NEW! Interactive Media and Game Design
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Program Description
Interactive Game Design courses explore the creative, technical, and conceptual aspects of designing and producing interactive game experiences and products, including reactive (sensory-based devices) and interactive technologies, 3D game mechanics, interface design, games for mobile device applications, social media and web multimedia, and/or augmented and virtual reality games.
Topics May Include
Aesthetic Meaning
- Explore how visual, auditory, and interactive elements contribute to the emotional and intellectual engagement of players.
- Examine the role of color theory, composition, sound design, and storytelling in creating immersive game experiences.
- Analyze successful games to understand how aesthetic decisions enhance gameplay and player satisfaction.
Artistic, Design, and Technical Methods and Practices
- Introduce principles of graphic design, character creation, and environmental modeling.
- Cover software and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, and others.
- Discuss workflows for collaborative game design, including prototyping, iteration, and user testing.
Game Construction and Development
- Teach the stages of game development: concept creation, design documentation, asset production, coding, testing, and deployment.
- Incorporate agile and scrum methodologies for project management.
- Guide students through creating a complete game or interactive experience by the end of the course.
Game Theory and Dynamics
- Examine the mechanics that drive engagement, challenge, and reward systems in games.
- Discuss concepts like player agency, balance, feedback loops, and the “flow” state.
- Analyze classic and contemporary games to identify successful implementation of theory.
Analysis and Media Literacy
- Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the cultural, social, and ethical implications of games.
- Teach students to interpret narrative, symbolism, and thematic content within games.
- Examine how games influence and are influenced by media trends and player expectations.
Construction, Development, Processing, Modeling, and Programming of Game-Based Experiences
- Provide hands-on experience with programming languages and tools such as C#, Python, or JavaScript for game development.
- Cover physics engines, AI programming, and real-time rendering.
- Introduce 3D modeling, texturing, and animation techniques.
Transmission, Distribution, Placement, and Marketing
- Discuss the business side of game design, including publishing platforms like Steam, App Store, and Google Play.
- Explore marketing strategies, from trailers to social media campaigns and influencer outreach.
- Address intellectual property considerations, licensing, and monetization models such as microtransactions and subscription services.
Contextual, Cultural, and Historical Aspects and Considerations
- Examine the evolution of video games as an art form and cultural phenomenon.
- Discuss the representation of diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives in games.
- Analyze historical case studies of influential games and trends, and explore how technology has shaped the medium over time.