International Game Developers Association

Program Description

The Bachelor degree program in Game Design and Development provides training in principles and techniques used to create interactive 2D and 3D computer games. Students will learn design software, programming languages, modeling and animation skills, networking principles, level and world editors, and game engines used to design and develop games; and will examine market research and business concepts related to game production and distribution processes. Project management, creative design, and communication skills are integrated throughout this dynamic curriculum to prepare students for entry-level positions in the game design and development industry.

Bachelor Level Core Competencies Requirements

• Research game genres, styles, and trends to aid in the design of games and business plans.
• Create, evaluate, and edit storyboards, scripts, graphics, streaming media, 2D animation, text, audio, and video files.
• Design characters, props, environments, visual interfaces, and other media assets for games.
• Use level editors and world builders to create believable, interactive game environments.
• Write documentation for computer games, and develop game narratives, character histories, and online help files.
• Create audio effects and soundtracks for computer games.
• Create Web sites, and develop networking skills used to design multiplayer games.
• Design and develop a complete game level from storyboard through media distribution.
• Prepare a portfolio and demo reel to assist in securing a job in the game design and development industry.
• Demonstrate professional, legal, and ethical guidelines used within the game design and development industry and in business relations.
• Obtain practical work skills and knowledge through studio production, project management, internship, and/or capstone experiences
• Develop programming skills using languages such as C++ or Java (Game Programming Concentration Only).
• Program artificial intelligence behaviors for non-player game entities (Game Programming Concentration Only).