Project AAA gives players a taste of real-world production pressures. This interaction offers practical insight into the complexities of development workflows, making learning hands-on and relatable.
End Goal
The goal of Project AAA is twofold—help students understand the structure and demands of game development, and empower them to express their design thinking with greater confidence. Through open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, students build foundational skills that support their growth as designers.
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Game development pipelines (ideation → pre-production → production → testing → launch) follow similar phases worldwide, making the core structure of the game relevant in any introductory game design course.
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The focus on time estimation, collaborative discussion, and task categorization is not region-specific—these are universal challenges in game development.
Relevance
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Prompt cards could be slightly localized to reflect tools or workflows more familiar in a given region or institution (e.g., regional software preferences, cultural examples).
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Language translation and minor terminology shifts (e.g., "work sphere" vs. "discipline") could help integrate it seamlessly in non-Dutch or non-English contexts.
Tuning
Applications
Project AAA could be useful in other educational contexts:
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Game design workshops for high schoolers or beginners outside HKU.
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Orientation programs for new interns or junior developers in studios, to promote team communication and time awareness.
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Team-building exercises in creative disciplines like UX design, animation, or app development, by customizing prompt cards and work spheres.
Its flexible, discussion-based structure makes it a great scaffold for learning any iterative production process. Want ideas on how it can be adapted for a broader audience?
