Faculty: Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences This major focuses on the creative and technical aspects of designing video games and interactive media. Students gain skills in game mechanics, narrative design, programming, art and animation, and project management, preparing for careers in the gaming industry, interactive media, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand game design principles and mechanics. - Develop skills in narrative design and storytelling. - Learn programming and scripting for game development. - Explore art and animation techniques for game assets. - Analyze game design trends and player experiences. - Develop project management and team collaboration skills. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Game Design** - Overview of game design principles, industry trends, and development processes. 2. **Game Mechanics and Systems Design** - Designing game rules, mechanics, and systems for engaging gameplay. 3. **Narrative Design and Storytelling** - Crafting compelling narratives, characters, and dialogue for games. 4. **Programming for Game Development** - Scripting and programming languages (e.g., C#, C++, Python) for game functionality. 5. **Game Art and Animation** - Creating visual assets, animations, and user interfaces for games. 6. **Game Engines and Tools** - Utilizing game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and development tools. 7. **User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design** - Designing intuitive and immersive user experiences and interfaces. 8. **Project Management in Game Development** - Managing game development projects, teams, and production pipelines. 9. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in game development settings, such as game studios, indie development teams, or related industries. 10. **Capstone Project** - Comprehensive project applying game design skills, such as developing a complete game, designing a game prototype, or conducting a game design research study. **Assessment Methods:** - Game design documents, mechanics and systems analyses, narrative design and storytelling projects, programming and scripting assignments, art and animation portfolios, game engine and tool proficiency demonstrations, UX/UI design projects, project management plans, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Introduction to Game Design" by various authors. - "Game Mechanics and Systems Design" by various authors. - "Narrative Design and Storytelling" by various authors. - "Programming for Game Development" by various authors. - "Game Art and Animation" by various authors. - "Game Engines and Tools" by various authors. - "User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design" by various authors. - "Project Management in Game Development" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of programming, art, and an interest in game design and development. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree. **Certification:** While there are no specific certifications for game design, graduates may pursue specialized training or certifications in game engines (e.g., Unity Certified Developer, Unreal Engine Certifications) or related technical skills. **Target Audience:** Aspiring game designers, game developers, narrative designers, game artists, game programmers, and professionals seeking careers in game studios, indie development teams, interactive media companies, and related fields. This major equips students with the creative and technical skills needed to excel in game design and development, supporting careers in various roles within the gaming industry and interactive media.