Software Engineering Technology Interactive Gaming Includes Number of Career Options

Did you know that under the umbrella of software engineering technology, there is a wide range of positions? That includes everyone from software developers who design, install, test and maintain software systems and game programmers who primarily develop codebase for video games or related software, such as game development tools to software testers, computer programmers, systems analysts, business analysts, web application developer, database administrators and applications or software support. Additionally, software engineering technology itself may have offshoots such as interactive gaming, which deals with electronic games that involve human interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device.

At Centennial College's game design program - Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) - students attend three years worth of studies that makes them qualified to apply for entry-level positions in all of these roles.

This program's focus is on ensuring that students have an understanding of all of the various phases of the game programming life cycle: game design, three-dimensional graphics programming, game engine design, multiplayer online game programming and more. As such, many of the courses are interactive and include hands-on components so that students not only have a theoretical framework but a practical one too. Hands-on participation is facilitated in three distinct ways:

• Students learn object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, Microsoft's .NET, DirectX, XNA, Flash, HTML5, software testing and QA, C#, Java, Java EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Rational/ WebSphere, Mobile Application Development and more.
  
• Students complete two software development projects that serve as real-world business applications. As such, students are required to make use of both the technical and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software.
• Co-op sees students gain real-world, related work experience while, helping them to decide what kind of job they want as a grads, helping them pay for their college education and increases their chances of getting a good job (with a higher salary) once they complete their studies. Additionally, the experience provides valuable contacts for future careers.

Each game design course is fully accredited by The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) and the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT). This joint accreditation, which was granted in 2011, was the first of its kind in Canada. Graduates benefit by being able to apply for certified membership to either CIPS or their provincial engineering technology association. Among the specific courses in the offering are: Functions and Number Systems, Introduction to Database Concepts, Software Engineering Methodologies, Introduction to Game and Simulation, Game Programming, Object Oriented Software Engineering, Java EE Programming, Emerging Technologies, IT Project Management, Practical Game Design and more.

Students develop their passion for gaming in the game design program

New games and gaming console have been recently released. Apps and gaming software are continuously updated. The digital age is rapidly evolving and the mechanics behind the gaming industry is always hard at work, looking at the latest trends in various areas to incorporate in the games. If this sounds exhilarating to you, then register to a game design program and dive into the action.

Why should you enter the video game industry?

• because the video game industry is having a massive growth, with an expansion of job roles and creation of new positions
  
• because it offers stability, with many jobs offered at full-time hours
  
• because the it offers a huge salary, with an average person earning over $50,000 annually, according to Service Canada reports
  
• because it offers multitude of opportunities, with positions like Multimedia Developer, Programming Analyst, Web Programmer, Software Developer, and Software Testers
  
• because it is a fun and rewarding career, especially for those who enjoy playing video games and enjoy creating and analyzing information

Workers must first earn their credentials at a postsecondary institution, where the learning process and early career experiences happen. A fitting program for this profession is offered at Centennial College. The Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) (3119) program is an advanced diploma program, offering the opportunity for an on-the-job training for three placements, equivalent to 12 months of experience. Additionally, its courses teach relevant information and theories that are applied in lab sessions, where students gain hands-on experience on campus. The combination of academic and practical training leads students to a successful career path in the gaming industry. Students have a heavy course load on various program languages and the programming process. They will learn skills in the following areas:

• web interface design, including practice in HTML, CSS and XML
• system administration for UNIX/Linux operating systems, using skills in C/C++ and Java
• games development for 2D and 3D purposes, using C# and XNA
• software testing, troubleshooting, and quality assurance
• design and development of electronic games, focusing on game delivery systems and the commercial development cycle

Apart from the technicalities, students learn about videogames as a whole. The Practical game design course walks learners through game concepts, such as the target audience and the design process. Students will learn about storytelling, character development, and creative play, where they will use the knowledge learned to build games that have a purpose for the players. This game design course is a crucial foundation of any software builder who wants to have successful games that will interest their buyers.

The Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) program provides a well-rounded set of courses with lab simulations to help comprehend the extensive classroom lectures and demonstrations. With the co-op option, students can work alongside industry professionals on real projects, which can determine a student's success in the field upon graduation. Many students find their passion for gaming became stronger after working in the field, and have found success in various industries with a software and gaming sector.

Software Engineering Technology Interactive Gaming Teaches Students Through Projects and Field Experience

Imagine being a member of the team that partakes in various phases of the game programming life cycle, such as game design, three-dimensional graphics programming, game engine design, multiplayer online game programming and more. These people have many roles, including: developing software, programming games or computers, testing software, analyzing systems, developing web applications, administering databases and offering software support. However, despite the varied functions of professionals in software engineering technology, it only takes one program to be eligible to apply for any of them.

