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.

Becoming a Video Game and Multimedia Artist

Game art and design is a subset of game development and is concerned with game’s artwork, such as character modeling, 2D and 3D animation, game-level designing, environment and effects, game conception and texturing. A game’s artwork has a significant impact on the entire look and feel of a game, thus ultimately becoming one of the most important factors that drive customer behaviour.

The video game industry generates multi-billion dollars as revenue annually and employs thousands of game artists. As the competition is stiffening, the demand for multimedia artists, animators and game art work designers is increasing significantly. Another factor contributing to the demand for gaming professionals is consumers’ requirements for more realistic and varied video games. These games are no longer children-specific. Rather video gaming has become a preferable recreation mean for people of all ages.

Becoming a Game Art and Design Professional

Being passionate about video games is certainly important. However, what make you eligible for employment in this industry are your creative and technical skills, qualifications and hands-on experience. Therefore, it’s important to enroll yourself in a post-secondary game design program at a reputable college, in order to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to build a sustainable career.

A game and art design program will help you in:

• Learning how to build 2D and 3D art assets for games
• Understanding how to develop game environment and characters
• Learning how to conceptualize, design and develop a game level
• Developing programming skills
• Building skills in composition and colour, texturing, painting, post effects and material editing

What Will You Study?

A post-secondary game art and design diploma program runs for two years through four semesters. The program covers a wide selection of subjects, including drawing for 3D modeling and animation, anatomy and construction, creativity in context, composition and colour, 3D modeling and texturing, game theory, social history of design, architectural design, character design, digital painting, unreal editor, integrated media, UE3 material editing, lighting, post effects and material editing, compositing and final project studio.

This is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of games art work and prepares you to work as character modeller, character animator, level designer, texture artist, game concept artist or environment and effects artist.

Studying Game Art Design in Toronto

Numerous schools game design in Toronto offer courses in game design. Unfortunately, not all are good. A program is worth considering if it:

• Is delivered by industry professionals who have strong academic backgrounds
• Offers intensive hands-on training for building 2D and 3D art assets for games, environment and characters
• Provides valuable experience through studio visits and industry events
• Incorporates industry field placement, helping you gain hands-on experience

Centennial College’s game art and design program fulfills all the above mention criteria and may be the right choice for you. The USP of this program is that it is intensively creative and is delivered in 16 consecutive months, which reduces your time to industry. You can then gain hands-on experience through industry field placement.

Post-Secondary Game Design Program Description

Computer or video game art and design is all about defining the theme of a game, the way it is played and the entire experience that a player will have. Video game development stretches far beyond just the software development. Rather, it’s a unique blend of creativity and technology and involves conceptualization of story and the characters, defining their looks, attires and occupation, identifying the theme and levels of a game, choosing props, vehicles, background and rewards and recognizing different ways of playing games.

Game art and design is a unique field that combines creativity, innovation, imagination, storytelling and of course, technology. It offers a wide range of career options, in the areas of character modelling, animation, level designing, game conception, texturing, environment effects game architecture, and colouring and lighting. The job prospects are already bright in this field. However, further growth in the industry is also expected in the coming years. This means that there would be more job opportunities in game art and design in future.

Building Careers in Game Art and Design

Game art and design is a specialized field. You, therefore, will need to have undergone a specialized education to build rewarding careers in this field. Along with this, you must have hands-on experience in every aspect of game design. Critical problem solving skills, forward-thinking approach, excellent storytelling skills are additional requirements.

In order to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitude and work experience required to seek entry-level jobs, you may consider enrolling in a post-secondary game design program. Centennial College’s two-year program provides you with strong technical fundamentals and intensive hands-on training. You will get ample opportunities to build 2D and 3D art assets for games, develop game environment and characters and express your creativity.

The USP of this program is that it is delivered by industry professionals who are passionate about gaming and have strong academic and industry backgrounds. Apart from this, a hands-on approach to learning in labs and a placement in a real-world production setting are what that make it stand out from the programs available at the most schools game design.

What Do You Study?

