As a student in the Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (game design) program, you’ll specialize in one of three tracks, all of which lead to the two-year Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Interactive Simulation and Game Technology.
Use the links below to jump to information about a specific track, or scroll down to read descriptions of all three.
Specialization 1: Art and Animation
Specialization 2: Programming and Level Design
Specialization 3: Educational Game Design
Specialization 1: Art and Animation
Good design skills are the foundation of any art program, and game design is no different.
This track focuses on building a strong artistic base to launch your art and animation skills before you ever touch the computer, as well as an introduction to the basics of animation.
You’ll use the latest software as your artistic tools, including the most recent versions of Softimage|XSI, Maya and 3ds Max.
You’ll learn:
- Traditional drawing skills, including color, anatomy, perspective and life-drawing
- Lighting, shading and texture
- Conceptual design
- 2-D and 3-D character modeling
- Animation basics
- Character development
- Writing and storytelling
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Specialization 2: Programming and Level Design
Programming brings you closer to the game. This track not only focuses on the solid computer skills that lead to the game-engine pipeline but also exposes you to the team-oriented atmosphere you’ll be working in.
You’ll learn the top-level programming skills in Microsoft XNA, Unreal Tournament C++ and C# that you’ll need for a competitive workplace, plus the leadership and people skills to be successful in a collaborative work environment.
Level design includes:
- Game engines and programming tools
- Video graphics and special effects
- Digital audio
- Scripting languages
- Object-oriented programming (OOP)
- User interface or Heads Up Display (HUD)
- Framework coding
- Development environments
- Player interfaces
- Project development
- Producing a demo reel
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See some of the level designs students have created in our Level Design Gallery.
Specialization 3: Educational Game Design
The Educational Game Design track focuses on applying interactive simulation technology to develop educational software for schools and businesses, where digital games and simulations can be used to make learning engaging, interactive and self-directed.
The Educational Game Design specialization is for:
- Game designers and programmers creating educational games or instructional software
- Teachers interested in innovative learning technologies for the classroom and as ongoing professional development
- Educational personnel wanting to learn more about using digital games and animation technology as learning tools
- Marketing professionals wanting to create promotional learning materials for a company’s products or services
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