This program prepares student for careers in the increasingly in demand profession of game development.
Emphasis is placed on developing the hands-on skills offered through courses in game design and development, traditional and digital imaging, animation and programming.
- Ontario College Advanced Diploma
- 3 Years
- Program Code:
- 3013X01FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares students for careers as game developers, a profession increasingly in demand by various industries including entertainment, education, government and consumer products.
A growing number of individuals are using the Internet, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, kiosks, computer displays, and other digital equipment to pursue games of strategy, skill, interest and entertainment. Strong emphasis is placed on developing the hands-on component which is offered through courses in game design and development, traditional and digital imaging, authoring, animation and programming. Students also complete individual and team-based projects.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have strong observational and analytical skills.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the game development industry.
- Like using computers and technology applications.
Back to Top
Your Career
There are many opportunities for game developers. Specific employment opportunities may include: game designer, game developer, game programmer, game engineer; graphic designer, graphic developer, graphic programmer, graphic engineer; software designer, software developer, software programmer, software engineer; animator, 2D/3D animator; concept artist, character artist; art director, technical director; 2D/3D artist; sound designer, sound engineer, sound technician; game tester; writer, author, scriptwriter, content developer; project manager; producer; level designer, scene designer, character designer, background designer; video designer, video engineer, video technician and instructor. Please note: Most opportunities in gaming exist outside of the Ottawa region.
Back to Top
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ENL1813M | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| GAM1500 | History and Principles of Game Design Students explore the historical development of gaming and game design. Students explore the historical development of the major game makers, ATARI, Arcade, Console, SEGA, Nintendo, XBOX, Online and packaged games. Students develop an understanding of cultural, societal and technological innovation as it relates to the development of games. Other topics include the game development process and principles of game design, genres, technical foundations, artificial intelligence, ethical issues in video games, and the gaming industry and the future of gaming. | 45.0 |
| GAM1501 | Math and Physics I Math is used to control motion from frame to frame and helps a game come to life. A foundation in the theory and practice of mathematics and physics for 2D games is provided. The theory of mathematics and physics for 3D games, including 3D vectors, 3D matrices and matrix transformations, general four-dimensional transforms and 3D engine geometry are also covered. Additional topics include ray tracing, lighting, visibility, polygonal techniques, forces, rotational physics, collisions, numerical methods, differential equations, fluid simulation real-time simulation and real-world physics. | 45.0 |
| GAM1503 | Life Drawing The visual aspects and aesthetics of computer games are integral to the successful development and design of software applications. This course is an introduction to the visual arts. It examines a brief history of art and evolves into a studio course which explores the fundamentals of two-dimensional design: line, shape, texture, value, colour and composition. Students acquire the basic skills to develop and refine drawings and learn techniques to create realism, fantasy, shading, lighting, sequence and use colour. Instruction on the use of materials, analysis of form, and concepts of light, space and surface is provided along with the development of drawing skills. | 45.0 |
| GAM1504 | Game Development I The foundation of most software application design and development begins with object-oriented programming (OOP). Students gain an understanding of the theory and principles of OOP, data structures, syntax, language, verification and debugging. Students explore game design concepts, such as challenge, reward, penalties, game balance, level of difficulty, artificial intelligence, game genres and the social aspects of gaming. Students learn and work with basic C++ programming structures and techniques and its object-oriented programming features and receive a comprehensive, indepth view of the C++ language. | 90.0 |
| GAM1506 | Sound Design Students learn to make their games sound as good as they look and play! Students learn to integrate professional quality audio into their games. They also learn about sound tracks, sound creation, mood, theme and composition of sound with visual elements. Students create and edit sound for games. Other topics include audio capture, mixing, composition and integration with other assets, dubbing, narration, noise reduction, compression and the creation of music loops. Students become well versed with a variety of audio formats and techniques for creating and using audio in a game production. | 45.0 |
