About this page

This portfolio showcases student game projects from the course "Principles of Game Design" [id-num] imparted at the Coburg University of Applied Science and Arts, Germany. The students that attend this course typically belong to the bachelor study programs in Visual Computing and Computer Science and they are typically in their 7th semester. The course takes place yearly, in the summer semester.

In the course, students learn about principles of game design. Their learning is reinforced 'by doing'. They are required to design a game, implement a first prototype and run tests on it. This can happen individually or in small groups. They are completely free to decide on the format, mechanics, platform, and visuals of the game. The theme of the course is "Coburg", the city where our University is located. Students aim to relate their game story around this concept.

On top of usability testing, by the end of the course we hold a 'Game Testing Day' where students test each other games, give feedback on visuals, engagement, usability and vote for their favorites.

Below you can explore the different games designed by the students. The showreel videos are also produced by the students. Some of the groups have also volunteered to showcase their explanation video of the game they designed. If you have questions contact Prof. Dr. Stephan Streuber per email.

Website by Alej Quirós.

2025 Games

Campus Cookout

Showreel coming soon.

Synopsis: Campus Cookout ist ein 2D-Kochsimulationsspiel mit Elementen aus Zeitmanagement und Ressourcenstrategie. Die Spieler*innen müssen in einer studentischen Mensa unter Zeitdruck verschiedene Gerichte zubereiten, Zutaten verwalten und Gäste effizient bedienen. Dabei stehen Multitasking, Planung und Reaktionsschnelligkeit im Vordergrund. Das Spiel vereint entspannte Casual-Mechaniken mit herausfordernden Management-Aspekten und bietet somit sowohl Unterhaltung als auch taktische Tiefe.
Credits*: cooming soon

Coburg Energized

Synopsis: Bei diesem Spiel handelt es sich um ein Tetris ähnliches Puzzlespiel. In der vollen Implementation würde es auch Elemente von Wirtschaftssimulationen und Resourcen-Management enthalten. Die Spielmechaniken und Eingaben sind momentan auf Maus und Keyboard ausgelegt. Daher werden nur Plattformen unterstützt, die diese Eingaben erlauben. Spezifisch wurde das Spiel auf Windows entwickelt. Es spielt in Coburg und ist daher vor allem für Bewohner von Coburg, als auch für Touristen von größerem Interesse. Weiterhin liegt der Fokus in dem Spiel auf erneuerbarer Solarenergie, welches ein wichtiges Thema in der heutigen Zeit ist.
Credits*: cooming soon

Color Dash

Synopsis: Casual Reflex/ Skill Game. Ein schnelles, reaktionsbasiertes Spiel mit Fokus auf handlungsorientierter Farbzuordnung unter Zeitdruck. Das Spiel wird primär als Browsergameentwickelt und optimiert, da das Steuerungskonzept auf Wischgesten basiert. Der Prototyp des Spiels ist eine Webapp, um eine schnelle Entwicklung und zügige Iterationen gewährleisten zu können. Unsere Zielgruppe sind vor allem Junge und junggebliebene Gelegenheitsspieler im Alter von 12–35 Jahren. Insbesondere Gamer, die kurze, herausfordernde Runden schätzen und Freude an Skill-basierten Minigames haben. Die Integration von lokalen Elementen macht das Spiel zudem für Bewohner*innen und gegebenenfalls auch Besucher*innen Coburgs attraktiv. Das Spiel kombiniert eine intuitive, süchtig machende Spielmechanik mit lokalem Bezug zur Stadt Coburg. Spieler*innen können Skins und Objekte mit Wiedererkennungswert sammeln, z.B. das Hochschul-Logo, die Veste Coburg oder einen Handball-Skin für den HSC Coburg. Diese Verbindung schafft ein Alleinstellungsmerkmal im Gaming-Bereich. Color-Dash-Coburg ist ein schnelles Skill-Spiel, das mit jedem Level schwieriger wird, durch z.B.: schnellere Bälle, schnellere Reaktionenoder mehrere Wände gleichzeitig. Die Spieler*innen bleiben durch das einfache Spielprinzip, die Progression und den Fokus der neuen Level dauerhaft motiviert.
Credits*: cooming soon

