(gam) Game Design Courses


(3 credits)  GAM 120 - Game Design Theory and Culture
Students explore the historical and cultural significance of play through human history to include today's video game phenomenon by examining many game models across several genres. Conceptual and production processes involved in current industry game design and development are introduced, with particular emphasis on the design of creative models expressing gaming concepts. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes


(3 credits)  GAM 140 - Game Design I
Prerequisite: ART 102 with a minimum C grade
Students develop fundamental skills designing computer games. Topics include environments, interfaces, rules, dynamics, play mechanics, goals, conflicts and aesthetics. Students learn to use standard industry level-building software and digital sculpting tools. Emphasis is placed on conceptual design of game play, interface, and the processes of 2-D and 3-D content creation. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes


(3 credits)  GAM 145 - Game Programming I
Prerequisite: GAM 120
Analysis of an existing professional game engine contributes to an understanding of a game's architecture and development. Working within the limits of the game engine, students design their own programming projects, modifying the logic and engine to create custom game experiences. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes


(3 credits)  GAM 240 - Game Design II
Prerequisite: DMA 120 with a minimum C grade
Emphasis on prototyping and level-building of game design concepts expands on the topics explored and skills developed in Game Programming I. Additional topics include content importing and configuration, mapping, lighting, physics, and scripted interaction. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes


(3 credits)  GAM 245 - Game Programming II
Prerequisite: GAM 145
Builds upon the existing skills developed in GAM 145 - Game Programming I. Students expand their knowledge of the Unity3D Game Engine and C# programming language to learn higher-level programming techniques for topics such as quaternion computation, AI behaviors, pathfinding, networking, advanced collision detection, and task management for large-scale games. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes


(3 credits)  GAM 260 - Game Development
Prerequisites: GAM 140 and GAM 240 with a minimum C grade
In this capstone course, students work in interdisciplinary production teams to develop computer games and modules utilizing industry-standard game engines. Coursework centers on producing scripted real-time modules, play testing, and documentation to specify game design concepts. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

course outline   current classes