Centennial College's game design program - Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) - is fully accredited by important organizations that demonstrate to employers the level of education students received. The first accreditation is the first of its kind in Canada, as it is jointly from the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) and the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT). Graduates from the program may apply for certified membership to either CIPS or their provincial engineering technology association. The second accreditation came after it was determined that the program met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). As such, it received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). The final accreditation is from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, which recognizes the Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category.

These accreditations would be nothing without a stellar curriculum. Centennial College's offering balances theory and much practical, hands-on application in object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, Microsoft's .NET, DirectX, XNA, Flash, HTML5, software testing and QA, C#, Java, Java EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Rational/ WebSphere, Mobile Application Development and more. Meanwhile, specific courses include: Introduction of Database Concepts, Software Engineering Methodologies, Game Programming, Software Testing and Quality Assurance, Java EE Programming, Emerging Technologies, Wireless Programming and many more - all of which are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards.

To further enhance everything students learn in each game design course, there are two software development projects and a co-op placement. Firstly, the projects are real-world business applications that require students to utilize all the technical and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. Secondly, the co-op component of the program gives academically-qualified students the opportunity to enhance their education by working three terms as paid employees in the field. The experience not only allows them to put classroom learning into practice, but also to expand their network.

Building a Career in Game Designing and Development

Game designers play an integral role in various phases of the game development life cycle such as game design, graphics programming, game engine design, game programming and testing. The professionals typically work as software developers and utilize their technical skills and creativity to build high quality gaming software.

Game developers can be considered as programmers and creative thinkers. Besides, they possess in-depth understanding of

• Object-oriented software design methodologies
• User-oriented interface design
• Mobile application development
• Software programming languages such as HTML5, Java, .NET, Oracle, Flash and XNA

Career Prospects

The video game industry generates multi millions of dollars as revenues annually and there are no signs of slowing down. Demand for new games for mobile devices and home gaming console systems is constantly increasing. This has led to an increased demand for gaming professionals.

Despite huge demand for technology professionals, securing a job in the gaming industry can be very challenging. Employers are keen on hiring individuals who possess formal qualifications, strong knowledge of fundamentals and hands-on-experience. Critical thinking and creativity offer added advantage. The qualified professionals can find employment with mobile app development companies, software development companies, games development companies and other organisations operating in this industry. They can assume a variety of roles as

• Software developers
• Database administrators
• Software testers
• Game programmers
• Computer programmers
• Web application developers
• Business analysts
• System analysts

The job responsibilities and salaries vary widely depending upon the type of employment, job title, location of employment and individual experience.

Education Prerequisites for Becoming a Game Designer

Entering the game development industry can be very challenging. A formal education and training can lead you to the right path, making it easier for you to seek entry level positions with software development companies.

High school students considering building a career in this field should enroll themselves in a software engineering technology course. The gaming design course typically runs for three years and covers a wide range of subjects including

• Software engineering fundamentals
• Introduction to database concepts, operating systems, network technologies
• The Canadian workplace environment
• Computer programming and web application development
• Game programming
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Mathematics and statistics
• Graphics, stimulation design and emerging technologies
• Wireless programming
• Practical game design
• IT project management

Enrolling in a Game Design Program

A number of colleges in Ontario offer post-secondary game design program but Centennial College's Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) program allows students to enhance their classroom learning by working three terms as paid employees in the field.

This gives students much required exposure of game development industry and hands-on-experience. The field experience provides students valuable contacts that can be used as references for future careers.

In order to enroll in this program, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma or university or equivalent
• English Grade 12 or University or equivalent
• Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent

Students can choose to pursue their careers in gaming industry or opt for further studies to obtain a university degree in interactive gaming development.

Entering the World of Video Game Design and Development

The popularity of video games is constantly increasing. The industry is already a multi-billion dollar field. It appears that the increasing demand for more games with better visuals, themes and stories will take it places in the coming years. The video game players expect more every time and nothing seems to satisfy their endless demand for entertainment, fun and adventure.

Not only does the industry focus on video games players' entertainment needs but it also offers diverse career opportunities to game developers of software professionals. The industry gives them numerous chances to satisfy their creative sides, while making a decent living. It is no wonder why so many high school students want to be on the scripting side of the video games.

Creating video games is both fun and money-spinning. However, it's not as simple as you think. It requires creativity and imagination, idea generation, and technical skills to build high quality gaming software. While you should be able to think differently, you also need to build strong software engineering fundamentals.

How to Build a Career in Game Design

Step # 1 - Obtaining Formal Qualification

Students interested in building careers in the field of game design should consider enrolling in a college diploma or university degree in interactive game software development after secondary education. The game design course combines classroom learning, project-based learning, software development projects and an industry field placement.

