Our curriculum blends creative exploration with real-world application, giving you hands-on experience with the tools, theories, and techniques used by today鈥檚 game design professionals.
Eight Gen Ed 3-credit courses (8 weeks)
APGD 101: Art and Design Concepts and Principles
Course Description: In Art and Design Concepts and Principles, students explore key art and design concepts, including color, light, and composition, and their application in film and digital games. Through collaborative discussions, they analyze historical and contemporary works, examining elements like line, shape, space, and style. Assessments focus on demonstrating understanding of art and design theories, analyzing artworks and film sequences for technical, aesthetic, and historical significance, and evaluating their impact within creative industries
APGD 103: Industry Overview: Pipeline and Production Processes
Course Description: In Industry Overview: Pipeline and Production Processes, students explore production pipelines and processes in animation, VFX, and games, learning key concepts, terms, and frameworks. Through active online learning, they study stages from inception to distribution, comparing workflows across industries. The course culminates with students creating a career information video that investigates technical skills, job opportunities, and valued attributes of a chosen role within the film and games industries.
APGD 105: Communicate! Mode, Purpose, Context
Course Description: In Communicate! Mode, Purpose and Context, students develop professional, ethical, and culturally aware communication skills for the creative industries. Emphasizing theoretical frameworks, the course explores oral and written modes, context, and purpose. Through active online learning, students study communication models, paralanguage, active listening, teamwork, and respectful feedback. Assessments focus on applying these frameworks to real-world professional scenarios, enhancing their ability to interact effectively in diverse creative environments.
APGD 107: Identifying and Solving Problems
Course Description: In Identifying and Solving Problems, students explore creative reasoning, problem-solving frameworks, and critical thinking to address challenges in artistic and technical work. They analyze artistic works, resolve creative, technical, and ethical issues, and practice presenting rational arguments while recognizing unconscious bias. Through collaborative online learning and peer presentations, students reflect on personal growth. The course culminates in a critical review of a film or game, showcasing their analytical and problem-solving skills.
APGD 109: Concepts and Principles of Lighting and Cinematography
Course Description: In Concepts and Principles of Lighting and Cinematography, students explore the theoretical foundations of lighting and cinematography in visual storytelling. They study camera movement, framing, and lighting techniques, applying these concepts in real-world and digital environments. Through individual and group activities, online discussions, and case studies, students analyze cinematic techniques in films and games while solving complex lighting and cinematography challenges to enhance storytelling.
APGD 111: Concepts & Principles of Story and Visual Narrative
Course Description: Concepts & Principles of Story & Visual Narrative explores how stories are created and conveyed through images and motion. Students examine story origins, structure, and visual storytelling principles, including arcs, the hero鈥檚 journey, Aristotle鈥檚 three-act structure, tropes, symbolism, and metaphors. Through discussions and group work, they analyze and compare narratives. The course culminates in a review of a film or game, evaluating its use of storytelling techniques to engage audiences.
APGD 113: Stepping into Industry
Course Description: In Stepping Into Industry, students develop adaptability, self-awareness, and readiness for the dynamic film and games industries. Using Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE) analysis, they explore trends, predict opportunities, and reflect on personal strengths and values to shape career decisions. Through case studies and collaborative online activities, students build job-readiness skills. The course culminates in crafting a professional resume and cover letter for an actual job posting, positioning students for success in their chosen industry.
APGD 115: Marketing Yourself and Your Business
Course Description: In Marketing Yourself & Your Business, students explore marketing concepts and personal branding to stand out in the global film and games industries. They learn to understand target markets, client needs, integrated marketing, and cross-cultural dynamics. Through case studies, discussions, and research in an online studio, students develop strategies for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Assessments focus on applying marketing concepts to personal and professional contexts, preparing students for industry success.
Six Game Design 6-credit courses (16 weeks)
APGD 201: Game Design Foundations
Course Description: The digital games industry has become a global phenomenon. Game Design Foundations introduces students to game design theory, core elements, and principles that make games unique and engaging. Students will explore genres, platforms, and their impact on design, developing written, visual, and playable concepts. Assessments include game design documents, pitch decks, prototypes, and responses to feedback, fostering technical and narrative expertise in an immersive online studio environment.
APGD 203: Designing and Implementing Game Systems
Course Description: In Designing and Implementing Game Systems, students expand on prior concepts to create and stress-test game elements using a game engine. In an immersive online studio, they design complex levels while considering platform constraints, user needs, and technical factors. Students develop a "Gameplay Testing Level" and a white boxed prototype for user feedback, culminating in a playable prototype. Assessments emphasize applying theory and integrating peer and mentor feedback to refine designs. Prerequisites: APGD 201 Game Design Foundations
APGD 205: Action Game Development
Course Description: In Action Game Development, students design and create AAA combat games for PC and consoles using Unreal Engine. They merge fast-paced gameplay theory with practical skills to develop a polished first-person combat prototype. In an immersive online studio, students analyze mechanics, quests, AI, and level design, implementing features for user interaction and feedback. Assessments include game prototypes, AI creation, theoretical reflections, and responses to peer and mentor feedback, emphasizing design decisions and gameplay polish. Prerequisites: APGD 203 Designing and Implementing Game Systems
APGD 207: Level Design Pre-Production
Course Description: In Level Design Pre-Production, students explore advanced level design by incorporating player movement, combat mechanics, and detailed quests. They study playability frameworks, UI navigation, visual coding, and design theory. Working as level artists and designers in an immersive online studio, students create photorealistic terrains, atmospheric lighting, and weather systems, utilizing kitbashing assets for rapid prototyping. Assessments include rapid and complete playable prototypes with quests, interactive elements, design reflections, and responses to peer and mentor feedback. Prerequisites: APGD 205 Action Game Development
APGD 209: Level Design Production
Course Description: In Level Design Production, students explore principles of playability, AI concepts, and user navigation in large, realistic environments. In an immersive online studio, they create NPCs, script complex AI behaviors, and implement advanced interactive blueprints to develop polished, interactive levels. Assessments include designing detailed environments, building a playable prototype with AI, and demonstrating skills in conceptualization, experimentation, and design justification, with reflections on peer and mentor feedback. Prerequisites: APGD 207 Level Design Pre-Production
APGD 211: Game Design Capstone
Course Description: In Game Design Capstone Portfolio, students curate a cohesive portfolio showcasing their theoretical, technical, and creative skills. They critically reflect on their knowledge, develop a production plan, and polish their work in a simulated studio environment. With feedback from peers, mentors, and industry professionals, students refine their portfolios to professional standards. This capstone culminates in an industry-ready portfolio designed to advance their careers in game design. Prerequisites: APGD 209 Level Design Production
