In 2005, the computer and video gaming industry took in over $7.1 billion
dollars, according to the Entertainment Software Association. Want to be
a part of this creative industry? You’ll be prepared to enter the world
of interactive games, or be ready for an additional bachelor’s
degree, your choice. Become immersed in digital game development
through the Digital Game Design program at Hocking College.
Interested in learning more than what you see here?
Call 1-877-HOCKING and connect with BJ Heidlebaugh at Ext. 7055 or
Shawna Edwards at Ext. 7015.
The Program
It is clear that interactive gaming has taken the United States (and the world)
by storm. With over 75% of heads of households playing either computer or video
games, there is a clear need for new, innovative games to capture the attention
of millions of gamers. If you are interested in this cutting edge world of
work, check out this new program.
Associate of Technical Study in Digital Game Design
This six–quarter program is designed to allow you to gain hands–on
experience with cutting edge equipment and programs used in the digital game
creation world today. From MAYA to the Adobe Creative Suite, you’ll be working
with real–world equipment as you work on the artistic and creative end
of gaming.
Perhaps the best way to understand the program is to explore a few
courses included within it:
-
Game Design & Production
Explore game design in terms of structure and playability. How is a game
constructed? What makes a digital game attractive to potential consumers?
How are top-notch games structured, including balance, complexity,
addictiveness, originality and graphical style?
-
Digital Foundations
A foundations course on the Mac operating system, peripherals, and software.
Determine the opportunities and parameters defined by specific software for
the gaming artist, and dig into bit-mapped versus vector graphics and the
benefits and challenges of each.
-
Digital Design Lab
This is where your hands–on experience with design software really takes
off. Gain experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive,
Acrobat 8, Dreamweaver and more.
-
Structured Programming
Immerse yourself in the software development process through a modern block
structured language. From problem solving and de–bugging strategies to data
abstractions, modularity, and parameter passing, you’ll have a solid
understanding of data structures and trees and more.
-
Computer Graphics I & II
In these courses, you’ll cover 2D and 3D graphic concepts, techniques
and algorithms. Learn everything, from more introductory skills like point
plotting, line drawing, clipping, and sprite animation to more advanced
skills like texture mapping, curves and surfaces, image processing,
volumetric lighting and much more.
-
Introduction to MAYA
The Maya 3D software is used for modeling, animation, visual effects and
rendering techniques. Gain extensive experience with this 21st century
program, and be prepared to use it as you work on intensive projects in
state–of–the–art labs.
Other Related Courses
- Drawing I & II
- Oil Painting
- Physics–Motion
- Art Electives
- And more...
Bachelor Degree Options
Hocking College has developed this program so that graduates may complete
their bachelor’s degree at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Students wishing to pursue this educational path will have two degrees; an
associate degree from Hocking College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a
concentration in Gaming & Simulation Development Arts.
Additionally, a series of “bridge” courses will help make your
transition to the bachelor’s a little easier. By completing additional
Hocking College coursework, you’ll save tuition dollars in the process!
Jobs for Grads
As the digital gaming industry field expands, so do the options for career
pathways. Possible careers for graduates of the Hocking College Digital
Game Design program include:
- Game Designer – average salary = $63,986
- Programmer – average salary = $55,000 - $70,000
- Level Designer
- Quality Assurance
- Producer/Production Personnel
- Audio Artist
- Writer
- Video Game Journalist