Echos Beneath Coburg

Synopsis: First-Person Horror Adventure mit leichter Puzzle-Komponente. Echoes beneath Coburg kombiniert ein lokal-historisches Setting (Friedhof und Tunnel unter Coburg) mit einem reduzierten Gameboy-Kamera-Look und einer ruhigen, aber intensiven Spielerfahrung, in der Licht, Bewegung und klares Denken überleben sichern. Ein stimmungsvolles Horror-Abenteuer unter dem Coburger Friedhof, in dem du mit Licht, Ritualen und Mut einem unbegreiflichen Wesen entkommen musst.
Credits*: cooming soon

Geheimakte Coburg

Synopsis: Geheimakte Coburg ist eine digitale Adaption des klassischen Detektivspiels Cluedo, angesiedelt in Coburg im 19. Jahrhundert. Die Spielerinnen und Spieler versuchen, einen fiktiven Mordfall durch logisches Kombinieren von Hinweisen aufzuklären. Ziel ist es, den Täter, die Tatwaffe und den Tatort korrekt zu identifizieren. Dabei begegnen sie mehreren historischen Persönlichkeiten aus der Coburger Stadtgeschichte. In Geheimakte Coburg schlüpfen die Spielerinnen und Spieler in die Rolle von Ermittlern, bewegen sich durch verschiedene Schauplätze in Coburg, stellen Vermutungen an und sammeln Hinweise im Austausch mit anderen Spielern.
Credits*: cooming soon

Gravity Rift

Synopsis: Gravity Rift, ein taktischer Sci-Fi-First-Person-Shooter, der im Rahmen des Kurses »Grundlagen des Game Design« an der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Coburg entwickelt wurde. Ziel des Projekts ist es, komplexe Gravitationseffekte spielmechanisch erlebbar zu machen und so eine neuartige Verbindung aus bodengebundenen Feuergefechten und realistisch simulierten Zero-G-Kämpfen zu schaffen. Das Kern-Gameplay basiert auf einem dynamischen Gravitationssystem, das den sofortigen Wechsel zwischen Schwerkraft-und Schwerelosigkeitsphasen erlaubt. Ergänzt wird dieses System durch ein trägheitsbasiertes Bewegungs-und Heat-Management-Modell, das taktische Entscheidungen in Echtzeit erzwingt. Eine lineare Einzelspieler-Kampagne führt die Spielenden durch ein detailreiches Asteroidenfeld und das Innere gigantischer Raumschiffe; jedes Level endet mit einem Boss-Encounter und einer Story-Sequenz im Stil eines »Star-Wars«-Crawls.
Credits*: cooming soon

Iron Curtain

Synopsis: Das vorliegende Dokument beschreibt die Grundidee und die Entwicklung des atmosphärischen Singleplayer-2D-Plattformers „Iron Curtain“. Dieser spielt in einer fiktiven Version Deutschlands um 1970 und ist von der deutschen Teilung inspiriert. Der Spieler schlüpft in die Rolle eines ehemaligen Bombenentschärfers, der durch eine massive Grenzmauer von seiner Familie getrennt ist. Ziel des Spiels ist es, durch ein linear aufgebautes Level und schlussendlich über diese Mauer zu gelangen. Der Fokus lag bei der Entwicklung besonders auf physikbasiertem Movement und einer stetig steigenden Schwierigkeit, welche durch präzises Timing sowie neue Fähigkeiten des Spielercharakters überwunden werden kann. Ein komplexes Wirtschaftssystem oder Kampfmechaniken fehlen bewusst, um die emotionale Erzählung und das plattformorientierte Gameplay in den Vordergrund zu rücken. Die Geschichte entfaltet sich über Umgebungsdetails und eingeblendete Texte, die den inneren Monolog des Protagonisten widerspiegeln. Die visuelle Gestaltung von „Iron Curtain“ wurde durch einen reduzierten Pixel-Art-Stil mit dunklen, entsättigten Farben, der die Kälte und Zerstörung der Welt einfangen soll, gelöst. Technisch wurde das Projekt in Unity mit C# realisiert, ein Großteil der Sprites und alle Animationen wurden in Aseprite erstellt. Zusätzlich zu den bisher zusammengefassten Aspekten werden in diesem Dokument das Playtesting und der tatsächliche Umfang des fertigen Prototypen verglichen mit dem Konzept des Spiels beschrieben. Entwickelt wurde der Prototyp im Rahmen des Kurses „Grundlagen des Game Design“ an der Hochschule Coburg. Trotz herausfordernder Learning-Curves in Unity und Balancing-Problematiken konnte zum Abgabetermin ein voll funktionsfähiger Prototyp mit klarer Progression präsentiert werden.
Credits*: cooming soon

