نظرة عامة على البرنامج
The Minor in Game Development at the University of Charleston is a 21-semester hour program designed for full-time students. It provides foundational knowledge in game development with a focus on content and systems design. The program was developed in collaboration with Unity Technologies and prepares students for careers in the booming video game industry. Graduates can pursue various careers such as game designer, level designer, game programmer, game artist, game tester, and game producer.
مخطط البرنامج
Degree Overview:
The Minor in Game Development at the University of Charleston is a 21-semester hour program designed for full-time UC students.
It provides foundational knowledge in game development with a focus on content and systems design.
The program was developed in collaboration with Unity Technologies, a leading provider of game engines.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a strong foundation in game development principles.
- Provide hands-on experience with Unity game engine.
- Develop skills in content and systems design.
- Prepare students for careers in the booming video game industry.
Description:
- The program curriculum covers essential aspects of game development including programming, animation, design, and production.
- Python, C#, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3
- two Unity certifications
Outline:
Program Content and Structure:
The Minor in Game Development consists of four core courses that provide students with a comprehensive overview of game development principles and practices.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Game Development (3 credit hours): Covers fundamental concepts, game mechanics, game genres, game development methodologies, and the role of game development in the entertainment industry.
- Programming for Games (3 credit hours): Introduces principles of game programming using Unity, including game objects, animation, scripting and user interaction, physics and collision detection, game logic, and debugging techniques.
- Game Design & Development I & II (3 credit hours each): Focuses on the design, production, and implementation of digital game projects, covering game design, user experience design, game art creation and animation, level design, game narrative and storyboarding, game audio implementation, game testing, and game optimization techniques.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods and Criteria:
- Course assignments and projects: Students will complete various assignments and projects throughout the courses to demonstrate their understanding and application of learned concepts.
- Examinations: Midterm and final examinations may be conducted to assess students’ theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during the program.
- Portfolio development: Students are encouraged to develop a portfolio of their creative game development work to showcase their skills and progress throughout the program.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods and Faculty:
The Minor in Game Development is taught by qualified faculty with expertise in game development who use various teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning.
- Interactive lectures and demonstrations: Instructors provide engaging lectures, presentations, and live coding demonstrations to explain complex concepts and principles clearly.
- Hands-on workshops and labs: The curriculum incorporates practical exercises, workshops, and lab sessions to provide students with hands-on experience in developing game prototypes and projects using industry-standard tools like Unity.
- Individualized feedback and guidance: Instructors offer individual feedback and support to students throughout their projects, ensuring they receive personalized attention to enhance their learning and development.
Unique Approaches:
The Minor in Game Development program utilizes the following unique components:
- Industry Collaboration: The program is co-created with Unity Technologies, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to current industry standards and practices.
- Unity Certifications: The program offers the opportunity for students to earn two industry-recognized Unity certifications, enhancing their marketability and career prospects.
Careers:
Career Opportunities and Outcomes:
Graduates of the Minor in Game Development can pursue various careers in the video game industry, such as:
- Game designer
- Level designer
- Game programmer
- Game artist
- Game tester
- Game producer The program prepares students to succeed in this competitive field by providing them with the skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions and further professional development opportunities.
Other:
Industry Growth and Demand
The video game industry is experiencing significant growth and is projected to surpass $200 billion in sales by 2023 with the mobile, console, and PC gaming segments driving this expansion.
Job Market Outlook
The demand for skilled video game developers is increasing rapidly. The game designer job market is expected to grow by 9.3% by 2026.
Median Salaries
Game development is a lucrative career field, with the median salary for a game developer exceeding $85,000 per year.
