Game Design and Development, Bachelor of Science
Philosophy
Crossing the boundaries of traditional game programs, the Game Design and Development program combines both the programming, art, and design aspects of creating video games for major platforms, consoles, mobile devices, and simulations. Gaming has been integrated into how we learn, socialize, interact, and gather information. Architecture, Medical Imaging, Military/Law Enforcement, and Education have integrated and adopted game mechanics as well as benefited from technology developed from the game industry. In order to address industry demand, this program of study has been crafted to provide a holistic approach through the discussion and exploration of: Gamification, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Realities, Educational and Business applications of game mechanics and design, and entertainment arenas. Combining the skills of interactive design, video production, graphic design, 3D modeling, and programming, this interdisciplinary degree program prepares the student for the exciting world of game design and development.
Purpose
The Game Design and Development program is for the student wishing to design and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional games and simulations for training, educational, and animation applications deployed to personal computers, game consoles, and training modules. The primary focus of this program is on design elements supported by game programming using available game engine platforms. Students will have an understanding of the workflow involved in designing and developing a game or training simulation environment, game mechanic techniques, and be able to communicate to designers and programmers in the industry, with a base level of understanding.
The program prepares students with the “Gaming Skill Set” required for entry into the fast growing industry of game technology. It is designed to balance the programming and design skills needed to understand the industry pipeline of product creation. The “Gaming Skill Set” reflects a well-rounded individual capable of managing a project from inception to completion. The student will be prepared with an understanding of video and audio techniques as well as designing interfaces and user experiences. Additionally, students will learn to create environments that reflect real world scenarios or create new worlds to explore; program complex levels with physics, logic and purpose; and measure users’ progress through those scenarios. Classroom projects will provide users the tools to improve reaction time, improve hand-eye coordination, think strategically, process cause and effect, and increase ability to process multiple stimuli. Students will gain an understanding of every aspect of the gaming industry from concept development to character and environment creation to programming user interfaces and the “guts” of a game. Finally, students will be exposed to marketing their products and project management.
Program Competencies
Students in the Game Design and Development Program (B.S.) will be able to:
- Apply the ethical principles required of computer professionals;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetics of design and its importance in the world of communications and technology;
- Demonstrate personal skills in self-management and problem solving;
- Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid;
- Demonstrate technical knowledge in Game Development necessary to prepare for an entry-level position in the field;
- Analyze requirements for current trends in game development projects using the best practices and current methodologies (systems analysis); and
- Demonstrate knowledge of best practices used in Game Development.
Game Design and Development B.S. Curriculum
Note: Students in this program must complete DSN 094 - Technology Orientation, which is FREE of charge and can be completed through Blackboard in approximately 60 minutes.
General Education Requirements (39 credits)
Media Design Requirements (18 credits)
Game Design and Development Core (57 credits)
| GMD 100 | Intro to Game Engines | 3 |
| GMD 105 | Video and Audio for Game Design | 3 |
| GMD 110 | Intro to JavaScript for Unity3D | 3 |
| GMD 202 | Soundtracks for Film, Video and Games | 3 |
| GMD 203 | Creating Sound Effects and Dialog for Film, Video and Games | 3 |
| GMD 210 | Advanced JavaScript for Unity 3D | 3 |
| GMD 300 | Advanced Game Engines: Using Unity3D | 3 |
| GMD 310 | Environment Creation for Games | 3 |
| GMD 401 | Game Development I | 3 |
| GMD 405 | Game Development II | 3 |
| GMD 487 | Game Design & Development Senior Project | 3 |
| MAT 200 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| OR | |
| MAT 320 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| VMG 222 | Story Design Methods | 3 |
| VMG 310 | Advanced Motion Graphics | 3 |
| VMG 321 | Introduction to 3D | 3 |
| VMG 322 | 3D Modeling Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 323 | 3D Texture, Rendering and Lighting Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 324 | Character Creation and Texturing | 3 |
| VMG 325 | Character Rigging | 3 |
Free Electives (6 credits)
Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101 as one of their electives.
CAP/Co-op Program Option (6 credits)
In order to provide relevant work experience, students in the Game Design and Development (GDD) degree program have the option of completing six credit hours via a co-op assignment. The co-op option for GDD is the equivalent of two semester courses, for a total of six credit hours. Students can complete their GDD degree with 120 credit hours, whether they choose the co-op option or not. Because each co-op experience is individually designed, students must inform the Director of the CAP/Co-op program and the GDD Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a co-op assignment.