| GAM1530 | Psychology and Group Dynamics Students examine some of the basic concepts of psychology, such as learning, motivation, perception, sensation, information processing, emotions, stress and relaxation. They also explore various areas of group dynamics. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| GAM1502 | Math and Physics II Students learn about movement and collisions for game development. Real-world examples are used and physical formulas are translated into computer code. The course concentrates on understanding why objects and characters in a game move in the manner that they do. This course builds a foundation for applications in collision detection and the motion of objects and the concepts of physics for simulating the real world in a virtual game environment. Students learn about gravity simulation, friction, modelling acceleration and velocity, kinematics and motion control, collision detection and response. Prerequisites: GAM1501 | 45.0 |
| GAM1505 | Computer Hardware, Networks and OSS Game developers develop applications for a variety of platforms, operating systems and networks. Students learn about the components of computers, technical specifications, industry standards, PC, UNIX, DOS, LINUX, WINDOWS X, and the Mac operating systems. Hardware topics include CPUs, motherboards, video cards, sound cards, memory, hard drives, floppy drives, CD- and DVD-ROM drives, SCSI devices, portable PCs and PDAs. Peer-to-peer computer networking concepts, network cabling, Local Area Networking (LAN), network interface cards, topology, hubs, types of networks and Wireless Home Networking are also covered. | 45.0 |
| GAM1507 | Digital Imaging The 2D and 3D graphics in most games provide the eye-candy that completes the game-user experience. Students learn to create bitmapped- and vector-based graphics for use in a gaming environment. High-end special effects, filters and 'eye candy' are the core elements to this course. The assignments and lectures cover scanning, digital imaging, painting, selection, composition, fabrication and realism in digital art. Students learn to create realistic and fantasy-based graphical content for use in a variety of games. Students also learn to create CD-ROM packaging, inserts and labels for their projects. | 45.0 |
| GAM1508 | Character Drawing Advanced instruction is provided in the visual aspects and aesthetics of computer games characters and animations. Students refine their abilities to conceptualize, develop and refine drawings for gaming purposes. This course is an advanced study of two-dimensional design, and techniques to create realism, shading, lighting, sequence, colour and emphasis is placed on use of materials, analysis of form, and concepts of light, space and surface. Still life, object, fantasy and realistic drawing are covered. | 45.0 |
| GAM1509 | Game Development II The course evolves a strong foundation of software application design and development. Students gain an intermediate understanding of the theory and principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), and the concepts and principles of 2D game development. Topics include coding and scripting, engine design, data structures, input, working with assets, tool development and testing. Students advance their knowledge in the C++ programming language and create simple, functioning games and projects. Prerequisites: GAM1504 | 90.0 |
| GAM1510 | Game Design I Students develop professional-level projects in teams and as individuals. Students are provided with a foundation in the theory and practice of game development. Topics include game history and analysis, game design, game production, the business of gaming, and the social, and cultural aspects of games and the future of gaming. Students practise what is being taught in other courses and create a small, functioning games for commercial, educational or entertainment purposes. Considerable time is spent prototyping, testing and debugging. Students are required to submit two final projects. | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED3013 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or GED5300 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED5009 or GED1896 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| ENL2013 | Communications II: Scriptwriting Students learn how creative writing techniques can be used to develop game interactions and how to plot stories through storyboarding and developing scripts. Key components include creating and translating rough ideas into a script format, developing the storyboard and storytelling, plot, conflict, action and character development. The game development/production process, the roles of designers, artists, programmers and producers are covered. There is an emphasis on re-enforcing the issues, theory, and problems in the process of game design with instruction on the skills and tools needed for story and character development, game design, pre-production, prototyping, testing, end-user testing, human interface, content development and communication documents. An overview of the game design process, from the concept phase to the final delivery phase and planning and project management, and for game design documents and files is covered. | 45.0 |
| GAM1513 | Level Design Students acquire a foundation in level design for 2D games. Topics include genre analysis, game styles and limitations, audience and game analysis, game play principles, character AI and scripting, and basic art and architecture for games. The course integrates theories and principles from a variety of disciplines to develop the fundamental skills for a level designer. As the course progresses, students move into level design for 3D games. The course concludes with instruction in advanced 3D game play, classic architecture for 3D games, advanced 3D lighting, 3D character AI, scripting and inspiration. | 90.0 |
