If you are looking at studying one of our Games degrees, your modules will span a variety of disciplines, such as game design, development, digital art and programming. Playing a variety of different games can enhance your understanding of these areas.
Here are the top five games that are not only fun to play, but also serve as learning tools, offering insights into different elements of game development.
1. Celeste (2018) – Game Design and Level Design
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Celeste is an example of tight platforming mechanics and exceptional level design. As a Games student, this title offers a masterclass in how to teach players mechanics progressively while maintaining challenging and engaging gameplay. The game’s pixel art style, coupled with the intricacies of its level design, will give you an insight into how simple mechanics, when combined with smart design, can create an emotionally compelling and challenging experience.
Key learning points:
- Teaching mechanics through level progression
- Incorporating narrative into gameplay
- Effective use of visual and auditory feedback
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) – Open World Design and Environmental Storytelling
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Breath of the Wild is praised for its open-world design and non-linear gameplay, offering players complete freedom to explore the world and approach problems in various ways. This is invaluable for understanding how game designers can empower players by providing freedom while maintaining a sense of structure and purpose. The environmental storytelling in this game, where the world itself tells a story through subtle visual cues and landmarks, is an essential study for aspiring game designers and narrative designers.
Key Learning Points:
- Creating immersive experiences
- Open-world mechanics
- Environmental storytelling
3. Hades (2020) – Procedural Generation and Narrative Integration
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Hades, a rogue-like dungeon crawler, is notable for its excellent use of procedural generation combined with an evolving narrative. The game dynamically weaves storylines into repeated playthroughs, keeping the game fresh. This makes it a great case study for students interested in procedural content generation and interactive narrative design. Its snappy combat system and beautifully hand-drawn art style offer lessons in tight, responsive gameplay and character design.
Key Learning Points:
- Procedural level and content generation
- Integrating narrative into gameplay loops
- Responsive controls and combat design
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4. Journey (2012) – Art Direction and Minimalist Design
Platform: PS4, PC
Journey is an excellent example of how minimalist design can convey powerful emotions. This game strips down mechanics to their core and focuses on creating an emotional experience through art, music, and subtle interaction. Journey's cooperative multiplayer system, where players can interact without words, demonstrates how innovative design can break language barriers and create emotional bonds between players.
Key Learning Points:
- Minimalist game mechanics and design
- Art direction and visual storytelling
- Innovative multiplayer interaction
5. Minecraft (2011) – Systems Design and User-Generated Content
Platform: PC, Console, Mobile
You’ve most likely heard of or played Minecraft, and as a sandbox game, it allows for infinite creativity, making it a valuable study for systems design and user-generated content. With its simple design, the game places emphasis on player creativity and exploration, offering deep insights into how systems interact to create complex, immersive gameplay. For students interested in game programming and systems development, Minecraft provides a clear example of how basic building blocks can lead to complex player-driven narratives.
Key Learning Points:
- Systems design
- User-generated content and modding
- Procedural generation and world-building
Each of these games offers distinct lessons that align with the skills you’ll develop during your time studying one of our Games courses. Playing these titles with a critical eye will help you with your course modules, equipped with insights into various aspects of the gaming world.