Course Descriptions
Game Design and Development
GMD 100
Intro to Game Engines
3 credits
This course introduces the workflow needed to build playable games using the assets created in other areas of the Game Design and Development Program. Activities will include the creation of design documents and the development of playable prototypes. Key concepts in game design and development such as game world design, level design, level balancing, and game character development will be addressed. Students explore limitations of game engines. Students also study and exercise production methodologies and practices utilized by development studios to create stand-alone gaming applications.
GMD 101
Game Mechanics
3 credits
The medium of Interactive gameplay requires a new mindset compared to more traditional media such as radio or television. It hinges around game mechanics, and even subtle changes in them can change a game drastically. Students will learn the basics of game mechanics and how to formalize their ideas for the medium. Discussions will include the core of what a game is and play theory, as well as topics such as meaningful play, immersion, goal setting and theming.
GMD 105
Video and Audio for Game Design
3 credits
This course covers all the software introduced in the game program and beyond. Audio, video, programming, 3D, animation, game engines, and development methodologies will be introduced and explored. Students may wish to take this course if they want a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of software options, with practical applications to showcase those software functions.
GMD 110
Intro to Game Programming
3 credits
This course introduces the concepts of programming and scripting within a game engine. Primarily used to develop interactivity; for the purposes of this class, it will apply to the Unity game engine in order to create game/environment functionality.
GMD 150
2D Game Programming and Development
3 credits
A study on the use of 2D game engines for development of that genre of game style developing the combat systems, level design, and health systems from included templates. Concentrating on the programming techniques, data objects, recycling assets, and compact scripting practices. Students should be prepared to create at least 2 games from scratch using the chosen game engine of choice.
GMD 202
Soundtracks for Film, Video and Games
3 credits
This course is based around creating the auditory presence of the film, video, or game. It covers topics like pace, transitioning, tonal moods, and timing. Focus on creating an environment and matching the other assets given to the student will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 105
GMD 203
Creating Sound Effects and Dialog for Film, Video and Games
3 credits
This course focuses on the recording of sound effects for character movement, interactions with the environment, and cinematic effects like explosions, gunfire, etc. Recording of character dialog techniques will also be heavily explored.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 202
GMD 210
Advanced Game Programming
3 credits
This course continues the foundation of GMD 110 to further enhance the capabilities of the student to perform complex functions internally and externally to the game engine.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 110
GMD 211
Game Program Troubleshooting
3 credits
In this course, students will find and hopefully fix game development and game execution issues in their projects and the projects of others. Students will engage in a variety of exercises based on real world development issues and will be encouraged to bring in problems from other courses or previous projects in need of polish. Troubleshooting is not only about fixing problems in existing game projects, but identifying and fixing problems in the process of how you make games. Discussions will also include leadership skills, book keeping skills, and knowing when and how to delegate.
GMD 220
Game Art: Shaders/Engine Tech
3 credits
Obtaining the look and feel of the art assets within the constraints of a game engine can be challenging. In this Game Art: Intro to Shaders and Engine Tech course, students will acquire techniques that will create good practices for artists and art directors for integrating the art assets into a production pipeline. Shaders will be introduced and manipulated.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 210 and GMD 110
GMD 300
Advanced Game Engines: Using Unity3D
3 credits
Advanced game engines focuses the student on team collaboration with the use of game engines to accomplish project builds based on requirements given to the class. The course is based on working on internal and external projects assigned by the instructor. Students will collaborate on 3 different projects that require specific game engines to be utilized and explored.
