Game and Entertainment Design Curriculum

Game Design I GAME200 - 3 Credits

A foundational understanding of the basics of game designing for various platforms like PCs, laptops, mobiles, TVs, and tablets as well. The course teaches students the technical skills required for creating games, including industry pipelines to make real-time development projects, team positions, and tools.

Design and Drawing for Game I GAME220 - 3 Credits

In this course students will learn how to apply research, critical analysis, brainstorming, and improvisational techniques to enhance a students’ drawing capabilities with a focus on space and objects in space. The focus will be on designing for immersive game experiences and spaces. This course combines the exploration of how our minds work with hands-on, immersive, fun exercises utilizing our perceptions, observations, and senses to discover how each of us best create new work.

Design and Drawing for Game I GAME220 - 3 Credits

In this course students will learn how to apply research, critical analysis, brainstorming, and improvisational techniques to enhance a students’ drawing capabilities with a focus on space and objects in space. The focus will be on designing for immersive game experiences and spaces. This course combines the exploration of how our minds work with hands-on, immersive, fun exercises utilizing our perceptions, observations, and senses to discover how each of us best create new work.

3D for Game and Entertainment I GAME260 - 3 Credits

In 3D for Game I, students learn the basics of 3D video game design including models, textures, volumes, lighting, and more. Students will create their own amazing 3D world from start to finish.

Art History of Games AHCS229 - 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the history of video games, tracing their evolution from their early beginnings to the present day. Through a combination of lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on experiences, students will explore the social, cultural, and technological factors that have shaped the development of video games. Topics covered in the course include: the origins of video games, iconic games; landmark companies; and, innovative technology and hardware. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the history of video games and the cultural impact they have had on society. They will be able to analyze and critically evaluate video games as a form of media, and understand the challenges and opportunities facing the video game industry today. Required for all Game and Entertainment majors

Creative Action Lecture* CAIL200 - 3 Credits

Creative Action Liberal Arts electives enable students to work in transdisciplinary teams with a community partner. Emphasizing collaborative methodology, synthesizing diverse perspectives, creativity, critical thinking, clear communication, and information literacy, students engage in issues that extend beyond the traditional classroom. See department for course offerings.

Game Engine Fundamentals GAME210 - 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the game engine. The game engine is a vital tool for Game Developers for creating vast worlds and immersive experiences. Students will learn the basics of the Unreal Game engine and a pipeline to create a simple real-time world.

Color and Lighting for Games GAME215 - 3 Credits

In this class students will learn the power of color and lighting in games. The focus is on storytelling through these elements. Students will go from the basics of Color and Light, the history of how they are used in iconic games, then implement them into their own concepts.

Game Studio Project I GAME250 - 3 Credits

Students will work solo to create a real-time development project, synergizing skills learned in all previous courses. Students will be exposed to the self management and importance of project management in a controlled environment.

Theories and Trends in Contemporary Art, Media and Culture AHCS224 - 3 Credits

This course stresses the relationships between contemporary culture and media and their connections to related creative and theoretical disciplines that have influenced art practice and human experience in the years roughly from 1955 to the present. “Theories and Trends in Contemporary Art, Media and Culture” critically examines the range of roles that popular culture, mass media and colonial institutions of privilege play in all creative practices. This class challenges facile and well-worn constructions of gender, difference, ableism, race, ethnicity, “high” and “low” art to work towards conceptions of the self, identity, and of culture that are fluid. Research and case studies focus on the inter-textual and the inter-disciplinary. Students learn and critically evaluate major theories of contemporary art and design through textual, visual, and hands-on inquiry, encouraging independent thinking via active in-class and student-directed projects.

LAS Sophomore Elective LIBS214 - 3 Credits

More than one course may be available, see the Course Catalog and consult the department and/or your advisor for more information.

