Study Guide

Objective

On completion of the course the student will understand the basic principles of game industry and game entrepreneurship. They will have a core understanding of customer-centred development and recognise the central tools for driving business. They understand the expense structure of a game startup, and the funding mechanisms available for Finnish game companies in their early stage. They recognise the requirements of a game development project for a game startup. They have made a simple game company business plan and analysed an existing business.

This course is meant for both for students and members of LGIN Incubation Track teams. Collaboration between the two is encouraged.

Content

• industry overview and some future predictions
• basics of strategic thinking
• game industry business models
• product strategy
• legal requirements
• understanding expenses
• funding games 101
• team and roles
• company culture
• understanding customers – player personas and market research
• test marketing
• basics of playtesting
• production philosophy

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student has made a game company business plan and analysed an existing business. The student understands the core principles of game business, game entrepreneurship, and developing a product as a game startup.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has achieved the course objectives well, even though the knowledge and skills need improvement on some areas. Student has made a game company business plan and analysed an existing business, and is able to identify their core risks and strengths. The student understands the core principles of game business, game entrepreneurship, and developing a product as a game startup well, and is able to participate in the development of a game startup.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks. Student has analysed an existing business and made a game company business plan, and is able to make a justified and fluent analysis on the validity of one. The student understands the core principles of game business, game entrepreneurship, and developing a product as a game startup excellently, and is well prepared to participate in the development of a game startup.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student has made a game company business plan and analysed an existing business. The student understands the core principles of game business, game entrepreneurship, and developing a product as a game startup.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of the development of digital games.