Program Overview
Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement
Related Degrees & Certificates
- AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
- 3D Animation and Videogame Art | 60 units
- Digital Art and Animation | 60 units
- CA Certificate of Achievement
- 3D Animation and Videogame Art | 42 units
- Digital Art and Animation | 27 units
- Graphic Design | 19.5 units
Career Opportunities
- Game designer
- Game developer
- Level designer
- Coder
- Game artist
- Technical artist
- Director
- Producer
- Studio owner (indie game developer)
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Communicate design concepts clearly and concisely (i.e., visual, oral, and written).
- Develop competitive industry standard skills in the respective fields.
- Understand the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.
Program Overview
Video game design is a rapidly growing field, both nationally and in the Bay Area. The Video Game Design certificate trains students in the skills they need to secure an entry-level position as a game designer, level designer, or associate producer in the video game industry. Curriculum was developed in conjunction with veteran game industry designers and reflects the skills currently in demand in the industry.
Requirements
Major: Core and Selective Requirements
Complete Core Courses, 30 units
- MART 441 | Introduction to Video Game Design | 3 units
- MART 442 | History of Video Games | 3 units
- MART 443 | Game Design Fundamentals | 3 units
- MART 445 | 3D Game Scripting | 3 units
- MART 446 | Storytelling with Media | 3 units
- MART 447 | 3D Level Design | 3 units
- MART 450 | Collaborative Game Production | 3 units
- MART 451 | Rapid Game Development | 3 units
- MART 452 | Advanced Game Design | 3 units
- MART 455 | Indie Game Development & Entrepreneurship | 3 units
Selective Courses, choose a minimum of 3 units from the following:
- MART 314 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 units
- MART 366 | Color Management and Theory | 3 units
- MART 376 | Introduction to Digital Imaging | 3 units
- MART 420 | Introduction to 3D Modeling and Animation | 3 units
Total Required Units: 33
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Video game design is a rapidly growing field, both nationally and in the Bay Area. The Video Game Design certificate trains students in the skills they need to secure an entry-level position as a game designer, level designer, or associate producer in the video game industry. Curriculum was developed in conjunction with veteran game industry designers and reflects the skills currently in demand in the industry.
Objectives:
The program will train students in the following industry-relevant skills:
- Communicating design concepts clearly and concisely (i.e. visually, orally, and in writing).
- Developing competitive industry-standard skills in the respective fields.
- Understanding the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.
Program Description:
The Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program at Cañada College is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the video game industry. The program is taught by experienced game industry professionals and covers a wide range of topics, including game design, level design, 3D modeling and animation, and game programming. Students in the program will have the opportunity to work on real-world game projects and develop a portfolio of their work. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level game designers, level designers, or associate producers.
Outline:
Courses:
The Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program consists of the following courses:
- MART 441: Introduction to Video Game Design
- MART 442: History of Video Games
- MART 443: Game Design Fundamentals
- MART 445: 3D Game Scripting
- MART 446: Storytelling with Games
- MART 447: 3D Level Design
- MART 450: Collaborative Game Production
- MART 451: Rapid Game Development
- MART 452: Advanced Game Design
- MART 455: Indie Game Development & Entrepreneurship Students must also choose a minimum of 3 units from the following selective courses:
- MART 314: Introduction to Computer Graphics
- MART 366: Color Management and Theory
- MART 376: Introduction to Digital Imaging
- MART 420: Introduction to 3D Modeling and Animation
Schedule:
The Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program is offered on a part-time basis, with classes meeting in the evenings and on weekends. The program can be completed in as little as two semesters.
Modules:
The Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program is divided into the following modules:
- Introduction to Video Game Design: This module provides an overview of the video game industry and the different roles within it. Students will learn the basics of game design, including game mechanics, level design, and storytelling.
- Game Design Fundamentals: This module covers the core principles of game design. Students will learn how to create compelling game experiences that are fun and engaging.
- 3D Game Scripting: This module teaches students how to use 3D game scripting languages to create interactive game environments.
- Storytelling with Games: This module explores the use of storytelling in video games. Students will learn how to create compelling stories that drive the player's experience.
- 3D Level Design: This module teaches students how to create 3D game levels. Students will learn the basics of level design, including level layout, lighting, and optimization.
- Collaborative Game Production: This module provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world game projects in teams. Students will learn how to collaborate with other team members and manage the game development process.
- Rapid Game Development: This module teaches students how to use rapid game development techniques to quickly create prototypes and iterate on game designs.
- Advanced Game Design: This module covers advanced topics in game design, such as game AI, physics, and multiplayer networking.
- Indie Game Development & Entrepreneurship: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to start their own indie game development company. Students will learn about game development business models, marketing, and distribution.
Assessment:
Students in the Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Projects: Students will be required to complete a number of game design projects throughout the program. These projects will be evaluated based on their creativity, technical proficiency, and overall quality.
- Exams: Students will be required to take exams in each of the program's courses. These exams will cover the material that has been taught in class.
- Participation: Students will be evaluated on their participation in class discussions and activities.
Teaching:
The Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program is taught by experienced game industry professionals. These instructors have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they share with their students. The program is also taught in a hands-on environment, which gives students the opportunity to learn by doing.
Careers:
Graduates of the Video Game Design Certificate of Achievement program will be prepared for entry-level positions in the video game industry. These positions may include:
- Game designer
- Level designer
- Associate producer
- 3D artist
- Game programmer
- Studio owner (indie game developer)
Cañada College Summary
Overview:
Cañada College is a community college located in Redwood City, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs leading to associate degrees and certificates, as well as transfer opportunities to four-year universities. The college emphasizes student support services and provides a welcoming and diverse campus environment.
Services Offered:
Cañada College offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on course selection, program planning, and transfer options.Financial Aid:
Assistance with scholarships, grants, and loans.Career Services:
Resources for career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to enhance the campus experience.Disability Services:
Support for students with disabilities.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Basic Needs Assistance:
Information and resources for food, housing, and mental health support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Cañada College provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and events, including:
Athletics:
Intercollegiate sports teams and recreational activities.Student Government:
Opportunities for student leadership and advocacy.Cultural Events:
Performances, exhibitions, and workshops showcasing diverse cultures.Social Activities:
Gatherings, parties, and outings to foster a sense of community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Free Tuition:
Cañada College offers free tuition for eligible students.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs to choose from, including associate degrees and certificates.Strong Transfer Opportunities:
Excellent transfer rates to four-year universities.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated faculty and staff committed to student success.Engaging Campus Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, leadership development, and social connections.Academic Programs:
Cañada College offers over 100 academic programs, including:
