Diploma of Game Design

In this practical subject students will learn the entire 3D workflow (pipeline) required to create their own uniquely designed 3D characters. The areas covered will include props and background development, using industry standard 3D software, 3D interface navigation, fundamental 3D theory, character design, modelling, texturing, lighting, skinning, camera animation and rendering. These skills will provide a firm foundation for creating 3D objects and characters. Students will also be introduced to essential skills required for professional practice, including project management, presentation skills, naming conventions and file management.

In this subject, students will be introduced to game theory, genre, history and context. They will research and report on the nature of the game industry and analyse the mechanics of game design. They will critically review case studies of a variety of games, with gameplay taking a leading role in discovering several classes of games, their structures and characteristics. The activities in this subject will encourage collaboration and self-reflection, leading students to develop communication skills and to engage in critical thought.

This practical subject introduces the foundational skills and concepts required for game level design. During the subject, students will learn about the principles of level design, progression and gameplay, as well as exploring the elements required to create effective environmental narratives. The skills of iterative design, responding to a brief, and reflecting and adapting after feedback will all be focused on as students follow an industry-standard production process, and construct a high fidelity game level using pre-built assets.

In this subject, students will be introduced to the core concepts and fundamentals of games programming. This will involve acquiring fundamental knowledge of game-specific programming languages, understanding data types and how to manipulate them with functions and variables using those languages, and an understanding of scripting game logic. This subject should enable the building of tools to create games within the game engine and is an essential skill for game designers to master. The subject overall will require problem-solving skills, debugging, professional communication, peer evaluation, iteration, and application of feedback.

In this subject, students will expand on their existing 3D skills and extend these to animation. The principles of animation will be applied to 3D characters, props, accessories and background assets, using advanced 3D industry standard software. Fundamental animation theory and techniques will be explored and applied, so that students can create convincing body mechanics and engaging, stylised performances. Time management and communication skills will also be developed as students learn to balance workload with due dates of deliverables and present their work for feedback.

In this subject, students will learn what it takes to bring 3D models to life, utilising the fundamental
theories and practises of animation rigging to create a skeleton for organic and hard surface models. Students will apply controllers to the skeleton to create an animation-ready rig that could be applied in interactive or cinematic media. Students will use problem solving and planning skills, and will demonstrate communication skills in presenting their work.

The Game Development Lab consists of project based learning, in which students design a range of 3D assets and integrate them into a game engine. The project will be planned and implemented in response to a brief and will involve identifying game development team roles and 3D sculpting of models using industry standard 3D modelling software. Models will be textured, then undergo optimisation and retopology to ensure their effective operation in a game engine environment where introductory level game engine programming will be applied. Students will utilise a production cycle, responding to a brief and modifying assets through multiple iterations in response to testing and peer review. Ethical considerations will be taken into account and applied to the design of game assets. The subject will engage students in collaboration, planning, and project management. It will include agile methodology, presentation and professional communication skills, and response to feedback on industry standards.