Game Projects

Courses

GAM 100: Project Introduction

Credits 3
This course focuses on basic software development, concept development, and team dynamics. The central focus of the course is team development of a simple digital game or simulation. Industry history and practices will also be explored.

GAM 150: Project I

Credits 3
This course focuses on the team creation of a simple digital two-dimensional game or simulation. Techniques are introduced for working effectively on a team, following a development process, and using best practices in coding, design, communications, and team dynamics. Issues in game marketing and legal issues of game development are discussed.

GAM 200: Project II

Credits 4
This course is the first semester of a two-semester project, which will be continued in GAM 250. Students will work together on teams of three or more to create a simple real-time two-dimensional game or simulation. Techniques are explored for working effectively on a team, following a development process, using discipline-based best practices, and applying core discipline-based skills to game development. This first semester focuses on pre-production to ensure the technology, tools, design, art, audio, and team are ready for full production in the following semester.

GAM 250: Project II

Credits 4

This course is the second semester of a two-semester team project. This course focuses on understanding and practicing the processes of the production phase of creating a 2D game project within a custom engine made by the team. Topics explored include techniques for working effectively on a team, following a production process, implementing software engineering best practices, and applying programming skills and knowledge to product development.

GAM 300: Project III

Credits 4

This course is the first semester of a two- or three-semester project, which will be continued in GAM 350, and then in GAM 375 for a three-semester project. Students will work together on teams of three or more to create an advanced real-time game or simulation. Techniques are explored for creating high-performance teams, tuning development processes for specific projects, using advanced discipline-based best practices, and applying specialized discipline-based skills to game development. This first semester focuses on pre-production to ensure the technology, tools, design, art, audio, and team are ready for full production in the following semester.

GAM 350: Project III

Credits 4
In this course, students work to complete the projects they began in GAM 300. This second semester focuses on production to bring the project to the point where the target audience finds it engaging. Furthermore, techniques are explored for creating effective resumes, interviewing, and pursuing internships. The project may be continued for a third semester in GAM 375.

GAM 375: Project III

Credits 4
This course is the final semester of the three-semester project begun in GAM 300 and continued in GAM 350. Techniques are explored for polishing design, art, and audio, creating effective marketing materials, and highlighting individual contributions to the project. This semester focuses on post-production and shipping a highly polished final project.

GAM 390: Internship I

Credits 4
An internship is any carefully monitored work or service experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience. It is usually a professional activity under general supervision of an experienced professional and in a job situation, which places a high degree of responsibility on the student.

GAM 400: Project IV

Credits 4

This course prepares students for the professional world by forming teams to develop portfolio-focused projects that become part of a compelling professional narrative. Students can choose to either initiate a new project or elevate an existing one, focusing on key discipline-specific skills. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to foster individual growth while contributing to the collective success of their team projects.

GAM 450: Project IV

Credits 4

This course prepares students for their professional journey by forming teams to develop portfolio-worthy projects. Students will tackle challenging problems collaboratively, honing their skills, gaining valuable experience, and crafting compelling narratives for job interviews. Designed to enhance professional readiness, students can choose to either initiate a new project or elevate an existing one, focusing on a key discipline-specific professional skill. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to actively improve their skills, fostering individual growth while contributing to the collective success of their team projects.

GAM 490: Internship II

Credits 4
An internship is any carefully monitored work or service experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience. It is usually a professional activity under general supervision of an experienced professional and in a job situation, which places a high degree of responsibility on the student.