Game Design

Learn techniques in concept art, 3D art, level design and more at our game design school. Gain specialized design skills including monetization, unique control types, rapid development via iteration, and production methods. Earn your game development degree and graduate with solid game art principles, including game engine technology and pre-production and production environments.
 

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What We Teach

Brainstorm innovative ideas, lay out level architecture, script gameplay mechanics, and design the underlying systems that form the core gameplay experience. Work closely with artists and programmers to turn practical and theoretical concepts into finished gameplay. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Game Design gives students proficiency in the language of game engine design and technology – in other words, the communication skills to articulate their process and the how-to of game art principles, pre-production, and production.

Coursework includes Game Engines, Game Design, Theory, & Analysis, Level Design for Video Games, Designing Careers, Systems Design, Advanced Scripting, Game Freemium & Monetization, Rapid Game Development, Combat Design, Programming languages, World Literature, Survey of Traditional Interior Architecture, and more.

By the end, students will be able to create game prototypes in game engines, create documentation and paper maps for pre-production, implement mechanics using code-based scripting, and work collaboratively. For more information on a BFA in Game Design, refer to the comprehensive list of BFA coursework.

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Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts Program provides students with a holistic education covering the arts, humanities, and sciences. Courses highlight connections between the subject of study and the major fields of art and design, providing context to the larger world of art and design.

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Foundations

The Foundations curriculum heightens perception and understanding of visual structure through the study of drawing, modeling of form, value structure, perspective principles, color, and design theory.

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Liberal Arts<\/a><\/li><\/ul>"},"learning_outcomes":{"label":"Program Learning Outcomes","slug":"learning_outcomes","content":"<p>Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:<\/p><p>Visual Communication<\/p><ul><li>Integrate environments, characters, or props for a cohesive game experience<\/li><li>Visually demonstrate skills that meet project parameters<\/li><\/ul><p>Technology<\/p><ul><li>Demonstrate familiarity with technology related to contemporary game production<\/li><\/ul><p>Presentation Skills<\/p><ul><li>Clearly present ideas using industry standard terminology<\/li><\/ul><p>Critical Thinking and Problem Solving<\/p><ul><li>Visually communicate research and ideas throughout the design process<\/li><\/ul><p>Professional Readiness<\/p><ul><li>Final Review deliverables demonstrate foundational skills for the game development industry<\/li><\/ul>"}}" data-employment="{"url":"","text":"VIEW GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION"}">
Liberal Arts<\/a><\/li><\/ul>"},"learning_outcomes":{"label":"Program Learning Outcomes","slug":"learning_outcomes","content":"<p>Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:<\/p><p>Visual Communication<\/p><ul><li>Visually demonstrate skills that meet game industry standards<\/li><li>Use simple sketches, maps, and wireframes to communicate gameplay intent<\/li><li>Employ basic graphic design principles to create clear and aesthetically pleasing documentation<\/li><\/ul><p>Technology<\/p><ul><li>Demonstrate proficiency with technology related to contemporary game production<\/li><\/ul><p>Presentation Skills<\/p><ul><li>Clearly and professionally present work and ideas using industry-standard terminology<\/li><\/ul><p>Critical Thinking and Problem Solving<\/p><ul><li>Visually communicate research and ideas throughout the design process<\/li><li>Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline<\/li><\/ul><p>Professional Readiness<\/p><ul><li>Produce a professional portfolio which meets industry standards<\/li><li>Work cooperatively and effectively in a professional production environment<\/li><li>Apply appropriate production methodologies and scope in relation to time and task management<\/li><\/ul><p>Specialty Skills:&nbsp;<\/p><ul><li>Design, organize, and build game prototypes in established game engines<\/li><li>Create design documentation and detailed paper maps for a professional preproduction package<\/li><li>Effectively use visual and code-based scripting to implement game and level mechanics<\/li><li>Tune systems for balance and playability while taking into consideration dependencies on related systems<\/li><\/ul>"}}" data-employment="{"url":"","text":"VIEW GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION"}">
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