The two-year program runs through 16 consecutive months. After this, you will receive valuable experience and contacts through industry field placement. This will also help you understand how industry works and what potential employers expect from you. You will also have an idea about the latest industry trends and the competition prevailing in the market.

During the first 16 months, you will study a wide range of subjects, including drawing for 3D modelling and animation, creativity in context, anatomy and construction, perspective, 3D modelling and texturing, composition and colour, game theory, social history of design, lighting, digital painting, architectural design, character design, life drawing, UE3 material editing, compositing, post effects and material editing.

This is an intensive program; however, it prepares you for diverse careers in game art and design. Additionally, you get ample opportunities to express your one-of-a-kind creativity and acquire new skills.

In order to apply for this program, you will need secondary school diploma certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University. You may also require submitting a portfolio, demonstrating your creativity and ability to communicate visibly.

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.

Game Art and Design Program Takes Creativity and Turns It Into Business Savvy

Success in the videogame industry is dependent upon making titles and hardware appeal to 34 million core gamers in the U.S., according to a new report released by the market research company the NPD Group. The 34 million that NPD cited in its report, spend an average of 22 hours per week playing video games and five or more hours a week on a PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, or Mac. Games they play cover the action, adventure, fighting, flight, massively multi-player, racing, real time strategy, role-playing, shooter and sports genres. It takes some creative minds to keep up with the ever-evolving industry — whether one works in Canada or the U.S.

Centennial College’s game design program — officially called Game Art and Design — trains students over a span of two years (of sixteen consecutive months) to be prepared for careers as: character modelers or animators, level designers, environment and effects artists, texture artists and game concept artists. “Now that I’ve finished the program, I can definitely look back and say that everything I’ve learned is relevant and has been applied where I’ve worked,” says 2007 program graduate Helen Thatch.

Because industry professionals and instructors developed the offering, it takes a forward-thinking approach towards the next wave of interactive games. As such, students receive hands-on training that allows them to express their own creativity while building 2D and 3D art assets for games, and developing game environment and characters. Learning occurs at the Story Arts Centre, which is Centennial College’s campus for all of its creative programs within the School of Communication, Media and Design. This location houses up-to-date computer labs, where students use the latest software to enhance their learning. Among courses that student attend are: Creativity in Context, Composition and Colour, Game Theory, Architectural Design, Unreal Editor, Life Drawing, Digital Painting, Character Design and many others.

A supplemental feature is the program’s field placement during the last semester. To make the experience as realistic as possible, students must send their portfolio to the company of your choice to show their work and be considered for a position. Once they find a placement, students work alongside professionals, and get to apply their knowledge and encounter real life scenarios.

As with most schools game design, Centennial’s has admission requirements. Academically, students must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years or older) and Grade 12 English C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission. Additionally, students must demonstrate a passion and basics skills through the submission of a portfolio that may include 10 to 15 pieces such as life drawings, sketches, paintings, sculptures or digitally produced artwork.

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.

Game Art and Design Program Includes Beneficial Real World Experience

Did you know that one of the unique aspects of attending college as opposed to university is an emphasis on practical application and training? While many programs include mock assignments, some take it a step further and actually send students into the field to experience what their roles will entail once they graduate and launch their careers. This aspect is especially beneficial today, as employers want to hire workers who already have some sort of experience.

One Centennial College undertaking in which a field placement is offered is the game design program known as Game and Art Design. A two-year program, it offers students intensive hands-on training during which they learn how to build 2D and 3D art assets for games, develop game environment and characters and express their distinctive creativity. In the final semester, students partake in a Field Placement. The real world experience begins before students even set foot in their placement. That’s because they are expected to send their portfolio to the company of their choice to show their work. This is part of the professional experience, and is standard protocol for those seeking internships and/or jobs. Secondly, students are expected to be proactive and seek out companies themselves then relay the information to their coordinator, who will assist them in obtaining a placement.

