Becoming a game development artist requires a solid foundation in animation, visual design principles, color theory, and drawing. Students in the Game Art concentration also receive in-depth instruction in the latest advanced game modeling and animation technology and practices, including motion capture, rigging and digital sculpting. They learn about real-world problem-solving, team dynamics, and pipeline requirements while working alongside programmers and game designers on cross-disciplinary game development projects.
Course Requirements
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
ANI 344
VISUAL DESIGN FOR GAMES
The stages of development in the visual direction of a video game will be identified and detailed, and students will participate in the creation of the visual art direction of a product, giving special attention to the design of 3D models and animation. Visual Design for Games topics include: creating visual direction, concepting, art bibles, art production, and post-production strategies. Students will create proposals, create concepts, iteratively create artwork, and analyze competitive products. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 105, GD 105, GPH 211 or ART 105 (or equivalent 2D design experience)
GAM 244
GAME DEVELOPMENT I
This course provides students additional theory and practice with an emphasis on game design and storytelling for games. Students continue learning about game development processes and techniques and how to apply advanced game design principles to create components of a 2D game.
GAM 245
GAME DEVELOPMENT II
This course emphasizes 3D game production. Students apply advanced 3D game design development principles to create deliverables for 3D games. Students will work with an existing game engine and content pipeline. The focus of the class will be on the creation and use of different types of content, key development issues, process management, and professional practices. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 244
GAM 341
INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL DESIGN
Level design is the art of creating believable environments, stages and missions for video games. This course explores topics including architecture, flow, pacing and puzzles. Using a 3D level editor, students will investigate technical design issues including the construction, texturing, lighting and scripting of modern game levels. The roles, duties and challenges of the level designer will also be discussed. PREREQUISITE(S): (GAM 224 or GAM 226) and GAM 245
GAM 392
GAME MODIFICATION WORKSHOP
In this course, students will develop skills in game design and development through the construction of a "mod" of an existing game. Emphasis will be placed on the game development life cycle from concept through release, on productivity in a team environment, and on effective project management practices. Prerequisite: GAM 245
GD 105
INTRO TO VISUAL DESIGN
This course introduces the basic concepts of design for time-based digital media. Students study the principles of composition and color theory, and how these are affected by movement, duration and display. Vector and bitmap manipulation tools are explored in relation to game design, video and Internet production. PREREQUISITE(S): None
ILL 200
ILLUSTRATION FOUNDATIONS
This course will focus on improving the basic skills needed for creating concept art and storyboards for animation and games. Areas of focus include practical perspective, technical rendering, observational drawing and color theory. These skills will be applied in basic prototyping projects. PREREQUISITE(S): GD 105 or ANI 105
GAM 394
GAME DEVELOPMENT PROJECT I
Students work in teams to design and develop a videogame that demonstrates their mastery of game design and development. Additionally, students will reflect on ethical decision making and professional ethics in the game industry. This course and its continuation, GAM 395, must be taken consecutively. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374 (Senior standing)
GAM 395
GAME DEVELOPMENT PROJECT II
Continuation of GAM 394. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 394
ANI 394
ANIMATION PROJECT I
This production-based course is the first half of a two-course sequence that provides the student with an Animation capstone experience. These courses connect the student?s Animation coursework with their overall Liberal Studies coursework through three components: class lectures and discussions, independent analysis and reflection, and the creation of a significant animation project. Students will employ the knowledge they have learned and the skills they have acquired in all their Animation courses to date to produce a significant animation project. The course sequence is designed to be taken in two consecutive quarters. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 340 and Senior standing
ANI 395
ANIMATION PROJECT II
Continuation of ANI 394. This production-based course is the second half of a two-course sequence that provides the student with an Animation capstone experience. These courses connect the student's Animation coursework with their overall Liberal Studies coursework through three components: class lectures and discussions, independent analysis and reflection, and the creation of a significant animation project. Students will employ the knowledge they have learned and the skills they have acquired in all their Animation courses to date to produce a significant animation project. The course sequence is designed to be taken in two consecutive quarters. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 394