About Our MFA Program

School of Game Design

About Our MFA Program

The Game Design MFA focuses on conceptual skills and the mastering of new technologies based on a strong foundation of traditional drawing, painting and storytelling.  These skills are applied to innovative game mechanics and challenging 3D technology.  State-of-the-art game engines are used in the prototype game production studio, giving MFA graduates hands-on experience with industry techniques and standards.  Communication and organization play key roles in this collaborative environment, as the final thesis project prepares students to become leaders and innovators in the game industry. 

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

School of Game Design

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

1. MFA Thesis Project
   

   • Create a thesis project that demonstrates a mastery of interactive game design and specialized knowledge of modeling, animation, visual development, or level design. Prior to being granted an MFA degree, students are required to present to a review committee.

2. Game Design
   

   • Work effectively with game design documents.
   • Build game levels using state of the art tools.
   • Demonstrate a sophisticated level of understanding of Game Theory.

3. Visual Storytelling
   

   • Create viable linear and non-linear narratives for games
   • Synthesize designed elements (objects, environments, characters, props) into a cohesive narrative.

4. Visual Communication
   

   • Professionally draw and render human, animal, and architectural forms and relate them in context.
   • Critically evaluate the aesthetics, meaning and effect of imagery.

5. Technology
   

   • Demonstrate proficiency with technology related to contemporary game production.

6. Presentation Skills
   

   • Present their ideas and solutions in a cogent and well-organized manner.

7. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
   

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

8. Professional Readiness
   

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

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

10. Modeling
    

    • Model, texture and light 3-dimensional forms that are genre and format specific.
    • Implement industry and hardware budgets and prepare files for production.
    • Implement concepts in 3 dimensions within budget and to industry specifications.

    Animation
    

    • Convincingly express concepts of weight, timing, gesture, looping, exaggeration, emotion and drama.
    • Create and synthesize motion to follow, show and enhance story beats, character and action to achieve dramatic effect.
    • Critique and modify programmatically-derived motion.

    Visual Development
    

    • Create, enhance and edit images to professional level.
    • Effectively communicate design ideas using visual media.
    • Draw and render 3 dimensional spaces to meet industry standards and within industry constraints.

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.