Ladron

Synopsis: Ladron ist ein erzählerisch geprägtes Survival-Spiel, das den Alltag eines eher lernunwilligen Informatikstudierenden auf humorvolle Weise neu interpretiert. Der Spielende schlüpft in die Rolle von Ladron, der mithilfe eines großen Sprachmodells namens Noctula durch gezieltes Prompten versucht, sich Zugang zu streng vertraulichen Prüfungsergebnissen zu verschaffen. Dabei gilt es stets, dem wachsamen Professor Morning aus dem Weg zu gehen. Das Spiel thematisiert auf spielerische Weise den Umgang mit moderner Technologie, ethische Entscheidungen im Studium und die feine Grenze zwischen Kreativität und Täuschung.
Credits*: cooming soon

Locked In

Synopsis: Locked In: Lost in Safety ist ein Horrorspiel mit Fokus auf Survival und Escape. Das Spiel ist erstmals nur auf Windows spielbar. Das Spiel ist besonders gut geeignet für Horrorfans, die eine angespannte Atmosphäre und permanenten Nervenkitzel mögen. Das Spiel enthält zusätzlich Jumpscares mit denen der Spielerumgehen muss. Auch Spielerinnen und Spieler, die neugierig auf das Horror Genre sind oder kurze, intensive Spielerfahrungen bevorzugen, könnten angesprochen werden. Durch das einfache Spielprinzip eignet sich das Spiel auch für Genre-Einsteiger, die ohne komplexe Mechaniken eine spannende Atmosphäre erleben möchten. Das Spiel zeichnet sich durch ein dynamisches Leveldesign aus. Neue Gänge werden an existierende Stockwerke angedockt, Kisten, Türen und Radios erscheinen an wechselnden Positionen. So entsteht bei jedem Durchlauf ein unbekannter Grundriss, den der Spieler erst erkunden muss, vertraute Abkürzungen gibt es nicht. Die bedrohliche Stimmung entsteht durch den realistischen Grafikstil mit harten Hell-Dunkel-Kontrasten, dichten Schatten und einem räumlich präzisen Sounddesign, das den Gegner schon hörbar macht, bevor er zu sehen ist. Das Zusammenspiel aus unvorhersehbarer Architektur und sensorischer Reizüberflutung bildet den Kern des Spielerlebnisses.
Credits*: cooming soon

Night Fall

Synopsis: Nightfall over Coburg ist ein atmosphärisches 2D-Top-Down-Roguelike für Windows, indem du als namenloser Magier im verzauberten Hofgarten von Coburg sieben Minuten lang gegen Wellen übernatürlicher Kreaturen überleben musst. Deine Waffen feuern automatisch, während du dich bewegst und Upgrades wählst von Eiszaubern über Speere bis hin zu Tornados, um immer stärkeren Gegnern standzuhalten. Das Spiel nutzt eine realitätsnahe Nachbildung lokaler Wahrzeichen und Tag-Nacht-Zyklen, um über reine Spielmechaniken hinaus eine mysteriöse Stimmung zu erzeugen, ohne explizite Texte oder Zwischensequenzen. Nightfall over Coburg kombiniert schnelle Action-Loops mit dynamischem Balancing und lädt durch simplen Einstieg sowie hohe Wiederspielmotivation zum Ausprobieren verschiedener Upgrade-Strategien ein.
Credits*: cooming soon

Signal Trace

Synopsis: SignalTrace is a grid-based puzzle strategy game inspired by real-world signal transmission concepts like network pinging, routing, and obstruction analysis. In this solo-developed project, players guide a signal from a source tile to a destination while avoiding corrupted nodes and dynamically spreading interference. The development process included several phases: ideation and theme exploration, gameplay prototyping in WPF, visual experimentation, iterative level design, and in-game testing with AI-generated feedback. This document captures the complete journey of the game—from early sketches and mechanics to refined gameplay systems, technical implementation, UI polish, and game loop balancing. Special focus was placed on traceability, player feedback through visual effects, wall/maze integration, and high-score tracking to encourage speedrunning.
Credits*: cooming soon