The co-op option is an alternative to GMD 401 - Game Development I and GMD 405 - Game Development II. Each co-op assignment is one semester long and normally the two co-op assignments span two consecutive semesters with the same employer. In order to be eligible, students must first have completed GMD 300 - Advanced Game Engines and have at least 60 credits, plus a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must inform the Director of the CAP/Co-op program and the GMD Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a co-op assignment.
For additional information on the CAP/Co-op program option, please see the website: www.wilmu.edu/coop/
Suggested Program Sequence
Freshman
Semester 1
| CTA 210 | Computer Science | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| GMD 105 | Video and Audio for Game Design | 3 |
| MAT 205 | Introductory Survey of Mathematics | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
| OR | |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Semester 2
Sophomore
Semester 1
Semester 2
| GMD 110 | Intro to JavaScript for Unity3D | 3 |
| GMD 203 | Creating Sound Effects and Dialog for Film, Video and Games | 3 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| VMG 222 | Story Design Methods | 3 |
| VMG 321 | Introduction to 3D | 3 |
Junior
Semester 1
| DSN 410 | Advanced Photoshop | 3 |
| GMD 210 | Advanced JavaScript for Unity 3D | 3 |
| GMD 300 | Advanced Game Engines: Using Unity3D | 3 |
| VMG 322 | 3D Modeling Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 422 | Non-Linear Editing – Apple MAC Computer | 3 |
Semester 2
| GMD 310 | Environment Creation for Games | 3 |
| GMD 487 | Game Design & Development Senior Project | 3 |
| VMG 310 | Advanced Motion Graphics | 3 |
| VMG 323 | 3D Texture, Rendering and Lighting Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 325 | Character Rigging | 3 |
Senior
Semester 1
| GMD 401 | Game Development I | 3 |
| HIS 230/ART 230 | History of Art and Design | 3 |
| HUM 360 | Human World Views: 3500 BCE – 1650 CE | 3 |
| OR | |
| HUM 361 | Human World Views: 1650 CE - present | 3 |
| LIT 313 | Visual Approaches to Literature: The Graphic Novel | 3 |
| VMG 324 | Character Creation and Texturing | 3 |
Semester 2
Completion Degree Requirements
What is a Completion Degree
A completion degree is a personalized version of a bachelor's degree created exclusively for students who have completed an associate degree at an accredited institution. Completion degrees are available for most Wilmington University Bachelor of Science degrees. A student who expects to transfer a completed associate's degree should communicate with a Wilmington University academic advisor before registering for courses. A transcript with documentation of the conferred degree must be received by Wilmington University to confirm eligibility.
Game Design and Development Completion Degree
Note: Students in this program must complete DSN 094 - Technology Orientation, which is FREE of charge and can be completed through Blackboard in approximately 60 minutes.
| DSN 410 | Advanced Photoshop | 3 |
| GMD 300 | Advanced Game Engines: Using Unity3D | 3 |
| GMD 310 | Environment Creation for Games | 3 |
| GMD 401 | Game Development I | 3 |
| GMD 405 | Game Development II | 3 |
| GMD 487 | Game Design & Development Senior Project | 3 |
| LIT 313 | Visual Approaches to Literature: The Graphic Novel | 3 |
| VMG 222 | Story Design Methods | 3 |
| VMG 310 | Advanced Motion Graphics | 3 |
| VMG 321 | Introduction to 3D | 3 |
| VMG 322 | 3D Modeling Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 323 | 3D Texture, Rendering and Lighting Techniques | 3 |
| VMG 324 | Character Creation and Texturing | 3 |
| VMG 325 | Character Rigging | 3 |
| VMG 422 | Non-Linear Editing – Apple MAC Computer | 3 |
The following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for a degree in Game Design and Development:
DSN 210 Basic Photoshop
ENG 122 English Composition II
GMD 100 Introduction to Game Engines
GMD 105 Video and Audio for Game Design
GMD 110 Introduction to JavaScript for Unity 3D
GMD 210 Advanced JavaScript for Unity 3D
MAT 200 Pre-Calculus or MAT320 Finite Math
MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics
VMG 201 Fundamentals of Motion Graphics