Another thing that sets this program apart from other schools game design is that it was developed by industry professionals and instructors and is also taught by industry professionals who are as passionate about gaming as their students. As such, it highlights a forward-thinking approach towards the next wave of interactive games and is dedicated to offering one-on-one help. In fact, small class sizes allow students to get several hours of one-on-one help with each project. Additionally, students are exposed to studio visits from professionals with whom they can network and industry events where they can meet important members of the game design community.

Among the specific courses in this offering are: Drawing for 3D Modeling and Animation, Creativity in Context, Game Theory, 3D Modelling and Texturing, Architecture Design, Life Drawing, Digital Painting, Integrated Media, and many others. As you can see, there is an ideal combination between “traditional” and “digital” courses. This ensures a solid artistic foundation before moving onto a modern route.

Once students successfully complete their courses and obtain their Ontario College Diploma, they may launch careers as: character modelers, character animators, level designers, environment and effects artists, texture artists and game concept artists. While each of these roles differs, students are prepared for all of them. This gives them the ability to apply for a wide range of jobs or switch game design roles once they have gained some sort of industry experience.

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.

Building a Career in Dynamic and Creative Interactive Game Industry

The North American video gaming industry is a multi-million dollar industry and is continuously advancing with no signs of slowing down. The game designers and developers constantly compete to come out with the most innovative games with the highest level of creativity and performance.

The continuous advancements in the gaming industry can be easily translated into the significant increase in the demand for gaming professionals who can animate the characters, conceptualize the gaming themes, bring desired effects in the environment and develop new concepts. Therefore, this is the right time to get you into a growing industry, not only at the front-end but also behind the scenes.

If you have always been curious about how games are developed, how characters are modeled or how the background is created and are passionate about building a career in this field, you may consider enrolling in a game design program and become the one of those creative people who give life to near flesh and blood characters, involve them in plots, make them do things of your choice and create an overall compelling environment.

A game art and design program prepares you to

• Build 2D and 3D art assets for games
• Develop varied game environments and characters
• Express your creativity through animated characters
  
  

The program prepares you for diverse careers in intensely creative and highly competitive gaming industry. The goal is to provide you with solid theoretical grounding in computer programming, 3D modeling and animation, anatomy and construction, composition and colour, texturing, architectural designing, character designing, digital painting, life drawing, unreal editing, lighting, material editing, compositing and post effects as well as intensive hands-on training through industry field placement.

The program also incorporates valuable experience through industry events, studio visits and live individual and team projects. During the field placement, you not only gain industry exposure but also build relevant contacts that can help you seek employment after completion of the program.

Who Can Apply for a Post-Secondary Game Design Program?

The post-secondary game art and design diploma program runs for two years through four semesters. Students who have completed their secondary school education can apply for this program. You will need to send completed application to the college along with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent and scores of English grade 12 c or University.

With this, a portfolio demonstrating your creativity and ability to communicate visually, and 10-15 pieces of your best work and a simple, neat and precise presentation are also required. Preference is given to candidates who have traditional life drawing skills and are familiar with one or more graphics applications such as, Photoshop, 3DS Max, Maya or ZBrush.

Where to Study Game Art and Design in Toronto?

A number of Canadian schools game design offer such courses; however, Centennial College offers students an intensive hands-on training through industry placement, which is an essential requirements to seek employment in this field. Additionally, it prepares students for a career of imagination, innovative design and storytelling in creative and interactive gaming industry in 16 consecutive months.

Game Design Program Benefits

Designed for aspiring game developers, innovative designers and imaginative storytellers, the game art and design program is one of its kinds that offers solid technical foundation and intensive hands-on training on building 2D and 3D art assets for games.

The computer gaming industry has entered a new and more sophisticated phase with the coming up of smart devices, such as multimedia phones and tablets and the advancement of internet technology. The expectations of gamers and game development companies have changed and so is the computer gaming education.

The post-secondary game art and design courses are no longer restricted to just providing theoretical understanding but also include several hours of one-on-one help by industry professionals, hands-on approach to learning in labs and valuable experience and industry contacts through industry events, studio visits and field placements.