The program emphasizes on various software design methodologies, programming languages, operating systems, database concepts, network technologies, 3-D graphics programming and user-oriented interface designing.  Additionally, you also study

• Functions and number systems
• Discrete mathematics
• Advanced business communications
• Linear algebra and statistics
• Advanced graphics
• IT project management

The prospective game designers are also expected to have a thorough understanding of the Canadian workplace environment.

To enrol in a software engineering course, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
• Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent

Step # 2 – Industrial Training

Having theoretical knowledge in software engineering fundamentals and game designing and simulation is not sufficient to build a career in game development. You need to accumulate relevant practical hands-on-experience.

Good colleges in Canada offer game design program with co-op component that allows you to enhance your education by working in real-world settings through industry field training. Centennial College's three-year, post-secondary software engineering technology - interactive gaming (co-op) program offers you the opportunity to put your classroom learning into practice by allowing you to work three terms as paid employees in the field. Additionally, the program is accredited by CIPS (The Canadian Information processing Society) and CCTT (The Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies) and CTAB (The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board).

Step # 3 – Industry Placement

Typically graduates have to start their careers right from the scratch. This helps them gain in-depth understanding of the technical, creative and business aspects of video gaming industry. Students graduating from good colleges are immediately hired by top employers either during their industry field placement or upon course completion.

They are prepared to work as software developers, game programmers, software testers, computer programmers, system analysts, business analysts, web application developers, database administrators, and application or software support. Further studies and relevant experience help professionals move towards career advancements.

Become a Video Game Producer with a Game Design Course

Do you find yourself wondering how video games work, how they are made and why they are so visually appealing? Do you still find the world of video games as fascinating as you did when you were young? If yes, maybe then you would be interested in taking up game designing as a career. Don't be surprised as it is very well possible. Even you can be at the scripting side of the video games. You can also use your imagination to create a wonderful game and turn your dream into reality.

There are many institutions and colleges - public and private now offering post-secondary interactive game design courses. The programs are designed to prepare you to work as a game designer in software development (precisely game development) industry.

Game Design Program Overview

 

A game design program emphasizes on object oriented software design methodologies including .NET, Java, Flash, XNA, HTML5, Java EE, C#, DirectX, Oracle, MS SQL and many more.

You will be able to learn to work on these frameworks and technologies while participating in the various phases of games development life cycle including designing, 3D graphic programming, game engine design, online programming, software testing and quality analysis.

The three-year (six semesters) program combines math, algebra, statistics, software engineering fundamentals and methodologies, network technologies, wireless programming, software testing, graphics and project management.

The classroom lectures are aimed at providing you in-depth theoretical knowledge about software development and other aspects of project development and management. The program also includes two software development projects to help you utilize all your theoretical and technical knowledge effectively.

Career Opportunities

 

The game design program opens doors to numerous employment opportunities for students. The graduates can find employment in IT industry for entry level positions, such as software developers, game programmers, computer programmers, business analysts, system analysts, software testers, web application developers, database administrators and application and software support.

Game designing is one of the newest career options at the moment. Needless to say, the earnings in this field are quite well. However, it totally depends on your expertise, the company you're employed with and the project you're working on.

Enrolling into a Game Design Course in Canada

 

If you're planning to enroll in a game deign course in Canada, you will need to produce a Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older), English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent and Mathematics Grade 11 M or University, or 12 C or University, or equivalent.

Conducting a research about colleges offering game design diploma course will certainly pay off. The syllabus for course remains almost the same everywhere. But what makes a real difference is practical experience.

A good public college offers students opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice, by providing valuable opportunities to work three terms in the field. You gain work experience by the time you complete your course.

Video game designing is one of the most rewarding (also most demanding) jobs. Develop the skills necessary for building a great career in the gaming industry with a bachelors program post secondary school.

Software Engineering Technology program paves way for game design

Canada's video game industry is flourishing which generated 16,500 full-time jobs, featured in a Toronto Star article, according to a study commissioned by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. A leading career in the video game industry is the software geniuses behind the programs and coding. According to Service Canada, a game design program at a community college is sufficient to become Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers. These programmers and developers can take on job titles such as Software Developers, Web Application Developers, and Game Programmers, within the video game industry as well as other industries including retail, financial services, and telecommunications.

Service Canada notes that the electronics games industry has a prosperous growth in the upcoming years. A college in Toronto has seen success with its graduates with four out of five graduates who sought employment after the 2012 graduation are working in a career-related area. These alumni graduated from the Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) (3119) at Centennial College. The program comprises of three years intensive classroom and lab training plus three semesters of co-operative education in a relevant job position at a business employer.

