Program Overview:

Video game design is a rapidly growing field, both nationally and in the Bay Area. The Video Game Design certificate trains students in the skills they need to secure an entry-level position as a game designer, level designer, or associate producer in the video game industry. Curriculum was developed in conjunction with veteran game industry designers and reflects the skills currently in demand in the industry.

Classes are taught online by video game design professionals.

Video Game Design Certificate Requirements

Video Game Design Courses:

MART 440 Video Game 3D Production Techniques (1.5 units)

Video game art-specific production techniques, asset delivery, and workflow. Texture, bump, specular, and alpha maps to create the illusion of complexity in models. Focus on low polygon modeling techniques, tiling, photorealistic textures, and character animation loops. Basic Mel scripting, workflow and asset delivery methods to increase productivity and efficiency when generating game graphics.

MART 441 Introduction to Video Game Design (3 units)

Introduction to the essentials of game design using industry-standard game engine, spreadsheets, presentation slides, photo editing, 3D modeling, and reference art to convey game design ideas and specifications. Practical application of skills learned to develop games.

MART 442 History of Video Games (3 units)

Explores the origin and history of ancient to modern games including board games, card games, arcade amusements, and video games of all kinds. Includes game companies, historic platforms, and common jargon used in the industry.

MART 443 Game Design Fundamentals (3 units)

Fundamentals of game design are examined through the theories of fun, challenge, polish, responsiveness and the emotional content of making games. Students build a board or card game and develop a game design document from initial pitch through game specifications.

MART 445 3D Game Scripting (3 units)

Explores using a 3D game engine for building 3D levels and creating gameplay using systematic approaches to design. Includes importing 3D assets and scripting character controllers and interactive elements.

MART 446 Storytelling with Games (3 units)

Discussion and development of plots, character archetypes, and challenges in storytelling that provide the structure to create a unique story experience through gameplay. Examines the aesthetics of games, the designer/player contract, and the Hero's Journey.

MART 447 3D Level Design (3 units)

Covers artistic, functional and storytelling aspects of video game level design: prototyping, layout and simple scripting of events. Using a 3D game engine, students design and build a single player and multiplayer level.

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MART 450 Collaborative Game Production (3 units)

Students use project management techniques to organize and communicate as game development prototype teams. Methods explored include Ad hoc, Waterfall, and Agile techniques.

MART 451 Rapid Game Development (3 units)

Students conceive and develop multiple games in a rapid development environment. Brainstorming, conceptualizing, and "finding the fun" of multiple game styles, polishing and adding pizzazz to the game - called JUICE.

MART 452 Advanced Game Design (3 units)

In-depth exploration of enjoyable gameplay. How to use tutorials, achievements, analytics, and funnels to refine the gameplay experience based on player's experience. Designing economies and challenge ramping to avoid player burnout and turnover, and encourage engagement.

MART 455 Indie Game Development & Entrepreneurship (3 units)

Having a freelance career or an independent studio is the future of creative game design. This course covers the fundamentals of starting and operating small studios, crowdfunding, investment funding, staying compliant with state and local laws, understanding contracts, marketing, and selling projects.

MART 680CK History of Video Games (3 units)

Explores the origin and history of ancient to modern games including board games, card games, arcade amusements, and video games of all kinds. Includes game companies, historic platforms, and common jargon used in the industry.