Prerequisite(s): GMD100, GMD110, and ANI321
GMD 310
Environment Creation for Games
3 credits
This course focuses on the setting that games take place, whether it is in a fantasy world, realistic world, or futuristic world. Creating the feel and mood of the environment is critical for the game's success aesthetically and technically.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 100, GMD 110 and ANI 321
GMD 311
Publishing for Indie Developers
3 credits
This course focuses on deploying your game, simulation, or application for the Apple App Store and Google play. Common pitfalls, and best practices for publishing your project will also be covered. Obtaining and creating provisioning profiles, developer accounts, discovering resources and pre-flight inspections will be covered
Prerequisite(s): GMD 210
GMD 316
Game Player Data and Systems
3 credits
Player data collection, storage, and security systems are an integral part to many games. In this course students will create storage systems for saving player progress, statistics, and more. Creating access and securing that access with best practices from cyber security will also play a key factor in the course. Integrating these data systems, as well as API calls to popular services, into the game development pipeline will occur in several proof of concept and prototype examples.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 210
GMD 360
Indie Survival Practicum
3 credits
In this course, students will discover the practical survival skills necessary for work as an Indie game developer. This includes competition in game jams, face to face networking, and new media social networking. Students will demonstrate their ability to perform on par with professional Indie developers and will develop useful professional ties to their peers in the industry.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 300
GMD 401
Game Development I
3 credits
The history and evolution of gaming will be discussed along with current developments in gaming and virtualization/simulation. This course includes a study and execution of the workflow, managing and collection of assets, and building playable games/simulations for deployment to personal computers. Students will work with various game engines and the testing and development phases of game design and development.
This course also provides students with experiential learning opportunities to engage in project-based learning with strategic corporate partners of Wilmington University utilizing real world application assessments that align with the competencies of an entry-level gaming and virtualization/simulation professional as identified by the course curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 300 and ANI 321
GMD 405
Game Development II
3 credits
In this course, the students will develop games using the engines covered in the prerequisite. The primary work expected in this course is documentation for various game projects, development of code/art/level of game elements, management of assets, team management, and the delivery of several examples of functioning games in a fast-paced environment.
This course also provides students with experiential learning opportunities to engage in project-based learning with strategic corporate partners of Wilmington University utilizing real world application assessments that align with the competencies of an entry-level gaming and virtualization/simulation professional as identified by the course curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 401
GMD 410
Project Integration
3 credits
One of the most challenging aspects of game development (or any project development) is managing the change and updates to all the assets needed - from scripts, custom editors, and package management to sprites sheets, models, textures, and UI - all these digital assets need to be managed and implemented within a game engine. This course will explore best practices and development of tools and techniques needed to take previous project prototypes to completion. This course relies heavily on the pre-req (Prototype to production) and focuses on the team approaches and frameworks needed to get to publication.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 316 and GMD 401
GMD 420
AI in Games
3 credits
Utilizing vectors, waypoints, navmeshes, crowds, flocks, and A* algorithms are all part of making your NPC's, enemies, vehicles, cities, and environments have more life and realism. Students will explore several scenarios using artificial intelligence approaches to game development in their prototype projects.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 401
GMD 440
Cooperative Education for Game Design
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 300 and ANI 321
GMD 441
Cooperative Education for Game Design
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 300 and ANI 321
GMD 442
Cooperative Education for Game Design
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education.
Prerequisite(s): GMD 300 and ANI 321
GMD 487
Game Design & Development Senior Project
3 credits
This course is designed to allow senior year students the opportunity to practice their specialization in a production environment. At the start of the project, students will identify a realistic project in their main competency area(s) with a faculty mentor. Having agreed on a timetable for their project’s completion, the students will then begin a required/flexible workshop where they must prepare a clear and comprehensive pre-production plan. This course may be completed as a directed study with an instructor of the student's choice or in a classroom setting. This course is equivalent to COM487
Prerequisite(s): GMD 401
GMD 490
Game Design and Development Internship
3 credits
This course will provide students with real-world experience in the field of communication where they will become acquainted with daily operations, while enhancing their professional skills and interacting with other communication professionals. College of Technology students wishing to complete their internship requirements should review procedures at http://www.wilmu.edu/technology/internships/index.aspx.
Prerequisite(s): Permission required and GMD 300