Game Design II GAME300 - 3 Credits

In this course, students continue their journey into real-time development. Students are introduced to other applications for the Unreal Game engine outside of games. Students will be introduced to basic blueprints, character and animation implementation, and tools and plugins to help create experiences that will bring their projects to life. Students will complete a complex and unique final project that will be built upon the skills learned in class each week for their portfolio.

Prerequisite: GAME200 Game Design I

Cultural and Social Design for Games GAME331 - 3 Credits

This course will focus on the cultural and social aspects of game through the history of games. Students will explore the impact of games on social demographics and cultural events. Students will take this information and learn to create their own characters and worlds based on their research and analysis. This class is a co-requisite of the SSCI LAS requirement: Cultural and Social Design for Games

Prerequisite: GAME200 Game Design I, GAME215 Color and Lighting for Games,

Co-requisite: SSCI213 Cultural and Social Design for Games,

VFX for Games GAME332 - 3 Credits

This course introduces visual effects for games and realtime experiences. Students will learn how to create visual effects such as particles, fire, smoke, energy and similar effects. Through this process, the students will animate, code, and implement into the game engine. Industry standard pipelines will be used for the students.

Prerequisite: GAME250 Game Studio Project I

Cultural and Social Design for Games SSCI213 - 3 Credits

Welcome to the Cultural and Social Design for Games course! This course explores the profound social and cultural impact of video games. We'll delve into the social aspects of game design and games, analyzing how games shape our interactions, communities, and identities. Through case studies, we'll examine the rise of online multiplayer games and esports, discussing their influence on social relationships, inclusivity, and diversity. We will also focus on the cultural dimensions of games. We'll explore the diverse cultural influences and representations within games, addressing topics like race, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. By critically analyzing these elements, we'll discuss issues of representation, cultural appropriation, and the potential for games to challenge stereotypes. Ultimately, this course equips you with a deep understanding of the social and cultural impact of video games, providing the tools to analyze games from a cultural and social perspective. Join us as we embark on this captivating journey into the world of Cultural and Social Design for Games! Required of all Game and Entertainment Design majors.

Programming/Scripting for Games MATH247 - 3 Credits

This course is your gateway to the realm of game development, focusing on the programming and scripting aspects using the powerful Unreal Engine. Dive into the fundamentals of game programming, exploring programming languages, logic, and syntax. Learn to write scripts that control gameplay mechanics, implement AI, and create interactive elements. Through hands-on exercises, you'll gain practical experience and master debugging techniques to ensure smooth game performance. In the second part of the course, we'll delve deeper into the Unreal Engine and its scripting language, Blueprint. Unlock the potential of Blueprint's node-based system to create visually stunning and highly interactive games. Discover event-driven programming and object-oriented design to craft complex behaviors. Through engaging projects, you'll design game mechanics, create user interfaces, and integrate audio-visual effects. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in programming and scripting for games using the Unreal Engine. Unleash your creativity into Programming/Scripting for Games, empowering you to bring your game ideas to life! Required of all Game and Entertainment Design majors.

3D for Game and Entertainment II GAME360 - 3 Credits

Students will begin to develop advanced pipeline techniques and tools. The student will take a deeper dive into texturing, lighting, animation, rigging, and sound design. Tools such as Substance Painter, Substance Sampler, and Substance Designer will be used to make a AAA quality products.

Prerequisite: 3D for Game and Entertainment I

Game Studio Project II GAME350 - 3 Credits

Students will work in teams to create a real-time development project, synergizing skills learned in all previous courses. Students will be exposed to the dynamics of teamwork and the importance of project management.

Prerequisite: GAME250 Game Studio Project I

Game Studio Project II GAME350 - 3 Credits

Students will work in teams to create a real-time development project, synergizing skills learned in all previous courses. Students will be exposed to the dynamics of teamwork and the importance of project management.

Prerequisite: GAME250 Game Studio Project I

Creative Action Studio CAIL301 - 3 Credits

An upper-division interdisciplinary studio course offering unique core content that shifts from term to term. This studio affords students the opportunity to engage with professionals from various fields and expand their notion of problem solving beyond their major in public site real world challenges. A limited choice of CAIL301 courses will count for the Community Arts Engagement and Sustainability Minor. Please see the Interdisciplinary Studies Director.

