Course Descriptions
3D Game Design & Entrepreneurship
For those who are interested in the exciting world of computer game design, the journey begins here. Participants will learn the fundamentals of game design, rules, and game mechanics, with hands-on experience using current game engine tools.
In addition, students will work in teams to examine and learn about current game studios, explore forming their own game company, and design their company mission, market, and logos. Students will experience the roles of producer, programmer, designer, and artist, and get an insider’s look at the computer game design industry. Each student company will present their game to their family and peers during the final class as part of an Indie Showcase!
Art, Modeling & Animation - Game Design & Beyond!
Students will learn the foundations of digital arts, modeling, and animation - skills that can be translated into a variety of real-world applications such as game design, architecture, and many other 21st century professions and advanced fields of study. Students will also learn the roles and responsibilities of digital artists, animators, and 3D modelers in the game design industry, and beyond. Students will learn game studio tricks and expand their creativity as they experiment with digital tools such as Photoshop and 3D Studio Max, which they will use to design and create characters and models to import into the Unity Game engine.
Virtual Reality Game Development
Students will learn to create their own virtual reality experience using Google Cardboard and the HTC Vive. This course will focus on implementing interactive media designs (minor programming/asset creation) and fully developing the virtual reality software for both mobile and personal computer platforms. Students without a basic familiarity with Unity programming will be provided with a premade asset package so they can focus on designing in VR.
Topics that will be covered include designing interactive experiences and games, the design challenges specific to VR, basic 3D modeling, environment design for VR, basic programming with C# in the Unity game engine, and the differences between mobile and PC development. By the end of the class each student will create a VR project for both mobile VR headsets and the HTC Vive (PC).