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The Minor in Video Game Design

Course Requirements for the Minor: 21 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CAGD 170 Video Game Design   3.0 FA  
An introduction course to video game design, studying the art, technology, and science involved in the creation and development of video games. The course covers video game history, game theory, design of computer-based games, delivery systems, development cycle, case studies, ethical and social issues, and emerging technologies and trends. This course emphasizes the understanding and the interdisciplinary nature of video game design. This is not a computer programming course. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. Formerly APCG 170. (020239)
CAGD 180 Scripting and Programming for Computer Graphics   3.0 FA  
This course introduces application scripting and programming to visual artists using scripting and programming environments embedded in applications and integrated graphical development environments. Fundamental scripting techniques for computer modeling, animation, video game and other visual media will be explored. Elementary application programs will be designed, implemented and tested. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. Formerly APCG 180. (020648)
CAGD 270 Level Design   3.0 SP  
Prerequisite: APCG 170.
This project-oriented course introduces the concepts and tools used in creating levels for games. Fundamental architectural theory, critical path, flow, pacing, dilemmas, balancing, difficulty level, playtesting, and storytelling relating to level design are studied. Existing game levels are studied and analyzed; original game levels are created using industry toolsets to meet game design objectives. Understanding how level design fits into the production pipeline and how to work in collaborative environments. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. Formerly APCG 270. (021350)
CAGD 370 Video Game Development   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: APCG 170.
The course covers the principles of game design, gaming strategies, game production, and marketing. Students learn to function as a productive member of an interdisciplinary game design team to plan, document, and develop a video game concept. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. Formerly APCG 370. (020242)
CAGD 470 Video Game Production   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: APCG 370.
Using the principles of game design, students work in collaborative teams to design, implement, test, and produce a computer game. Marketing strategies are also explored. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. Formerly APCG 470. (020246)
CAGD 495 Advanced Production   3.0 FS  
This course is designed to give hands-on experience to students in Applied Computer Graphics or related majors. Students work as collaborators on large-scale, professional productions relevant to their field of study. Content of this course is subject to change each semester. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units. Formerly APCG 495. (020563)

3 units selected from:

Any Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD) courses. These courses must be selected in consulation with the Computer Animation and Game Development Advisor.

Catalog Cycle:15