Last updated: August 6, 2020 @ 08:17AM

Game

This program is offered through the Centre for Digital Humanities, the Department of Computer Science and Niagara College

Program Director
David Hutchison

Academic Advisors
Michael Gicante (Game Design)
Donna Phelps (Game Programming)

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Clara Suba

905-688-5550, extension 3270
Thistle 269D
brocku.ca/game

Computer and video games can be complex expressive, narrative, experiential, intelligent, cultural and creative systems. They integrate many types of content and media and are presented on a wide range of interactive digital platforms. The creation of computer games requires highly diverse technical and creative conceptualization, design, implementation and production processes. Games are typically produced by teams of people with specialized knowledge and skills who also understand and support the larger enterprise of the game which is to provide a user/player with challenge, agency and experience.

The GAME program combines study at Brock University and Niagara College, focusng on the concepts, contexts and mechanics of computer games. Students may choose one of two study options: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design and an Advanced Diploma in Game Development or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Game Programming and an Advanced Diploma in Game Development. Students examine the history, discourses and production of games and participate in three major collaborative projects that result in the creation and production of fully realized computer games in the second, third and fourth years of the program.

Eligibility to continue in the GAME program is based on a student's major average and non-major average. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average will be permitted to continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the GAME program. With the approval of the Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities or the Chair of the Department of Computer Science, a student who is not eligible to continue may be permitted to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactive Arts and Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science respectively. Required courses not yet completed in these programs will need to be met.

Major Credits

In calculating the major average for a Game Design major the following are included: BTGD 1P10, 1P11, 1P20, 1P22, 2P31, 2P35, 2P41, 2P45, 3P65, 3Y51, 3Y55, IASC 1P04, 1P05, 2P04, 2P05, 3P04, 3P06, 4F03, 4P02, VISA 2P97, 2P99.

In calculating the major average for a Game Programming major the following are included: BTGD 1P11, 1P22, 2P35, 2P45, 3P65, 3P66, 3Y55, 3Y56, 4P77, COSC 1P02, 1P03, 2P03, 2P05, 3P71, IASC 1P04, 1P05, 2P04, 2P05, 3P04, 4F03, 4P02.

Entrance Requirement

Students applying for the GAME program are required to submit a Statement of Interest as part of their application. See brocku.ca/game for details.

Concurrent Study at Brock University and Niagara College

Students in the GAME program will study at both Brock University and Niagara College each year of the program. The College and University have endeavoured to schedule courses and manage logistics and facilities, including software, hardware and networks, to enable each student's work between both institutions.

Facilities

The Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH) supports the program through a range of media enriched seminar and lab spaces including a state-of-the-art computer graphics lab, game development and game testing labs and two general labs.

The Department of Computer Science maintains a 16 core Redhat Linux server that supports the departmental labs and provides students with access to their files wherever they can connect via the internet. The department has three computer laboratories (MC D205, MC J301 and MC J310) containing multi-core Intel processor computers running both Windows and Linux operating systems with access to development environments, database systems and other special purpose software used in the courses.

Niagara College provides two state-of-the-art gaming labs fully equipped with high end gaming computers and a suite of software used throughout the gaming industry. The program also has a media viewing room with three widescreen monitors to display game development progress with faculty and clients in a multiscreen interactive environment. Small class sizes enhance the experience in using leading industry art production and software development tools.

The CDH and Niagara College partner with The Generator at One in downtown St. Catharines to enable students to work with industry professionals in internships and structured courses that provide access to a world-class media production studio. Students all have access to a sophisticated Motion Capturing System. Workflow is integrated between the green screen/motion capture studio, audio and visual effects suite, 3D scanning and printing, data centre and theatre.

Printer Usage Fees

A non-refundable printer usage fee may be charged for all courses offered by the Department of Computer Science which use departmental or User Services laboratories. Printing beyond the initial quota will incur an additional fee.

Program Notes
  1. Course requirements include those taught at Brock University and Niagara College.
  2. The GAME program works on a cohort basis. Students will only be permitted to transfer from other majors into upper years of the program in exceptional cases. Transfer credits may not be awarded.
  3. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
    In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.

Bachelor of Arts Game Design (Honours only)

Game Design prepares students to analyze and build games and other interactive media expressions. Students create games on varied platforms and gain fluency in computing and scripting. They will learn the principles of and use industry standard technology for 3D modelling, character design, environment design and animation. Students will integrate narrative, writing, art direction, level and game design.

