GDP 101 - Fundamentals of Game Design
This course covers the many aspects involved in the process of designing a game. Topics included in this course are the role of the game designer, elements of a game, types of players, game mechanics, game balance, story in games, game design documents, game pitches, and prototypes.
GDP 112 - Introduction to Game Programming
This course builds on the fundamental principles of game design and teaches students the basics of game programming using a modern professional game engine. Students will learn the concepts and features of object-oriented programming using a computer language commonly used in the game industry. The course focuses on various techniques used in developing prototypes of 2D and 3D games.
GDP 115 - The Business of Game Development
This course covers many aspects related to the business of game development. Students learn about legal issues, publishing, marketing, entrepreneurship, and current topics in the game industry. Some concepts covered include intellectual property rights, branding, public relations, contract negotiations, choosing a business entity, and writing business and marketing plans. This course will help students gain a broader understanding of the game development industry.
GDP 201 - Digital Animation for Games
This course provides students with animation techniques using a modern professional game engine and computer graphics software. Students will cover the principles of 2D and 3D animation and its use in game design. Topics include 2D sprite animation, 3D skeletal animation, particle systems, physics in animation, and creating programmatic animations.
GDP 212 - Artificial Intelligence for Games
This course further explores game programming using a modern professional game engine by covering artificial intelligence techniques and algorithms used in games. Topics include finite state machines, sensory systems, path following, steering, obstacle avoidance, flocking, behavior trees, navigation meshes, and machine learning.
GDP 215 - 3D Game Graphics Programming
This course provides students with the fundamentals of 3D programming for games and interactive media using a modern professional game engine. Students will explore various topics of shader programming, post-processing effects, lighting models, physically based rendering, and grab passes.
GDP 280 - Game Development Portfolio
In this course students will develop a game from conception to completion in a team environment. Students will be expected to document their work through all stages of development and to apply project management techniques with their group. This capstone project can then be used by students looking to show their portfolio to potential employers or for students who plan to publish their game.