Video Game Design and Development
Video game designers have next-level creativity and a passion for storytelling. Whether you are an enthusiastic gamer exploring this as a hobby or a design professional looking to expand your career opportunities, this game design course will help you discover new and unique ways to approach video game design and development. You will upgrade your ability to conceptualize, design, and develop your games so you can tackle more complex projects where every detail matters.
During your video game...
Video Game Design and Development
Details + Objectives
Course code: GES605
What you will learn
- Develop a strong foundation in programming languages
- Discover how to design and create video games for PC
- Understand the technical and aesthetic fundamentals for creating a successful game
- Become proficient in mathematical concepts common across different game projects
- Embark on an independent study module during which you will create your own game
- Gain skills for creating your own textured and lit real-time 3D scenes that can be experienced in modern game engines
How you will benefit
- Obtain an in-depth understanding of the Unity Engine and its application in creating games and simulations in various genres
- Gain confidence in your design skills and tackle larger and more advanced projects, both in and out of the gaming field
- Build three complete games: a 3D arcade game, a first-person adventure, and a custom game of your own
- Jump-start your career as a video game designer, whether you want to work at an organization or pursue independent projects
How the course is taught
- Self-paced, online course
- 12 Months to complete
- Open enrollment, begin anytime
- 500 course hours
Instructors & Support
Frank Luna
Frank Luna has programmed interactive 3D computer graphics for more than a decade. He has 15 years of C++ programming experience, having worked as a contractor, with Hero Interactive, and on the open source Scorch 3D engine. Since 2004, he has taught C++ and mathematics for games at the Game Institute. He has also written a number of best-selling textbooks on game and graphics programming, including "Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 11.0."
John DeGoes
John DeGoes began writing software and designing digital logic circuits during the early 1980s. He has been actively involved in the fields of computer science, mathematics, and game development for more than fifteen years. He has authored two games programming books, "3D Game Programming with C++" and "3D Game Programming with C++ Gold Edition" and several published articles on the subject. DeGoes holds a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics from Montana State University-Billings and is working on his doctorate in applied mathematics.
Gary Simmons
Gary Simmons started programming games in 1981. In May 2000, he founded Mr.GameMaker.com, a teaching site dedicated to helping game programmers (hobbyists and professionals alike) learn cutting-edge game programming techniques. Simmons has published dozens of full-length game development papers and tutorials. He has been teaching since 2001 and also serves as a faculty director.
Adam Hoult
Adam Hoult is the lead technology developer at the Game Institute. He started programming in the early 1980s and has since developed a number of engine and tool design projects. Hoult spent time running a development tools production company and game programming site. Eventually, he teamed up with fellow instructor Gary Simmons to develop the successful Mr.GameMaker.com teaching website.
Brian Hall
Brian Hall is an engineer and AI programmer at Midway Amusement Games. He currently works on advanced AI algorithms for an upcoming action-adventure console title. He has also designed and written parametetric airport generation software for SimAuthor Inc, as well as a real-time CLOD terrain system using real-world satellite imagery and elevation data. Previously, Hall was a senior engineer at Accurate Automation Corporation, where he developed real-time learning systems for detecting pilot-induced oscillations in aircraft.
Requirements
Prerequisites:
To enroll in this course, you need to have a reasonable familiarity with computers, and a background in high school-level mathematics is strongly recommended. No prior game or graphics programming experience is necessary.
The Video Game Design and Development course is for you if you seek a professional career as a game developer. It's also well-suited for enthusiastic amateurs and gamers looking to explore this exciting field as a recreational endeavor.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course must be taken on a PC. Macs and Chromebooks are not compatible.
Prior to enrolling in this course, please ensure that your computer meets the following hardware and software requirements:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5
- System Memory: 8 GB or higher
- GPU: DirectX 11 or OpenGL 3.2 compatible graphics card (2 GB+ VRAM)
- Disk: 25 GB+ free space
- Sound: DirectX 11 compatible sound card
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome (strongly recommended), Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
- Microsoft Visual Studio Community
- Blender 3D Modeling Software (Latest)
- Unity Game Engine (2018.3 and 2022)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.