Job Market

With the evolving video gaming industry, there are more jobs available now than ever. Due to projected industry growth, more job opportunities and innovative job roles are expected to come up in near future.

Employers are keen on hiring professionals who have undergone specific education and possess hands-on experience in game designing and development. Although it’s a creative field and the ability to imagine matters more than anything but the individuals must possess excellent technical skills to bring it to reality. The game designers are expected to be pro-active and intensively creative and technically sound.

The courses in game art and design prepare students for assuming the roles of character animators, level designers, character modelers, texture artists, video game writers, video game sound designers, environment and effects artists, video game testers, cinematic artists and game concept artists with game development companies.

Choosing the Right School Game Design

There are a number of post-secondary game design program available throughout Canada. However, all may not offer creative opportunities to build games or develop game environments and characters, and real world experience through industry field placements.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to choose the right college and the right program. A schools game design is worth considering if the program:

• Is affiliated to a governing body
• Is taught by industry professionals who are experience in and passionate about game development
• Offers ample individual and group game development opportunities during the term of the program
• Helps students seek internships and/or jobs in the industry
• Assists students in obtaining placements

Centennial College’s two-year post-secondary game design program fulfills all these requirements and is considered as one of the most prestigious programs in the country. The curriculum is developed by instructors and industry professionals with a forward thinking approach.

The program covers a wide range of subjects, including drawing for 3D modeling and animation, anatomy and construction, composition and colour, 3D modeling and texturing, game theory, architectural design, digital painting, integrated media, character design, UE3 material editing, lighting, post-effects and material editing and compositing.

In order to apply for this program, students are required to submit secondary school diploma certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. In addition, they are required to submit a portfolio of their work, demonstrating their creativity and ability to communicate visually. The portfolio may include sketches, life drawings, sculptures, paintings, or digitally produced artwork.

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.

Game Art and Design Program Results in Highly Creative Career

Schools of game design are geared towards students who are highly creative and seeking a career to reflect their imaginations. Centennial College’s Schools Game Design program is a two-year undertaking that focuses on offering students the hands-on training that will ensure they master building 2D and 3D art assets for games, developing game environments and characters, and expressing their unique ideas. Once students obtain their Ontario College Diploma, their careers can go in a variety of directions.

Game Concept Artist: A concept artist is the person who works from a brief to produce concept art for a game. He or she sketches a design prototype that includes: colour schemes, rough design concepts, environmental background, real world examples and any other factors that the lead creators are looking for in the final product. Lead designers, creatives and other developers critique the design so that the concept artist can incorporate their ideas into the next draft.

Level Designer: This professional is responsible for the creation of video game levels — locales, stages, or missions. This is commonly done using a level editor, game development software designed for building levels. However, some games feature built-in level editing tools. Level design is both an artistic and technical process, according to Wikipedia.

Character Animator: Imagine being the person who brings to life animated characters. That’s the role of the Character Animator, who breathes life in characters, creating the illusion of thought, emotion and personality.

Character Modeler: These professionals use their knowledge of 3D animation software, like Maya or 3DS, to design or modify 3D characters. Professionals must ensure that characters meet the current game style. Companies choose specific memory limits for games to improve game flow and limit stuttering or freezing, so character modelers must be able to render characters with maximum detail and quality, while ensuring that the frame used to create the 3-D character doesn’t exceed the allotted memory capacity.

At Centennial College’s game design program, students are prepared for all of these roles in state-of-the-art facilities where they attend a range of courses. Among these courses are: Drawing for 3D Modeling and Animation, Game Theory, Character Design, Digital Painting, Unreal Editor, Life Drawing, Lighting, Post Effects and Material Editing. In addition to these courses, Centennial College provides students with the possibility to build up their professional network with valuable experience and industry contacts through studio visits, industry events and a field placement. The field placement takes place in the final semester and as part of the process, students are expected to send their portfolio to the company of their choice to show their work. This is part of the professional experience, and is standard protocol for those seeking internships and or jobs. During the field placement, students work alongside professionals to apply what they learned in their classes.