Information Technology: Game Development

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International

Program Overview

Do you have hours of video gaming under your belt? Now is the time to level up to your dream career. Game Developers use their computer programming knowledge and creative minds to make interactive games. You'll learn skills in sophisticated technology to design, script and develop games for computers, game consoles and mobile devices. You'll also take advantage of a simulation environment to test your creations while learning about professional industry standards. Modern gaming is a social and intellectual tool used by people of all ages.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile B

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Foundations of Mathematics 110
      or
      Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112

      NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
      International Student Admission Equivalencies


      Career Possibilities

      Game Development graduates may find employment in the software production industry as game programmers, game developers, game level designers, interactive media developers, programmers, game designers and web/game programmers. While many graduates work for a company for awhile, a few become entrepreneurs.

      Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



      Specific Considerations

      Technology Requirements
      NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


      Areas of Study

      • Game History and Ethics
      • Game Design
      • Communications
      • Game Development Pipeline
      • Project Management
      • Computer Programming and Scripting
      • Graphics Programming
      • Network Programming
      • Mathematics
      • Data Structures
      • Game Engines
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Quality Assurance


      Program Courses

      Courses are subject to change.



      Prerequisites:

      • DSSD1024A
      • MULT1183A

      This course focuses on introductory level two-dimensional graphics programming within game development. Within Graphics Programming: Fundamentals, learners explore sprite sheets, basic rendering skills, and game engine application.

      Prerequisites:

      • MULT1182A



      Prerequisites:

      • CGGI1134A

      Within Professional Communications, learners develop verbal and written communication skills essential to the game development industry. There is a focus on proper language, style, and form to ensure clarity as well as professionalism. In this course, learners also explore the importance and effective techniques for drafting, critiquing, editing, and revising documentation.

      This course provides learners with the foundational concepts of programming data structures. Learners examine how to organize data efficiently so that it can be stored and retrieved effectively. Data Structures: Fundamentals has learners begin to explore how to select, design and implement data structures, abstract data types, and algorithms that are appropriate for problem solving.

      Prerequisites:

      • PROG1332A



      Prerequisites:

      • DSSD1023A

      This course provides learners with an introduction to game design, including game concepts, storylines, character development, level design, gameplay, and interface design. To help guide the overall vision of a game, learners explore the essentials of a game design document as well as the elements and principles of design. Game Design provides the opportunity for learners to produce a well-documented game idea concept and gain an understanding of how to pitch their game idea to industry peers for constructive feedback.

      This course focuses on the fundamentals of digital image production using software tools and techniques to create, enhance, and manipulate game ready assets. Digital Imaging includes working with raster images, compression techniques, and saving/exporting various file formats. Learners apply fundamental design principles, such as emphasis, balance, and alignment, in relation to working with textures, sprite sheets, and concept art.

      This course explores the history and evolution of games from inception to present, combining social and cultural impacts, genre conventions, influencing trends, and technological advancements. Learners also explore controversial ethical issues in the gaming industry, such as censorship, social issues, copyright, and addiction, in relation to one’s ethical principles and responsibilities.

      Fundamental Mathematics provides learners with the skills in arithmetic, algebra, functions, and relations necessary to proceed with further advanced studies related to mathematics. Within this course, learners explore fractions, decimals, percentage, ratio, proportions, algebraic expression, inequalities, sets, linear and quadratic equations, exponential, logarithm, and graphing of functions.

      This course provides the learner the opportunity to study and apply the principles of mathematical logic, sets, numbers, and algorithmic reasoning to create a foundational understanding of the relationship between discrete structures and algorithm development.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1284A

      The use of linear algebra in game development is essential as it relates to graphics, game physics, and artificial intelligence. Within this course, learners apply the principles and techniques related to linear algebra that are relevant to game development. There is emphasis on vectors and quaternions. In Linear Algebra, learners examine two-dimensional and three-dimensional mathematical models as well as their computation methods.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1284A

      In this course, learners are introduced to the first phase in the game development pipeline. As learners begin the planning phase, they’ll define potential tools, genres, game concepts, storyboarding and user interface design through research and brainstorming. Within this course, learners produce documentation that supports the pre-production phase. 

      Pre-Production: Pipeline also examines the various roles and responsibilities of team members as well as the usage of project management software to align project tasks and timelines amongst the team. This course emphasizes best practices related to setting goals, managing deadlines, budgeting, and prototyping.

      In this course, learners are introduced to the second phase in the game development pipeline. Learners explore the various stages of the production pipeline and tasks required for a successful collaborative team environment. There is a focus on source and version control, optimization, debugging, alpha/beta reviews and release/deployment of a final game.

      Prerequisites:

      • MULT1179A



      Prerequisites:

      • MULT1180A

      A game engine is a specialized piece of software that supports a developer in the creation and modification of a game. In this course, learners are introduced to features, capabilities, and the interface of a specific game engine. With a focus on scripting in C#, learners create basic games using the game engine while incorporating fundamental features, physics, and audio components.

      Prerequisites:

      • PROG1332A



      Prerequisites:

      • MULT1182A



      Prerequisites:

      • MULT1183A



      Prerequisites:

      • DSSD1024A

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

      Learners are challenged to apply human relations and interpersonal communications theory to workplace-based and real life situations. They use a problem solving perspective in suggesting and carrying out appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

      This course introduces the learners to the fundamentals of application design and programming. Students learn to use a development framework, interface and associated toolset for rapid application development. The course covers introductory elements of event driven programming including forms design, extensive use of controls, properties, methods, events, selection structures, loops, sub procedures, and functions.



      Prerequisites:

      • DSSD1024A

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.


      NOC Codes

      21230 - Computer systems developers and programmers
      21232 - Software developers and programmers


      Articulation Agreements

      Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
      Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
      NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


       


      Institution: Technical University of the Shannon
      Information: BSc Game Design and Development
      Graduates of the Game Development diploma are eligible to enter year 3, level 7 of the BSc Games Design and Development. To be eligible for consideration, NBCC graduates will have achieved a minimum grade average of 60%.

      Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

      Ask us