For Niagara College course descriptions see niagaracollege.ca/media-studies/programs/ba-game-design/

Year 1
·   APCO 1P00
·   CPCF 1F25
·   IASC 1P04, 1P05 and 1P06
·   BTGD 1P10/9810, 1P11/9811, 1P20/9820 and 1P22/9822 (Niagara College courses)

Year 2
·   IASC 2P04 and 2P05
·   VISA 2Q97 and 2Q99
·   BTGD 2P31/9831, 2P33/9833, 2P35/9835, 2P41/9841, 2P44/9844, 2P45/9845 (Niagara College courses)

Year 3
·   APCO 1P50
·   two credits from COMM 2P90, 2P91, ENCW 3P73, HIST 3P36, IASC 3F91, 3P11, STAC 3P14, VISA 3P10
·   IASC 3P04 and 3P06
·   BTGD 3P64/9864, 3P65/9865, 3Y51/9851 and 3Y55/9855 (Niagara College courses)

Year 4
·   IASC 4F03 and 4P02
·   three and one-half credits from COMM 3P26, 3P90, 3P92, 3Q98, DART 3P92, EDUC 4P62, IASC 3F93, 3P93, 3P96, 3P97, 3P98, 3P99, 3Q90, PCUL 3Q98, STAC 3P98, 4P72

Bachelor of Science Game Programming (Honours only)

Game Programming enables students to analyze and build games and to design and create the underlying program structures. Students gain fluency in basic art and technology tools specific to games. They will create games on varied platforms and develop a depth of knowledge in the concepts that underlie game mechanics involving computer science and related mathematics. Students will engage in practices associated with game programming while also participating fully in the entire game production process.

For Niagara College course descriptions see niagaracollege.ca/media-studies/programs/ba-game-programming/

Year 1
·   COSC 1P02 and 1P03
·   CPCF 1F25
·   IASC 1P04 and 1P05
·   MATH 1P66 and 1P67
·   BTGD 1P11/9811, 1P22/9822 (Niagara College courses)

Year 2
·   APCO 1P50
·   COSC 2P03 and 2P13
·   IASC 2P04 and 2P05
·   BTGD 2P31/9831, 2P33/9833, 2P35/9835, 2P44/9844 and 2P45/9845 (Niagara College courses)

Year 3
·   COSC 2P05 and 3P71
·   IASC 3P04 and 3P06
·   MATH 1P12
·   PHYS 1P21
·   BTGD 3P64/9864, 3P65/9865, 3P66/9866, 3Y55/9855 and 3Y56/9856 (Niagara College courses)

Year 4
·   IASC 4F03 and 4P02
·   one credit from COSC 3P91, 3P94, 3P98, 3Q95
·   one COSC credit numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
·   MATH 1P97 or 1P98
·   BTGD 4P76/9876 and 4P77/9877 (Niagara College courses)

Descriptions of Courses

See relevant calendar entry for course descriptions.

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
BTGD 1P10
Digital Graphics for Gaming I
Introduction to Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Design within the Adobe workflow. Geared specifically the Gaming, Animation and Illustration Industries with Photoshop in conjunction with a Wacom tablet. Art and Design fundamentals such as Color, Composition, Line weight, Form, and Perspective, producing original artwork, layouts, concepts, roughs and compositions consistent with the expectations of the gaming industry.
Restriction: open to GAMD majors.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9810.

BTGD 1P11
Fundamental 3D and Multimedia Technologies
Introduction to the fundamentals of 3D animation for markets such as games, architecture, visualization and web using industry software. Topics include the navigation of software interface, low and high poly 3D modelling, creating materials, lighting and rendering, key framing and path animation.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9811.

BTGD 1P20
Digital Graphics for Gaming II
Development of knowledge in Computer Graphic Imaging and Visual Design. Foundation of traditional Design and Illustration theory that was applied to the Adobe Photoshop work flow in Digital Graphics for Gaming I. Growing and expanding capabilities as artists through other industry leading software packages. Transferring previously learned processes from Photoshop to vector based production in Illustrator. Applying painting and sculpting fundamentals to 3dimensional meshes in Mudbox. Production of concept art and game assets for a number of industry related projects. Placing the created digital graphics and models into the Unity 3D game engine.
Restriction: open to GAMD majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 1P10.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9820.

BTGD 1P22
Game Engine Fundamentals
Fundamental skills for the development of a 2D game. Many industry techniques in the areas of graphic production, animation, and interactive scripting, and how they relate in a production pipeline utilizing a game engine. Development of a set of core skills that can be applied to other engines and production environments. Learning tools for this course may include the Adobe suite, Unity game engine and C# gaming scripts.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 1P11.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9822.

BTGD 2P31
Environment Design
Development of skills necessary for designing and building expansive 3D game environments. Combination of traditional level and map development theory with the design and graphic techniques required to bring them to life in a modern game engine. Industry leading techniques and software for generating terrains, architectural structures and the props and vegetation needed to populate them. Texturing, lighting and particle techniques that are available for enhancing the atmosphere and game play experience from a first person point of view. Mechanical animation techniques, sound effects, and the production ofGUI elements and will utilize software such as Unity Pro, 3DS max, Mudbox, Photoshop and audio editing software.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 1P22.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9831.

