Game Design, AS (GMDN-AS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The purpose of the Computer Game Design program is to provide students who are interested in a career in this industry comprehensive instruction in all aspects of computer game design and production. The specific program objectives include:

• To provide instruction in all production aspects of game design and production including animation, sound design, game level design, 3D modeling, and computer graphics.
• To connect the media creation aspects of game design with the industry standard game engine tools necessary to produce functioning gameplay.
• To integrate creative thinking and technical skills in the development of original gaming concepts.
• To offer an overview of the games industry including tracking industry trends, preparation of production proposals and budgets, and the development and responsibilities of production teams.

The program is structured to equip students with a sound foundation in technical skills, design concepts, aesthetics, terminology and vocabulary, and to provide an awareness of the application of creative and critical thinking in the use of technical knowledge. A strong emphasis has been placed on the use of the computer as a production and compositing tool.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates of the Computer Game Design program will:

• Meet educational standards for entry-level and intermediate level employment in the area of game design and development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the production pipeline for game design & development (concept, storytelling, character development, level design, programming decisions, network distribution, etc.).
• Integrate creative/artistic skills (drawing, animation, storytelling, level design, etc.) with the industry standard technology and tools necessary for the development of interactive media.
• Demonstrate the software skills necessary for game development and for potential employment in the game development field.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

The Game Design A.S. degree is transferable to new programs in some of the CT State Universities, and to several colleges and Universities, both national and international. This would include Becker College, Hampshire College, Quinnipiac University, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Academy of Art University, Fitchburg State University and others.