Natural Science NSCI307 - 3 Credits

More than one course may be available, see the Course Catalog and consult the department and/or your advisor for more information.

LAS Upper Division Elective LIBS314 - 3 Credits

This course can be an upper division Art History or upper division Liberal Studies elective. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for examples of upper division elective offerings or see the Department and/or your Adviser for more information.

3D for Game and Entertainment III GAME460 - 3 Credits

This class will begin pipelines into level assembly, optimization, and workflows to take projects to a final status. Students will learn how to maximize their project times, how to add finishing touches on their projects, and proper presentation that can be displayed in a variety of mediums. Creating Interactive, architectural simulation, and involving level design will be part of the curriculum.

GAME360 3D for Game II

Game Senior Project I GAME450 - 3 Credits

Students will work solo or in teams to create a real-time development project, synergizing skills learned in all previous courses. Students will create a project within criteria provided for a Senior show. The students will also create work for a high level portfolio. Students will establish mentors and maintain a professional network needed to accomplish their goals.

Prerequisite: GAME350 Game Studio Project II.

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Game Internship** GAME470 - 3 Credits

This course engages students to work with established companies that are related to their academic and career interests. The purpose of this course is to expose students to live workplace environments and expand networking resources. Students are expected to do well and represent Otis and the BFA Game and Entertainment Design program. At the end of the Internship, students will report on their experience through a sharing session. Students who wish to participate in the internship program need to submit updated resume, portfolios and websites.

Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair

Students need to apply for internship opportunities on their own or through career services.

Studio Elective - 3 Credits

A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.

Studio Elective - 3 Credits

A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.

Capstone LIBS440 - 3 Credits

A required senior- level course where students identify and critically reflect on a theme that intersects with their own studio practice, discipline, and/or identity and their work in Liberal Studies. The Capstone is the signature course and culminating expression of the Liberal Arts program.

A minimum grade of “C-" or better is required to pass this course.

Note that Creative Writing, Art History, Cultural Studies, Sustainability minors, and Fine Arts majors take specific Capstones. Please see department for courses.

Technical Game Arts GAME445 - 3 Credits

This course introduces Real-time Development experiences. Students will be introduced to In Camera VFX(ICVFX), AR/VR, Virtual Production and the use of tools for project integration.

Prerequisite: GAME3360 3d for Game and Entertainment Design II.

Game Senior Project II GAME451 - 3 Credits

This course is a continuation of the previous course. Students will work solo or in teams to finalize a real-time development project, synergizing skills learned in all previous courses. Students will finalize a project within criteria provided for a Senior show. The students will also finalize work for a high level portfolio. Students will establish mentors and maintain a professional network needed to accomplish their goals.

Prerequisite: GAME450 Game Senior Project I.

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Game Internship** GAME470 - 3 Credits

This course engages students to work with established companies that are related to their academic and career interests. The purpose of this course is to expose students to live workplace environments and expand networking resources. Students are expected to do well and represent Otis and the BFA Game and Entertainment Design program. At the end of the Internship, students will report on their experience through a sharing session. Students who wish to participate in the internship program need to submit updated resume, portfolios and websites.

Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair

Students need to apply for internship opportunities on their own or through career services.

Studio Elective - 3 Credits

A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.

Studio Elective - 3 Credits

A Studio Elective is any art and/or design course with visual production (not a Liberal Arts and Sciences course) that may be offered within or outside a student’s studio major. Students must meet the course’s prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, class level, or other criteria specified in the Course Description. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for a complete list of courses.

LAS Upper Division Elective LIBS314 - 3 Credits

This course can be an upper division Art History or upper division Liberal Studies elective. See the Course Catalog (pdf) for examples of upper division elective offerings or see the Department and/or your Adviser for more information.