Space Ranger

Synopsis: Space Ranger is a browser-based 2D side-scrolling shoot-em-up that puts the player in the cockpit of a lone space pilot battling waves of alien invaders. Built with HTML5, JavaScript, and the Canvas API, it runs seamlessly across desktop and mobile browsers without installations or plugins. With minimalist mouseonly controls, vertical movement via cursor position within the left third of the screen and continuous firing when clicked, players of all skill levels can jump straight into the retro-inspired action. Enemies arrive in escalating waves of increasing complexity and a challenging boss fight. A simple high-score system stored in local storage encourages replayability as players strive to survive longer and rack up points. The game’s visual style features low-resolution pixel art, animated parallax backgrounds, and contrasting effects for lasers and explosions, all accompanied by an energetic electronic soundtrack and lo-fi sound effects. Space Ranger’s streamlined interface displays health, score, and boss life bar with no keyboard input required, delivering a fast-paced, nostalgic arcade experience that is easy to learn but hard to master.
Credits*: cooming soon

Turbo Drift

Showreel coming soon.

Synopsis: cooming soon
Credits*: cooming soon

2024 Games

Attack on Shapes

Synopsis: [Coming soon!]
Credits*: [Coming soon!]

Bierpong

Synopsis: Bierpong Run – Die letzte Hoffnung is a humorous 2D side-scrolling jump’n’run game with pixel-art graphics, set in the real-world environment of Coburg, Germany. You play as a student and must deliver a crate of beer to your friends at the beerpong night to save the day. Starting from your apartment, you'll traverse multiple levels through the city, passing iconic locations like Schlossplatz and even catching a glimpse of Veste Coburg. Along the way, you'll collect multiple power-ups to overcome increasingly difficult obstacles and tricky platforming challenges. Beware: Falling and taking short cuts will be punished. Your goal is to reach the cafeteria and save the night. Only those with skill, timing, and a sense of humor can become Coburg’s last hope.
Credits*: cooming soon

Coburg Chronicles: Unresolved

Synopsis:
Alex Gibson, a Master detecive from Coburg has another case to solve! But the case is about his own Demise?Slip into the Role of the deceased detective, collect statements from various witnesses and collect items to find the culprit. Delve into the pixel style artstyle with the Classic Gameboy Color Scheme. Listen to an original composition specifically created for the game. Explore multiple areas around Coburg, visit various places, and discover every little detail. And most importantly: try to solve the case. Can you figure out the mastermind who is behind the murder of Alex Gibson?
Credits*:
SFX: GBFX Sound effects for Game Boy by Tronimal

Coburg Dungeon

Synopsis:
Coburg Dungeon is a Sidescroller Jump’n’Run game with pixel-art graphics. It plays in the medieval Coburg, especially in the fortress of Coburg, called Veste. The Veste got captured by the forces of general Wallenstein and your task is to infiltrate it, fight and defeat every enemy that stands in your way between you and the general. On your journey through the fortress, you encounter several weak and strong knights and at last the general. But beware, he may have some aces up his sleeve.Your main goal will be to kill the general which leads to the other forces fleeing the Veste and your victory.
Credits*:
Assets for knights: analogstudios (itch.io)
Asset for TileMap: Rottenpixels (itch.io)
Sounds: “RPG_Essentials_Free” – Leohpaz (itch.io)
Backgroundmusic: “Minifantasy – Dungeon Music Pack” – Leohpaz (itch.io)
Music for Boss fight: “Good Day to Die” – BreakingCopyright – Royalty Free Music (youtube.com)

Crop Quest

Synopsis:
The main aim of the "Crop Quest" project is to renovate and expand the farm and give it a personalised touch. In addition to the farm, the Coburg marketplace opens up opportunities to sell their own products and build their own reputation among the local population. The ability to manage well is demonstrated by overcoming the challenges posed by competition. With these leadership skills, creative farm design and strategic decisions, players can achieve their goal and build a thriving farm. The road to success is peppered with exciting tasks, obstacles to overcome and building relationships with all kinds of characters.
Credits*:
3D Character "Ty": Mixamo
Other models Unity Asset Store

