Game-Development at Algonquin College

Apply your computer programming talent to launch a career creating games of strategy and skill.

The three-year Game - Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter into the increasingly competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning and a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in large game studios. Throughout the program, you learn the design and critical thinking skills needed to find employment in the game development industry.

As a student, you learn how to create games of strategy and skill in an applied setting. During your first year, you gain knowledge in basic programming syntax and game development software tools. You enhance your skills with courses in:

• game design and development
• traditional and digital imaging
• authoring
• animation
• programming

For your final project, you work with your classmates to conceptualize, design and implement a complete 3-D game title. After graduation, you have the skills to demonstrate you are ready to start your career in this highly competitive field.

There are numerous career opportunities for graduates from this program. The game development profession has increased in demand to now include industries such as entertainment, education, government and consumer products.

You may find employment as a:

• game developer
• game programmer
• software developer
• game play programmer
• game designer
• game artist
• asset modeler
• texture artist
• game animator
• indie game producer

Most opportunities in this industry exist outside of the Ottawa area.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have strong observational critical-thinking and analytical skills.
• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the game development industry.
• Have an aptitude for and are proficient in math.
• Thrive in a creative and innovative environment.
• Are comfortable with computer programming elements.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as a game developer, game programmer, software designer, software developer, graphics programmer, game designer, game artist, character modeler, environment modeler, texture artist, game animator, game tester, project manager and level designer. Most opportunities in game development exist outside of the Ottawa region.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
2. Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
3. Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles-programming, design, and art.
4. Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
5. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
6. Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
7. Apply conceptual game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design, and development of games.
8. Apply practical game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design and developing of unique gaming environments, levels, characters, assets and props.
9. Apply programming principles and techniques to create operational games or game components.
10. Apply artificial intelligence and/or network implementation strategies to support real-time game environments and simulations.
11. Utilize game engine functionality at an advanced level to support real-time games and simulations.
12. Create original game props, characters and assets based on the concepts and requirements outlined in game design documents.
13. Contribute to world building and level design, including using a game engine.
14. Conceive, prototype, develop, test and evaluate procedures for the creation, design, programming, production and testing of games in a group environment.
15. Test, debug and correct game components to ensure efficient and appropriate game functionality.
16. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MCT4C is highly recommended).
• A senior credit in physics is recommended.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants are selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.