Interactive Media & Game Development Courses

The objective of this course is to teach students how to create 3D environments and props for use in digital models, games and animation. The course will examine different types of architecture used in games. The students will learn how to create interiors and exteriors for both historical and fictional environments; to design, model, texture, and render in high detail; and to import their models into game engines for testing and deployment. Topics may include the proper usage of space, scaling, set design, lighting, surface texturing, and basic camera animation.

Recommended Background: Basic 3D modeling skills such as that provided by AR 1101.

This course offers in-depth analysis of the human figure in action. Motion will be observed through drawing and sketching of live models, video clips, performance and pantomime, studying not only the physical exterior but also how thoughts and emotion are expressed through gesture. Students will develop skill in figure posing and staging for applications in animation, storyboards, comics and illustration.

Recommended background: Figure Drawing (AR 2202).

This course will present concepts and skills necessary to create compelling characters in games. Topics covered may include the 3 dimensions of character, growth and development of the player-character and non-player characters, dialogue, character relationships and evoking emotion.

Recommended background: Previous investigation in the field of interactive storytelling and its basic building blocks (IMGD 1001, IMGD 1002, or equivalent).

This course will present concepts and skills necessary to write and implement narrative in games. Topics covered may include theme and style, different types of games and platforms, systemic storytelling, linear vs. non-linear narratives, editing and collaboration with other members of a development team.

Recommended background: Previous experience in writing for games.

Animation Studio is intended to teach students the creative processes involved in creating an animated production (2D, 3D or stop-motion) in the context of a collaborative studio environment. Students will have the opportunity to work on a single animated project for the entire term, gaining practical experience in all stages of the production pipeline (scripting, storyboarding, animatics, production and post-production).

Recommended background: Students should possess significant prior experience in the basic techniques of animation and 3D modeling, such as that provided by IMGD/AR 2101 and IMGD/AR 3201.

This course will introduce students to the principles of motion capture as it applies to games, interactive media and cinema. Students will learn how to direct virtual actors, collect motion data using a variety of technologies and apply the laws of physics to datasets. Specific topics may include: Pipeline design, data reuse, efficient data optimization, methods for combining keyed and motion captured animation, and weight checking.

Recommended background: Technical Art and Character Rigging (IMGD 2048), 3D Modeling II (IMGD/AR 3201) and 3D Animation II (IMGD/AR 3333).

This course examines interactive media and games’ intersections with contemporary social movements. How are games well suited to shift worldviews and influence popular opinions? How are theories of social change in alignment with creative media making? Students will examine interdisciplinary art forms ranging from games to speculative fiction to art installations in order to understand art’s role in contemporary social movements. Students will also read and examine critical race theory, feminist theory, queer theory, and postcolonial literature in order to understand how and why social movements take place.

Recommended background: knowledge of social issues of media (IMGD 2000, IMGD 2001 or equivalent).