Cursed

Synopsis:
"Cursed" is a 2.5D action-adventure, hack-and-slash game set in a dark fantasy world. Players take on the role of the protagonist who awakens in ancient catacombs, bearing the mark of a ritual performed by a mysterious church. Guided by Ylvi, a knowledgeable and brave girl, the player must navigate through atmospheric dungeons, confront various enemies, and find hidden treasures. The main goal is to collect four sacred artifacts and use them to seal the gates of Hell, preventing the chaos from spreading. Combining 2D characters in a 3D environment, "Cursed" offers a unique experience inspired by gothic and dark fantasy themes. The game features engaging combat, storytelling, and a big world for players to explore.
Credits*: [Coming soon!]

Ghosts

Synopsis:
"Real-Life Pac-Man" is an amazing transformation of the classic Pac-Man game into a real-world, team-based adventure! The lively setting of Coburg University is the perfect place to play this action-adventure game that blends the physical with the imaginative! Participants are paired up in an exciting team-building challenge! One takes on the role of the 'Runner', navigating through the actual environment, while the other is the 'Navigator', guiding the Runner with strategy and directions from afar. The goal is to collect points and avoid the 'ghosts' – symbolic obstacles like exams and professors – using only their communication. This game, styled in nostalgic 16-bit graphics, is designed to foster teamwork and improve communication skills, making it an ideal team-building exercise for students and enthusiasts eager for a blend of physical activity and strategic gameplay.
Credits:
Sound Effects: The iconic eating sound effect used in our game is sourced from the original Pac-Man game. This classic sound enhances the nostalgic feel of the gameplay, connecting players with the traditional arcade experience.
Visual Elements: The character representing the "Professor Ghost," is visually modeled after Prof. Dr. Stephan Streuber. This character design pays homage to Prof. Dr. Streuber’s significant contributions to the field and adds a personalized touch to the game environment.

Guesify

Synopsis:
Guessify reintroduces you to your own music. Playfully you will learn to identify artists by their voice. Just use your Spotify account to log in to the game and select one of your saved playlists. With a blink on an eye you’ll configure your game session and find yourself listening to songs from your selected playlist. Listen carefully and choose out of four possibilities. If you have no idea jokers will help you to be successful. There are currently four jokers that can be chosen. You will get a feeling of what jokers are better or not.At the end of your session will be rewarded depending on your correct answers.

H3

Synopsis: [Coming soon!]
Credits*: [Coming soon!]

Murder at the Campus

Synopsis:
"Murder at the Campus" is an interactive detective game where players gather clues to identify a murderer on a university campus. Developed using Unity, the game features realistic terrains, self-modeled buildings with SketchUp, and pre-built structures. Atmospheric elements include a dark skybox, moonlight, fog, and strategically placed lanterns. Players control the main character using WASD keys and navigate through NPCs with varying patrol patterns and sight ranges. Clues are collected and updated in a suspect menu, leading to the final identification of the murderer. The game also includes Easter eggs like ghosts, Formula we cars, and ducks for added intrigue.
Credits*:
Music: [Coming soon!]

Nightwatch

Synopsis:
In this game, you start as a nameless hero who has arrived in the Coburg region. The tutorial guides you on how to move and attack within the game world. Additionally, you learn to gather resources, specifically wood and stone, which are essential in this prototype version. With these collected resources, you can build towers to defend against nighttime attacks. You have two tower options: a Short-Range Tower and a Sniper Tower. These towers are crucial for defending your main building against monsters that attack at night. You must strategically place and manage your towers to protect your main building. Use your skills and strategic planning to survive and thrive in this exciting adventure, mastering both resource management and tower defence.
Credits*:
Tutorial-art: kiyama14
3 Direction NPC Characters: SZADI ART
Pixel Art Top Down Basic: CAINOS
Undead Survivor Assets Pack: GOLDMETAL

Omicron

Synopsis:
Build and manage your army to defend yourself and defeat the enemy. Command 'n Defend is a strategy game in which you can choose your fighters from a pool of 4 unique weaponized vehicles. Use them smart and strategicly to close in and destroy the trecherous giant Robot! But watch out because the giant has a army of its own and it will stop at nothing to defeat you.
Credits*:
Music: pond5 (Artist: georgepauley)
SFX: https: zapsplat (Artist: unknown)
Rock Models: unity assetstore (Artist: SnowFiend Studios)
Tree Models: unity assetstore (Artist: Broken Vector)

