Game Programming

Program Overview

The Game Programming program at St. Lawrence College is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become professional game developers. The program emphasizes practical application of programming concepts, with a focus on creating optimized and efficient code for various platforms. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in the video game industry, including roles such as Game Programmer, AI Programmer, and Game Designer. The program's focus on collaboration, industry-standard tools, and a capstone project provides students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education.

Program Outline

Game Programming Program at St. Lawrence College

Degree Overview:

The Game Programming program at St. Lawrence College is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become professional game developers. The program emphasizes practical application of programming concepts, with a focus on creating optimized and efficient code for various platforms.

Program Objectives:

• Provide students with a strong foundation in programming principles using C++, C#, and scripting languages.
• Develop students' ability to design and implement game mechanics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces.
• Introduce students to industry-standard game engines and tools.
• Cultivate students' teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing video game industry.

Outline:

The Game Programming program comprises four semesters, each encompassing various modules focusing on specific game development aspects.

Semester 1:

• COMM 110: Communications for College: This introductory course teaches fundamental communication skills essential for success in college and the workforce.
• GAME 102: Programming Fundamentals 1: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming using C++, covering topics like standard software design methodologies, game design, and programming techniques.
• GAME 110: Computer Graphics & Modelling: This course delves into 2D digital image creation, 3D game assets, and level design.
Students learn about sprite sheets, character creation, polygon modeling, texturing, lighting, animations, and exporting assets to game engines.
• GAME 111: Web Design and Database Fundamentals: This course focuses on web design and database development using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
Students learn to design professional web portfolios, build dynamic web applications, and implement data models and structures.
• General Education Course: Students complete one general education course aligned with their specific interests.

Semester 2:

• GAME 202: Object Oriented Programming: This course dives deeper into object-oriented programming concepts using C++, covering topics like bitwise operations, file streaming, exception handling, and string manipulation.
• GAME 210: Programming Fundamentals 2: This course expands on C++ programming fundamentals, focusing on intermediate concepts like recursive functions, data structures, and algorithms.
• GAME 211: Mobile Web Development: This course explores creating mobile-friendly web-based games, covering topics like responsive design, touch input, and device compatibility.
• GAME 212: Game Engines 1: Fundamentals: This course introduces popular game engines, covering topics like creating and modifying game objects, applying materials, and implementing game scripts.
• MATH 10: Technical Mathematics: This course reviews fundamental mathematical concepts like algebra and trigonometry, focusing on applications relevant to technical fields.
• General Education Course: Students complete another general education course aligned with their interests.

Semester 3:

• GAME 2000: Professionalism and Career Readiness: This course focuses on developing professionalism and career readiness skills, including portfolio development, job search strategies, and effective communication.
• GAME 310: Artificial Intelligence: This course explores artificial intelligence concepts used in game development, including finite state machines, pathfinding, behavior trees, and flocking.
• GAME 311: Network Programming: This course explores network programming concepts in the context of game development, covering topics like network traffic processing, server architecture design, and multiplayer game development.
• GAME 312: Game Engines 2: Advanced Scripting: This course dives into advanced scripting concepts using C# in the Unity game engine, covering topics like object-oriented design, co-routines, and collaboration tools.
• GAME 400: Game Ethics and Legalities: This course explores ethical and legal considerations in game development, including intellectual property protection, privacy, and social impact.

Semester 4:

• GAME 402: Game Scripting: This course introduces scripting languages and their applications in game development, focusing on Python and its applications in automating tasks and interacting with game components.
• GAME 403: Capstone Project: This course culminates in a team-based project where students design, develop, and present a playable game prototype, showcasing their acquired skills and knowledge.
• GAME 405: Data Structures and Algorithms: This course explores data structures and algorithms with a focus on efficient game development, covering topics like arrays, queues, and graph algorithms.
• General Education Online Course: Students complete an online general education course.
• GAME 2001: Graphics Programming: This course introduces shader programming and its applications in creating 3D objects for games, covering topics like graphics pipeline, rendering techniques, and visual effects.
• MATH 21: Mathematics for Games: This course delves into matrices and coordinate systems specific to 3D game development.

Assessment:

The Game Programming program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Assignments
• Labs
• Quizzes
• Midterm and final exams
• Capstone project
Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment method and course content. However, the program generally emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application of skills.

Teaching:

The Game Programming program employs a combination of teaching methods, including:

• lectures
• hands-on labs
• group projects
• guest speakers
• industry visits
The faculty comprises experienced professionals with expertise in game development and related fields. The program also utilizes industry-standard software and tools, ensuring students gain experience with the latest technologies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Game Programming program are well-positioned for a variety of careers in the video game industry. Potential career paths include:

• Game Programmer
• AI Programmer
• Graphics Programmer
• Network Programmer
• Game Designer
• Level Designer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
Graduates have secured employment with various game studios in Canada and internationally, including Ubisoft and Eidos (Square-Enix).

Other:

The Game Programming program at St. Lawrence College provides students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive video game industry.

• The program offers a unique opportunity to work on a capstone project, which allows students to apply their acquired skills and knowledge to a real-world project.
• The program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, preparing students for the collaborative nature of the game development industry.
• The program has a strong focus on practical application of skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry.

Conclusion

The Game Programming program at St. Lawrence College offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for students passionate about game development. Its focus on practical application of skills, industry-standard tools, and a strong professional network make it an excellent choice for students aiming for a successful career in this exciting field.