Program Overview

You will build a broad, solid foundation of game design fundamentals, and will acquire skills needed to manage team-based projects and presentations.

Studying game development, you will learn and utilize coding languages such as C++, as well as industry-standard software applications.

This in-depth, comprehensive program will engage you in both the independent and team process as you build a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and develop proficiency in job interviews.

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Full Description

The associate degree program in Game Development and Simulation Programming (VDVA) will prepare students for entry-level careers in game programming, simulation programming, and software engineering as well as for entry-level positions in a variety of digital, desktop production environments.

Through a combination of theoretical and hands-on state-of-the-art laboratory experiences and small class sizes led by experienced instructors, the program emphasizes the application of knowledge to the design and development of games and simulations in order to prepare students for the exciting field of game development as well as for the simulation industry.

Students will learn how to design games, will be introduced to the game development process, will hone people skills and communications skills through team-based projects and presentations, will master coding languages such as C++, and will learn the use of industry-standard software packages. 聽

An important component of the curriculum is building a portfolio that will include the 2D games developed by students.

Graduates from this program will be eligible for entry-level positions such as junior game designer, quality assurance engineer, and junior programmer.聽

This program also prepares students to further their education in 天美影院’s bachelor鈥檚 degree programs in Game Development and Simulation Programming or Business Management.

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Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the Game Development and Simulation Programming Associate聽Degree (VDVA) Program is to provide introductory preparation for students to become professional game designers working in the game industry and to prepare students for further education at the bachelor鈥檚 level.

Through a combination of theoretical and hands-on state-of-the-art laboratory experiences, and small class sizes led by experienced instructors, the program emphasizes the application of knowledge to the design and development of games.

Program Goals

The Game Development and Simulation Programming program will:

  1. Provide the opportunities for students to learn the programming languages used for web, procedural, object-oriented programming.
  2. Provide the opportunities for students to learn design and project planning through storyboarding and documentation.
  3. Provide the opportunities for students to learn the creation of 2D and 3D multimedia graphics animations and simulations.
  4. Provide the opportunities for students to learn game design and publication including interactive gameplay, game balance, team development, and project management for several game genres.
  5. Provide the opportunities for students to learn and understand the main components of a game engine and utilize popular commercial game engines.
  6. Provide the opportunities for students to learn how to create and execute narrative, interpretive, interactive compositions and animations.
  7. Provide the opportunities for students to instill in the student a sense of commitment to the computer-generated imagery (CGI) profession鈥檚 core values and ethics.
  8. Provide the opportunity for the student to understand the elements of a career as an independent contractor and freelancer.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Demonstrate introductory聽programming knowledge, skills and development processes using one or more聽programming languages.
  2. Design, develop and document game programs, including the use of user needs analysis, flowcharting, pseudo-code, source code, and technical documents.
  3. Develop 2D and/or 3D multimedia graphics animations and simulations.
  4. Form a team, then using project management skills, design, develop and publish an interactive game in one or more genres.
  5. Analyze and utilize industry standard game engine components.
  6. Design and develop database driven structures and game applications.
  7. Demonstrate professional oral and written communication skills, the ability to function as a member of a team, the ability to act ethically and responsibly, and respect for all people and cultures.
  8. Demonstrate advanced programming knowledge, skills and development processes using several programming languages, and advanced techniques including object-oriented development.

Courses Offered

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.