| GAM1514 | Game Development III Students enhance their knowledge in designing and programming gaming applications. Students gain an intermediate practical understanding of the theory and principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Students advance their study in the C++ programming language and participate in team-based and individual projects. Students also enhance their understanding of game design concepts. Students continue to work with the C++ programming language. Prerequisites: GAM1509 | 90.0 |
| GAM1516 | Alternative Development Alternative game development languages are explored. Examples include Microsoft C-Sharp (C#), the dot net framework and Java. Dependant upon current relevance to the gaming industry one or more of these alternative languages are explored. Students learn the basic concepts and methods of object-oriented design with one or more alternative programming language and supporting technologies. Advantages and disadvantges of the language are discussed. Specific topics for the course include a history about the language, variable definitions, control structures, methods, classes, objects and related graphics. | 90.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED3013 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or GED5300 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED5009 or GED1896 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| GAM1511 | Interface Design Design, layout, type, readability, colour theory and interaction design are covered. Students learn to create interfaces for games that evolve around standard principles of human-computer interaction, interactive theory, psychology of interface design and art aesthetics. By the end of the course students produce highly intuitive user interfaces that exemplify colour-coordination, usability and professionalism. Students learn to create navigation and control, visual appeal and the functional aspects of the game interface. Hands-on exercises, projects and case studies of successful and unsuccessful user interfaces are used to illustrate and evaluate the effectiveness of user interface designs. | 45.0 |
| GAM1512 | Character Animation Students explore methods for cultivating original character ideas and understanding narrative storytelling. Topics include development of concept, production, storyboard, script, animation with sound, art direction samples and research. Students explore 3D animation packages to produce animated characters with an aesthetic of motion and creating believable 3D characters. Issues of storytelling, dialogue and style are addressed. | 45.0 |
| GAM1517 | Console Game Design Students gain experience, knowledge and exposure to the major gaming consoles on the market today: X-Box, PlayStation 3, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The class is divided between guest lecturers and hands-on experience on various platforms. Discussions revolve around each console's capabilities and weaknesses, personal experiences developing titles and the unique challenges that each console poses. Students develop games and applications for a variety of game consoles. | 45.0 |
| GAM1519 | Game Design II Students develop professional-level projects in teams and as individuals. Students are provided with a foundation in the theory and practice of game development. Topics include game history and analysis, game design, game production, the business of gaming, and the social and cultural aspects of games and the future of gaming. Students are required to submit two final projects, complete with functioning games, packaging and documentation. | 45.0 |
| GAM1521 | Graphics Languages I Students learn 3D graphics concepts and focus on the specific semantics of graphic languages, such as Open GL and DirectX. This course serves to reinforce and expand on the students' knowledge of programming in the field of computer-generated and displayed graphics data through specific graphic languages. Students explore 3D graphics API's which allow games to communicate with gaming hardware. Additional gaming concepts and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and scripting are also introduced to students. Topics include pipelines, rendering, primitives, transformations, rasterizations, cameras, textures, lights, materials and special effects. Students also learn game engine design. Prerequisites: GAM1514 | 90.0 |
| GAM1532 | Game Development IV Students enhance their knowledge in designing and programming gaming applications. Students gain an advanced practical understanding of the theory and principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Students advance their study in the C++ programming language and participate in team-based and individual projects. Students continue to work with the C++ programming language. Students receive significant instruction in the C++ language and in software engineering principles. Prerequisites: GAM1514 | 45.0 |
| Level: 05 | Hours | |
| GAM1520 | Alternative Programming I Flash, Silverlight, Director, ActionScript, Dot Net, Lingo and Shockware are alternative programming mediums, which are founded on standard OOP principles. Students learn to produce a variety of applications and games. Students learn to integrate audio, video, text, graphics and code to create stunning, functioning projects for commercial, educational and entertainment use. Students enhance their knowledge of authoring paradigms to include computer-based training video sprite authoring and DVD encoding. An interesting, widely sought alternative programming medium for game designers is provided. | 45.0 |
