Digital Game Development

Digital Game Development

The Digital Game Development program provides students with the principles of game mechanics. Areas of study include programming, story and character development, and artistic theory and concepts to develop a game.

Core Course Sequence

Year 1 - Digital Game Development I

This course is designed to introduce students to the elements and principles of game design. The areas of major emphasis in the course are game mechanics, game genres, the history of games, non-digital games (card games, board games, CCGs), game design theory, and an exploration of the game industry. Students have the opportunity to use their creative and logical skills to create 2D and 3D interactive experiences and immersive environments. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.

Year 2 - Digital Game Development II

This course is a continuation of Digital Game Development I. This course provides intermediate digital game development students with instruction in advanced techniques and processes. The major areas of emphasis in the course will be development of characters, immersive environments, different genres, and exploration of multi-player games. Students will apply both creative and technical skills to design and refine in addition to implementing the adventure. The appropriate use of technology and industry-standard equipment is an integral part of this course.

Year 3 (optional) - Digital Game Development Advanced Studies

Emphasis is placed on students developing digital games that include intermediate and advanced concepts in design, programming, animation, and 3D techniques. Project-based learning, collaboration, and portfolio development are essential elements of this course. The appropriate use of technology and industry-standard equipment is an integral part of this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired entry-level skills for employment and be prepared for postsecondary education

CTE College Credit

Southwest CTA students can earn college credit from a variety of AP courses. All students in Digital Game Development take AP Computer Science Principles and are introduced to programming in JavaScript, and have the option to continue on into Computer Science II and AP Computer Science A to learn Java programming.

Southwest CTA also offers Jumpstart and dual-enrollment classes in partnership with CSN and NSC, in which 11th and 12th grade students can take college classes during their high school years.

Portfolio Development

In the game industry, certifications are secondary to having a portfolio that can accurately represent a candidate's skills and experience. Throughout the program, students will be creating artifacts to build their online portfolio and resumes.