Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Game Development
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
8 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The Game Development BFA gives a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on understanding and applying techniques including 3D modeling, animation and lighting in video game production.
Students graduate with a solid grasp of the fundamental game art principles, including knowledge of game engine technology and pre-production and production environments.
Unit Requirements
Degree Requirements
BFA Game Development Degree Requirements
- Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or LA 108 Composition for the Artist
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 1 Written Communication: Context & Style
- 2 Art Historical Awareness: Western Art
- 2 Art Historical Awareness: Surveys
- 1 Historical Awareness
- 1 Quantitative Literacy
- 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Visual Communication
- Integrate environments, characters, or props for a cohesive game experience
- Visually demonstrate skills that meet game industry standards
Technology
- Demonstrate proficiency with technology related to contemporary game production
Presentation Skills
- Clearly and professionally present work and ideas
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Visually communicate research and ideas throughout the design process
- Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline
Professional Readiness
- Produce a professional portfolio which meets industry standards
- Work cooperatively and effectively in a professional production environment
- Identify strengths and develop a portfolio tailored to showcase them
Specialty Skills: Game and Level Design
- Design, organize and build game prototypes in established game engines
- Create design documentation and detailed paper maps for a professional preproduction package
- Effectively use visual and code-based scripting to implement game and level mechanics
Specialty Skills: Animation
- Effectively apply the principles of animation to environments, characters, or effects
- Convey motion (biped and quadruped) and interaction of moving objects
- Incorporate original animations into established game engines
- Demonstrate an understanding of staging and composition through legible animations
Specialty Skills: 3D Modeling for Games
- Model with appropriate use of form, proportion, & function
- Create and apply textures consistent with the overall look of the project
Specialty Skills: Concept Art
- Effectively utilize line, edge, value, and design in all concept work
- Effectively apply the rules of perspective
- Demonstrate flexibility in illustrative style by showing both a unique personal style and the ability to accommodate style to project needs
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- GAM 105: Introduction to Maya
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 107: Game Engines
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 110: Introduction to Game Development
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 111: 2D Tools for Game Development
Core / 3 Units
Semester 2
- ND 113: Sketching for Communication
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 115: Elements of Scripting
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 131: History of Gaming
Major / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- GAM 150: Game Design, Theory & Analysis
Core / 3 Units
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist
Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- LA 255: College Math
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
Semester 3
- GAM 201: 3D Modeling for Games 1
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 215: Scripting for 3D Games 1
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 252: Systems Design
Major / 3 Units
- LA 120: Art History Through the 15th Century
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
- LA 291: Designing Careers
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
Semester 4
- GAM 170: Level Design for Video Games 1
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 233: Elements of Digital Painting
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 310: Prototype Game Production Studio
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 315: Scripting for 3D Games 2
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 353: Game Freemium & Monetization
Major / 3 Units
- LA 121: Art History Through the 19th Century
Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument
Liberal Arts /3 Units / Recommended for summer
Semester 5
- GAM 270: Level Design for Video Games 2
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 335: Story in Video Games
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 350: Rapid Game Development 1
Major / 3 Units
- LA 110: Writing the Short Story
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
- LA 271: College Algebra with Geometry
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
Semester 6
- GAM 190: Mobile UI and UX
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 410: Rapid Game Development 2
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 416: Combat - Dancing with the Enemy
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 498: Collaborative Project
Elective / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- LA 127: Topics in World Art
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
- LA 195: History of Comics: American Comics
Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- LA 306: Creatively Speaking: Presentation for Designers
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
Semester 7
- GAM 483: Interactive Media Production & Entrepreneurship
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 498: Collaborative Project
Major / 3 Units
- LA 117: Survey of Landscape Architecture
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
- LA 171: Western Civilization
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
Semester 8
- GAM 405: Games Portfolio Preparation
Core / 3 Units
- GAM 498: Collaborative Project
Major / 3 Units
- GAM 500: Internship in Game Design
Elective / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- LA 197: History of Comics: International and Alternative Comics
Liberal Arts / 3 Units
- LA 435: The Power of Signs: Semiotics & The Visual Arts
Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
Gallery
English Language Requirements
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