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School of Game Design

About Our BFA Program

The Game Design BFA is designed to give a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on understanding and applying techniques including 3D Modeling, Animation and lighting in Video Game Production.  The program will introduce and build on the foundations of traditional drawing, painting, and storytelling to develop conceptual skills, which will be applied to innovative game mechanics and challenging 3D technology.  State-of-the-art game engines will be used to prototype games, giving BFA graduates hands-on experience with industry techniques and standards.  Communication and organizational skills play key roles as students work on collaborative projects.

The successful graduate will have a solid grasp of all fundamental game art principles including knowledge of game engine technology and pre-production and production environments.  They will develop an exceptional portfolio that shows skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as 3D modeling, texturing and advanced texturing techniques, animation, rigging and time management.

First Four Freshman Classes

GAM 110: Elements of Game Design | Units: 3.00

In this course, students make a game design document based on game industry practices. Development strategies are examined and contrasts made between companies, genres and types of games. New technologies are explained including cross-platform games, next generation platforms, and immersive game experiences.

GAM 131: History of Gaming | Units: 3.00

Covering games from ancient board games to modern consoles, this course gives relevance and meaning to the human experience of interaction through games. Game design and theory, non-linear storytelling theory, an overview of video game industry companies, technology and terminology are introduced.

GAM 201: 3D Modeling for Games 1 | Units: 3.00

In this course, students have their first in-depth experience with 3D modeling software. Concepts introduced include real-time rendering specs, polygons, vertices, UV mapping, simple texture techniques, digital photography and paint, and unwrapping.

GAM 202: 3D Animation for Games | Units: 3.00

This course will introduce 3D Animation basics. Traditional concepts such as timing, weight, building a simple skeleton and rig, inverse and forward kinematics, motion blocking, interpolation, and basic animation scripting are examined. Students employ models provided to create specific animations based on several exercises.

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

School of Game Design

Graduates of the School of Game Design will meet the following student performance criteria: 

  1. Game Theory & Design

    • Design, organize and build game demos.

  2. Visual Storytelling

    • Create viable linear and non-linear narratives for games.
    • Integrate objects, environments, characters and props into themed situations and stories for games.

  3. Visual Communication

    • Draw, design and render forms to game industry standards.

  4. Technology

    • Demonstrate proficiency with technology related to contemporary game production.

  5. Presentation Skills

    • Clearly and professionally present their work and discuss key concepts of game art and game design.

  6. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    • Execute projects within given parameters, client needs, and industry constraints.
    • Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline.

  7. Professional Readiness

    • Produce a professional demo reel or portfolio which meets industry standards.
    • Work cooperatively and effectively in a professional production environment.

  8. Specialized Skills and Knowledge (in one of the following areas)

  9. Modeling

    • Model, texture and light 3D forms in a manner that meets industry standards.

    Visual Development

    • Communicate ideas, problems and solutions effectively through visual storytelling media.

    Animation

    • Show understanding of the physics of motion and convincingly manipulate objects, characters, fluids, semi-fluids, particles and gases.

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
  2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
  3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
  4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
  5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
  6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
  7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design. 
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