Program Overview

Introduction to Applied Immersive Game Design

The Applied Immersive Game Design program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the rapidly expanding field of game design. This program combines creative design, science, engineering, and business studies to prepare graduates for a modern career path in Aotearoa New Zealand's innovative economy.

What Skills Will Our Graduates Gain?

Through their degree in Applied Immersive Game Design, graduates will gain the skills needed for the design of games for various applications and the commercialization of their ideas. These include:

• Creativity
• Ability to design games that meet end-user needs, e.g., for entertainment, education, rehabilitation, and industrial applications
• Understanding of idea generation, game structure, and interface design
• Practical experience in game prototyping for a range of platforms
• Ability to use industry-relevant animation software and game engines, with an emphasis on virtual, augmented, and mixed reality
• Critical thinking and application of logic to proposed design solutions

Where Might Our Graduates Be Employed?

Many graduates in this rapidly expanding area are self-employed and working on the design and commercialization of their own product ideas. Existing game development companies are looking for well-qualified graduates with advanced technical skills. Typically, small start-up companies benefit from 'all-rounders' who can work on a wide range of activities, from technical aspects through to marketing and customer support. As the applications of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality grow, we expect many companies will look for graduates with broad skills and a user-centered approach to game design. Growth areas are expected in the areas of:

• Entertainment
• Industrial
• Retail
• Tourism
• Education
• Medical and rehabilitation
• Behavioral intervention
• Robotics

What Jobs and Activities Might Our Graduates Do?

Graduates with this degree will have a broad range of skills that can be applied in a variety of roles. Graduates will be prepared to take novel gaming ideas to commercial implementation. Examples of potential jobs include:

• Applied Immersive Game Designer / Consultant: Researches a client's brief, an organizational or social need, or a gap in the market; designs, produces, and tests a prototype; investigates patents and commercializes the product.
• User Interface (UI) Designer: Creates web and mobile application interfaces that are user-friendly; communicates requirements to other developers, designers, and writers; improves usability and desirability to showcase all the product features.
• Product Manager: Manages a specific product or line of products that are already in the market; coordinates the production of a finished prototype; oversees operations and logistics; handles product enquiries, complaints, orders.
• Marketing or Sales Manager: Conducts market research into product usage and audience preferences; analyzes performance of existing products or identifies new requirements; communicates intelligence to designers and managers to inform product changes.
• Product Design Manager / Senior Designer: Manages technical design staff; leads the product design function; leads business initiatives on new products; manages budgets, staff, and processes.
• Entrepreneur and CEO: Develops an idea, product, or service to form their own business; gets involved in a start-up; offers their skills or services as a freelancer or consultant.

What Professional Bodies Can Our Graduates Link To?

As they progress in their studies and into a career, students and graduates often join professional bodies or organizations relevant to their area of interest. These organizations often provide regular communications and offer the opportunity to network with others within the same community. Examples include:

• New Zealand Game Developers Association
• IT Professionals NZ
• Ng Aho Mori Design Professionals Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can provide avenues to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events, and job vacancies.