| GAM1522 | Digital Video Students gain an understanding in digital video construction and the theory of cinematography. Students work with industry-standard software applications like Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects to create the stunning intros, scenes and trailers standard to most games. Students learn about video components, formats CODECs, masks, mattes, storyboarding, asset management and integrating audio with video. Students use professional capturing and editing stations and technologies to produce high-level gaming products rich with special effects. This course integrates traditional theory with the digital medium and includes topics of animation, authoring and 3D. | 45.0 |
| GAM1523 | Digital 3D Animation I Students are provided with instruction into the techniques, theories and products of industry-standard 3D animation software. Students learn to create, enhance and rework 3D objects for use in a gaming environment. Specific concepts include photorealistic image synthesis, modelling natural objects, scale, detail, fantasy and realism. Advanced instruction is provided on modelling, animation, lighting, special effects. Students model, animate, and render a variety of projects geared toward game design and development. | 90.0 |
| GAM1524 | Game Development V Students enhance their knowledge in designing and programming gaming applications. Students gain an enhanced understanding of the theory and principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Students advance their study in the C++ programming language and/or other programming languages and participate in team-based and individual projects. Students receive significant instruction in the C++ programming language and in software engineering principles. Prerequisites: GAM1532 | 90.0 |
| GAM1531 | Graphics Languages II Students continue with their study of 3D graphics concepts and focus on the specific semantics of graphic languages, such as Open GL and DirectX. This course serves to reinforce and expand on the student's knowledge of programming in the field of computer-generated and displayed graphics data through specific graphic languages. Students explore 3D graphics API's which allow games to communicate with gaming hardware. Topics include pipelines, rendering, primitives, transformations, rasterization, cameras, textures, lights, materials and special effects. Students also learn about game engine design. Prerequisites: GAM1514 | 90.0 |
| Level: 06 | Hours | |
| ENL2014 | Communications III: Business Communications Students learn to create professional documentation for the purposes of the gaming industry. Extensive instruction is provided on resume and cover letter writing, portfolio development, email etiquette, telephone skills, memos and self-promotions. | 45.0 |
| GAM1525 | Alternative Programming II Flash, Silverlight, Director, ActionScript, Dot Net, Lingo and Shockware are alternative programming mediums, which are founded on standard OOP principles. Students learn to produce a variety of applications and games. Students learn to integrate audio, video, text, graphics, and code to create stunning, functioning projects for commercial, educational and entertainment use. The intent is to broaden the students' knowledge of authoring paradigms to include computer-based training video sprite authoring, card authoring and DVD encoding. An interesting, widely sought alternative programming medium for game designers is provided. | 45.0 |
| GAM1526 | Digital Animation 3D Animation II This 3D animation course builds on techniques in modelling and animation where the students combine traditional and technical skills to create backgrounds and environments. Students apply storyboarding and scene and character-building skills to functioning digital projects. Various techniques in the use of colour, balance and composition are stressed. Principles and concepts of traditional animation are re-enforced including motion, sound and animation. | 45.0 |
| GAM1528 | Multi-Player Network Gaming Multi-player games are a driving force in computer games. Multi-player gaming is a major component of our society. Students learn about the technology behind multi-player games and gain an understanding of networking. Students learn the fundamentals of exchanging data over the Internet, and complete assignments leading them to the creation of a simple multi-player networked game. These games can have thousands of simultaneous players in a shared virtual world. Students examine the unique technical challenges that massive multi-player games face, discussing algorithms for bandwidth management, game synchronization, server load balancing, user authentication, security and cheating prevention. Prerequisites: GAM1524 | 90.0 |
| GAM1529 | Game Design III Students develop professional-level projects. Students create resumes, demo reels, CD-Rom and/or Web Portfolios and meet employers. Instruction, field trips, guest lecturers and speakers are included. A practical, hands-on approach to game development is presented. Considerable time is spent on prototyping, testing and debugging. | 90.0 |
Back to Top
Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $2,570.75 per term in Levels 01 and 02, $2,475.53 per term in Levels 03 and 04, and $2,383.85 per term in Levels 05 and 06.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fees: $225 in Level 01, $75 in Levels 02 and 04 and $50 in Level 06.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $2,125 in the first year, and $1,875 in the second year, and $1,425 in the third year. Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from the campus bookstore.
Back to Top
Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- A senior credit in physics is recommended.
Back to Top
Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
Back to Top
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Tony Davidson, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 5823 or davidst@algonquincollege.com.
Back to Top
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time