Game Design (AA)

Build essential drawing skills for entertainment design industries. Learn software tools and artistic foundations to create captivating digital artworks. Through a series of hands-on assignments, you will explore core drawing principles, including line work, shape design, form, perspective, and lighting, to quickly communicate concepts visually.

Play an array of important game genres both from the tabletop and electronic gaming platforms. Platformers, shooters, deck builders, resource management, action points, combat styles, and more topics are covered. Students will record their gameplay and incorporate commentary and reflections on the overall experience and specific reactions to the game(s).

Learn the fundamental concepts of 3D modeling for games. Using modeling tools and methods in a conventional 3D application, you will create a variety of polygonal objects and how to apply basic lighting and materials to your scenes.

Learn the fundamentals of game development focusing on the various disciplines and roles involved in professional video game production. You will be exposed to industry-standard tools, workflows, and best practices that drive successful studios.

Learn the two-dimensional tools used in the game industry. You will gain fundamental composition, color, layout, and presentation skills to develop different pieces using contemporary methods of digital image creation.

Effective game design is about creativity, communication, and determining fun through the creation and balance of systematic rules. In this class, you will learn fundamental, practical principles of game design through the creation of tabletop games and role-playing.

Learn how to be a more effective video game designer through the use of visual communication skills. You will create gameplay mechanic sketches, manuals, presentations, paper maps, and a first-pass portfolio. Even if you're not a great artist, this class will give you a set of skills you can use to define your own style.

To design an intuitive UI (user interface) and UX (user experience), you must know your audience and your medium. You will learn how to create wireframes and interface elements fitting for mobile games.

It's never too early to start planning for a portfolio and establishing a brand. In this midpoint class, you will learn the basics of creating a portfolio through a combination of professional techniques and feedback from your peers and instructors.