Students will analyze contrasting games through a player-centered lens, identify early patterns in engagement and responsible design, and complete a rapid paper-prototype cycle that makes feedback-driven iteration visible.

Students will investigate a defined player audience through ethical interviews, surveys, gameplay observation, and evidence analysis. Teams will distinguish user evidence from assumptions, identify patterns involving engagement, accessibility, meaning, and well-being, and produce a research-supported empathy map and player profile.

Students will synthesize audience research into an evidence-based design brief, generate and evaluate distinct game concepts, and build a low-fidelity gameplay prototype. They will use responsible-design criteria and peer feedback to revise the prototype before passing a phase milestone.

Students will test a playable game with representative users, analyze usability and ethical-design evidence, complete two documented revision cycles, validate the refined build, and prepare a stakeholder-facing design defense.

Students will complete a launch-readiness review, revise their games through structured peer feedback, and publicly present playable builds to an authentic audience. They will defend responsible design decisions with audience and playtest evidence, collect final usability feedback, and reflect on how their game became fun, meaningful, accessible, and playable.