Computer Game Development & Animation Curriculum
Description of Program
The Computer Game Development and Animation department at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts encompasses every major aspect of video game development and animation, including concept development and marketing strategies. The program provides students a comprehensive understanding of four key tracks: Development, Sound Design, Digital Art, and 3D Modelling, all of which collaborate to create innovative class games and animations. As students advance, they will have the opportunity to delve deeper into each area. Developers will undertake independent projects using tools like Blender and Unity, Sound Designers will craft scores and soundtracks with FL Studio and Logic Pro, Digital Artists will produce drawings and animations with and SynFig Studio, while 3D Modelers will create and rig models of characters and environments using Maya.
Courses
Freshmen Year
COMPUTER DESIGN AND GAME ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT FUNDAMENTALS
This course is designed to introduce students to the 16 components of computer game design through a team-centered, problem-solving instructional format. The 16 components include game concept development, business planning and finance, interactive storytelling, storyboarding, writing documentation, developing characters, 2-D graphics, 3-D graphics, developing tools, designing user interfaces, learning about game engines, programming, recording audio and video, testing games, marketing, and publishing.
Sophomore Year
COMPUTER DESIGN AND GAME ANIMATION
DEVELOPMENT I
This course is designed to expose students to the 3D Game Engines: Game Maker, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, and others. Course topics will include programming languages, copyright laws, motion mechanics, narration and script writing, interactive storytelling, storyboarding, creating background music and game scores, graphic design for environment, graphic design for structures, graphic design for characters, Autodesk Maya and 3DS Max, and an introduction to the Foley Effect.
Junior Year
COMPUTER DESIGN AND GAME ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT II
This course is designed to allow students to build on their previous knowledge of game design. Advanced topics covered will include Game Design Document II, Game Psychology Review, Advanced motion Mechanics, Advanced game programming and development (C#, C++), analysis of game and animation technology trends, advanced game design (UI, Environment, Lighting), Sound score mastering, recording and staging live Foley effect, 3D particle effects and lighting, 2D and 3D rendering technologies review, video editing effects and rendering, plus Unity and Unreal game engine product development.
Senior Year
COMPUTER DESIGN AND GAME ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT CAPSTONE
This course is designed to allow students to refine their knowledge of the industry, and students will work on CGDA presentation events and SkillsUSA events. Students will make connections and build bridges for future success. Students will continue and finalize capstone projects, which will demonstrate not only GDCA skills but also interdepartmental cooperation. Completed portfolios will be presented and submitted for review. Students will have the opportunity to test for the Digital Literacy IC3 (Course Completer Certification Exam).