Students completing this course will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles used at every stage of the game creation process. First, game genres and modes of play are explored in terms of the psychology of incentives, motivation to play, and social networking. Next, virtual characters and non-player characters are reviewed from concept drawing to 2D and 3D art, rigging, and animation. Next, level design, storytelling, and animation are added to develop a virtual world around the characters. These same techniques are at work in training simulator systems, virtual shopping experiences, augmented reality, and a number of other important career options. Schools offering this program can provide a foundation of traditional drawing, illustration, and art courses to make way for the 2D and 3D animation, storytelling, character development, audio, and game technology.

Students taking this program are strongly encouraged to add an internship to their curriculum which will give them real world experience, understanding how the computer game industry works. Game Design: Animation and Simulation is the third course in the Game Design pathway. Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Introduction to Digital Technology and Computer Science Principles. After mastery of the standards in this course, students should be prepared to earn an industry-recognized credential in this career area.

 *Required for completion of a pathway