Computer game play has emerged as the most popular form
of entertainment in our culture and exhibits great promise as
a tool for education, science, and industry. Leveraging the
strengths of the Interactive Arts and Media Department, the
interdisciplinary nature of the faculty, and partnerships with
other departments, the Game Design major is designed to
educate students for careers in the exciting and fast-growing
field of game design and production.
The Game Design major in Interactive Arts and Media
provides contextual understanding and competence in
this distinctive discipline. Our students develop an understanding
of the aesthetics, theory, and culture of games that
informs their work and encourages originality in content.
Game Design majors learn how to develop games in a strong
and collaborative production environment in which teams
work together effectively to create games.
Students in the Game Design major complete the Interactive
Arts and Media core before enrolling in Game Design courses
that accentuate the cultural aspects of game design, game
design theory, and concept development. Students then
select one of four concentrations in Game Art, Development
, Programming, or Sound providing the depth of
specialization that the game industry demands.
A distinctive component of the Game Design curriculum
is the senior capstone course. As students study in their
chosen specializations, they are expected not only to accumulate
knowledge and skills, but also to accumulate original
content in order to complete their final capstone experience.
The capstone course brings together teams of student
specialists in the framework of an advanced production class,
where they learn effective team-building strategies and the
creation of shared visions, culminating in the production of a
working game.
For examples of student work, see:
Water Aloft the Ridge (2012 Senior Capstone Large Team Project)
Warden of Raal (2011 Senior Capstone Large Team Project)
Grunt Work (2010 Senior Capstone Large Team Project)
Dismantle Repair (2009 Senior Capstone Large Team Project )