Graduates of this program have the technical and soft business skills sought after by employers. They will have learned valuable knowledge and skills from their training at school and at co-op placements. They will enjoy the benefits as software engineers and developers and the benefits in the video games industry. In addition, Centennial College graduates will enjoy the following advancements :-

• Graduate from an accredited program by The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) and the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT), enabling students to apply for certified membership to either CIPS or their provincial engineering technology association.
• On-going mentorship from industry experts who taught the students during their schooling
• One year of solid experience related to the career, leading to better job prospects and higher career expectations
• Experience in software testing and quality assurance using various tools to have the capability in dealing with the test process, test design techniques, and test management.
• Advance mathematicalabilities in discrete mathematics and linear algebra and statistics which are needed in this career area filled with series of coding and mathematical equations
• Interactive gaming skills and techniques, enabling students to develop and test simple multi-player networked games
• A portfolio consisting of various projects, including one from the capstone course where a group of students worked to design and implement a game or application for a real company

The Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) program at Centennial College connects with the industry needs by teaching students various aspects as software engineers and developers, with a focus on the video game industry. This game design course is offered with a co-op option, delivering further hands-on training and practical experience on the job environment. It is open for enrollment for the fall and winter intake at the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science at the college's main site at Progress campus.

Attend a Game Design Program And Open the Door to Various Careers

Are you looking for a reliable game design program that will allow you to become a software developer, game programmer, software tester, computer programmer, system analyst, business analyst, web application developer, database administrator or applications or software support? Do you want the program you end up taking to be respected in the industry? If so, you should consider applying to the game design program at Centennial College known as Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming (Co-op).

This program is designed to train students in just three years to work on various phases of the game programming life cycle, including: game design, game engine design, three-dimensional graphics programming, multiplayer online game programming and more. Additionally, the program is backed by two respected organizations, ensuring that students are gaining knowledge that is valuable and relevant to the field. First, the game design program has met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists and, as such, has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Secondly, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists recognizes the Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category.

All game design courses in this offering emphasize a balance between theory and practical application. As such, courses are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards and are taught by knowledgeable and approachable faculty members have diverse business experience and academic credentials. The main focus of the game design program is object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, Microsoft’s .NET, DirectX, XNA, Software Testing and QA, C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, and more.

Much of the training offers a practical component. First, the program includes two software development projects. These real-world business applications require students to utilize all the technical and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. Second, game design program students are required to apply what they have learned during a co-op component that also provides valuable contacts for future careers. In order to be eligible for co-op, students will have to complete a minimum of 80 per cent of Year 1 courses, a minimum C grade in COMM-170/171 and a 2.5 GPA or greater for COOP-221. This program’s co-op option is a paid placement.

Those interested in attending the game design courses are required to hold at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent are also required. Students are placed in the appropriate English level based on a skills assessment. In addition, qualified college or university graduates with a background in software can gain direct entry into semester three of this three-year program and receive their Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming Co-op Advanced diploma in four semesters plus two work terms.

Attend a Game Design Program that Focuses on Software Development

Software developers, game programmers, software testers, computer programmers, system analysts, business analysts, web application developers, database administrators and applications or software support: These are some of the titles one can obtain upon completion of a game design program such as Centennial College’s Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming (Co-op) offering. These professionals work in various phases of the game programming life cycle, including: game design, game engine design, three-dimensional graphics programming, multiplayer online game programming and more.

The advanced offering at Centennial College, takes three years to complete and results in an Advanced Ontario College Diploma as well as the ability to be employable directly upon graduation. Places that have hired students of this interactive game design program include SpongeLab, CIBC, Bell Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, ManuLife, Royal Bank and more.

The game design courses within the program are delivered using cutting-edge technology geared to industry standards while being led by knowledgeable and approachable faculty members who have diverse business experience and academic credentials. The focus of these game design courses is on object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, Microsoft’s .NET, DirectX, XNA, Software Testing and QA, C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, and more. Specific courses covered in the game design program include: Software Engineering Fundamentals, Introduction to Database Concepts, Functions and Number Systems, Web Interface Design, Introduction to Game and Simulation, Game Programming, Object Oriented Software Engineering and many others.

To complement training and ensure students are ready for the field, they participate in three terms of employment placement with a real employer. The program helps students to prepare through an Employment Pre-placement course, which teaches them about interview techniques, workplace etiquette, co-op activities that they’ll have to complete and more. In order to be eligible for co-op, students will have to complete a minimum of 80 per cent of Year 1 courses, a minimum C grade in COMM-170/171 and a 2.5 GPA or greater for COOP-221. This program’s co-op option is a paid placement.

Additionally, to graduate from this game design program, students are required to have a minimum C grade average.

Applicants to this game design program must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent are also required. Students are placed in the appropriate English level based on a skills assessment. In addition, qualified college or university graduates with a background in software can gain direct entry into semester three of this three-year program and receive their Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming Co-op Advanced diploma in four semesters plus two work terms.