Settlers of Coburg

Synopsis:
Embark on an epic journey in Settlers Of Coburg: A captivating digital rendition of the beloved board game Settlers of Catan. Strategically expand your empire by gathering resources, trading, and building settlements, vests, and roads. Settlers Of Coburg challenges your tactical skills as you compete to dominate the island of Coburg, a world rich with resources like brick, lumber, wool, grain, and ore. The dynamic board ensures that each game offers a unique experience, requiring adaptability and cunning to outmaneuver opponents. Whether you are a seasoned Catan veteran or a newcomer, Settlers Of Coburg promises endless hours of engaging and strategic fun.
Credits*:
Background music: VictorvanTast@Pixabay
Placing objects sound: Pixabay
Pictures for resources and tiles by John (Jack) Butts

Small Town Explorers

Synopsis:
Explore the city of Coburg in an engaging and interactive way with our new game Small Town Explorers! Navigate through the city streets and visit famous landmarks where you can play exciting minigames. Successfully completing a level, by collecting a certain number of coins or other soon to come collectables, rewards you with fascinating facts about each attraction. But beware, challenges await as opponents will attack and hinder your progress. Future updates will expand the game to include more cities and will integrate Live-GPS navigation for a more immersive experience. Our goal is to gamify city tours, making sightseeing a fun and educational adventure. Discover, play, and learn with every step in Coburg and beyond!
Credits*:
Assets: Pixel Frog
Coburg Backdrop: NP Coburg

Stellar Outpost

Synopsis:
Stellar Outpost is 2D building-management game. In it you are part of an expedition sent by the galactic imperium. You land on the now deserted planet earth in the former region of Coburg. Your goal is to build and expand your research outpost. The games features a procedurally generated terrain-system which lets you explore a nearly infinite planet. You are able to build different of buildings which help support your villager’s daily life by providing food, power and building materials. If you are not careful and don’t provide enough food for your villagers, they will slowly die, and the game will be over.
Credits*:
Sounds Pixabay

Symbyotyc Synergy

Synopsis:
Symbyotyc Synergy is a single-player puzzle game that lets one player experience the enjoyment of multiplayer collaboration. Players control two characters and can / have to switch between them to help each other to progress. Both characters exist in the same world, but they have individual abilities. While Vektoria can only navigate in a 2D plane, Cubert can move freely in all directions, though it has other restrictions.Players must explore a minimalist, geometric world to find clues, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles. As players advance, they'll encounter increasingly complex challenges that require creative use of both characters' strengths.
Credits*:
Grid Prototype Materials: MLAgent
Quarter View 3D Action Assets Pack: Goldmetal
Free 3D Modular Low Poly Assets For Prototyping: RGS_Dev

Tower Runner Veste

Synopsis:
Tower Runner is a first-person puzzle shooter inspired by Portal. To obtain the treasures of an ancient, forgotten tomb, you'll need to conquer a variety of challenging puzzle rooms. Navigate through thrilling jump-and-run passages, think quickly to figure out your path with moving platforms, and steady your aim to trigger ancient mechanisms. On your way through the levels, you'll be confronted with buttons that can either enhance your movement capabilities or change the environment to help you reach the next level. Your skill will be tested with frequent, challenging platforming sections. The game also features a high score system that allows players to compete among themselves. The quicker you reach the end, the higher your score! Can you unravel the secrets of the tomb and claim its treasures?
Credits*:
Open credits' music: Track "Dezert"

Veste Defense

Synopsis:
ATTENTION we are under attack! In the game Veste Defence, we immerse ourselves in a medieval setting to defend the Veste Coburg from evil attackers. It is necessary to use the defence towers to fight off approaching enemies. As the game progresses, more and more towers need to be placed as the waves of enemies become stronger and pose a threat to the fortress. In addition to building, upgrading is also an essential part of defying the attackers. In various levels, it is important to play with the environment, as this can block paths for attackers or the placement of towers. We were also able to differentiate ourselves from a static tower defence through variable pathfinding of the enemies with multiple spawnpoints.
Credits*:
Visuals of enemies and towers: ChatGPT 4-o
Music: itch.io

2023 Games

Coming soon!



* Credits outside of the group of students.