BTGD 2P33
Database Essentials
In-depth instruction on relational database design strategies as well as fundamental Structured Query Language (SQL) syntax needed for today’s work environment. Design, create and maintain a relational database.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9833.

BTGD 2P35
Game Design and Development I
Aspects utilizing a game engine in conjunction with scripting. Design elements of various game genres, emphasizing using the game engine to further the students’ understanding of game design techniques. Scripting, and graphics concepts are practiced in this WYSIWYG environment. Use of game development environment to complete several micro-game projects.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 1P22.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9835.

BTGD 2P41
Character Modelling and Animation
Taking a character from sketch to game engine. Leading modelling, lighting, and texturing techniques from the gaming industry as well as many advanced skills desired in the film, architectural and pre-visualization fields. Low and hi poly modelling techniques, the application of texture maps, and methods of rigging, binding and animating characters. Fully realized character coming to life in the Unity game engine. Software packages include Unity, 3DS max, Mudbox, Photoshop and Motionbuilder.
Restriction: open to GAMD majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 1P20 and 2P31.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9841.

BTGD 2P44
Project Management
Conducting team based project work in an effective and professional manner. General project management skills within a variety of contexts: client relationship and communications management, team and leadership development, product and service quality promotion, time management, and project documentation. Centered on a common class project and/or case studies.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors and permission of the Program Director.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9844.

BTGD 2P45
Game Design and Development II
Placement in mini teams to collectively build on their previous game development skills. Teams will add more advanced animations, particle effects, and lighting techniques to realize a higher level of realism. Engagement of player game experiences by managing input devices, animated models, game mechanics, terrain influences and audio sound effects.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors and permission of the Program Director.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 2P31 and 2P35.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9845.

BTGD 3P64
The Game Industry Business
Comprehensive understanding of the computer/video gaming business and how to successfully market themselves within it. Topics include the business environment, planning and organizing a software development/gaming business, preparing a business plan, funding approaches, development contracts, hardware/software procurement, techniques involved in producing game marketing trailers, developing online companies, and the preparation and marketing of digital portfolios.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors and permission of the Program Director.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 3Y55.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9864.

BTGD 3P65
Game Production II
Transformation of proposed game project, developed in Game Production I , into reality. Engagement in full video game production activities. Demonstration of functionality requirements at regular intervals throughout the course utilizing presentations, walkthroughs and playable demos resulting in a cohesive, polished and fully functional game.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors and permission of the Program Director.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 3Y55.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9865.

BTGD 3P66
Graphics Programming Fundamentals
Establishment of a fundamental understanding of video game graphics programming through both two and three dimension space. Introduction to standard graphics techniques such as: texture and sprite manipulation, transformations, scaling, rotations, 3D rendering and texture mapping. Standard computer graphics API will be used for programming assignments.
Restriction: open to GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 3Y56.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9866.

BTGD 3Y51
Advanced Animation Techniques
Foundation of 3D animation and rigging by exploring the science of motion and its application. Analysis of numerous methods for creating real world motions relevant to characters and mechanical devices. Production of strong gestures, poses, solid acting, and planning of effective animation. Skills required for working in a team environment.
6 hours per week.
Restriction: open to GAMD majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 2P41.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9851.

BTGD 3Y55
Game Production I
Students will be assigned to a game development production team. Student teams will work closely to conceive, design, document and prototype a new game concept. Result of term work will be a fully realized and documented game design, accompanied with relevant prototypes and a detailed production schedule. Student teams will move to production in the Game Production II course.
3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to GAMD and GAMP majors and permission of the Program Director.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 2P44 and 2P45.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9855.

BTGD 3Y56
Advanced Game Programming Techniques
Understanding of programming through the implementation of advanced programming methods employed in video game production. Various data structures used to organize and manage game world information and implemented in gaming solutions. Designing and implementation of intelligent systems to solve problems in game applications.
6 hours per week.
Restriction: open to GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 2P45.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9856.

BTGD 4P76
Network Game Programming
Some of the most powerful features of computer use are the ability to access network resources and communicate with others. Opportunity to implement cabled and wireless computer networks through the installation and configuration of connection devices, communications protocols, peer and client/server services, and additional web and server services supporting networked gaming environments.
Restriction: open to GAMP majors.
Prerequisite(s): BTGD 3P66.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9876.

BTGD 4P77
Mobile Game Development
Mix of important conceptual knowledge and practical programming skills for developing mobile device applications. Key goal is to make students better software developers and prepare them for developing new and innovative mobile products.
Restriction: open to GAMP majors.
Note: Niagara College course BTGD 9877.