Computer Games Design

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•  Engineering Council accredited degree

• The RARE(TM) Motion Capture Studio is located at the University and is an integral part of the resources for this course

• The Usability laboratory offers you the ability to observe game players using your creations

• Modelling studied throughout the course using industry tools

• Option to study the integrated Masters MEng which still attracts bursaries and loans

•  BSc AwardAccredited by the IET (Full IEng)

• View our resources

• Computer Games Design downloadable course information (PDF, file size: 305.27KB)

The Computing Games Industry is vibrant, dynamic and growing in size year on year. This computing course provides a balanced mix of graphics design and level production with 3D modeling and computer animation, based on the industry work flow and production pipeline, using the latest software.

You'll have access to a range of networked computer studios which run the latest software for computer animation, games and computer graphics as well as access to our RARE (TM) motion capture studio. Dedicated facilities are provided for computer animation, multimedia, games, networks and digital post production. This course will give you the skills to become a 3D Artist, animator, or set you on the way to becoming a successful games or level designer.

Choose this computing course to gain a good overview of the rapidly growing computer games industry as well as a clear idea of the area in which you wish to work.

• In Year 1 (level 4) you will learn about the reverse engineering of current games, level design based on the principles of architecture and games design documentation. You will gain a good grounding in graphic design including 3D modeling and motion capture, followed by an understanding of games engines and physics. You’ll also be able to study how Manga characters are created.
• In Year 2 you will learn about computing high concepts, pre-production, production and game testing. You will also learn 3D facial and body modeling as well as computer and character animation in 3D Studio Max. There is also the opportunity to investigate multiplayer online games in more depth.
• In Year 3 you will expand your skills in modeling to incorporate advanced 3D modeling in the games engine. There will also be the opportunity to learn audio for computer games or further motion capture skills. Study at Level 6 involves investigating interface and platform development of games, the study of game playing, known as ludology and an individual project.

Course Outline

Year 1  (level 4)

• Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games
• Games Engines and Physics
• Design Documentation
• Level Design
• Motion Capture

Option modules include:

• Geometry and Dynamic Character Design
• Introduction to Narratology
• Introduction to Audio Engine Design

Year 2 (level 5)

• 3D Facial Modelling
• 3D Computer Animation
• Games High Concept and Pre-production
• 3D Body Modelling,
• Games Production and Testing

Option modules include:

• 2D Games Texturing
• Advanced Games and Physics Engines
• MMOG Services and Communities

Optional Placement Year

Year 3 (level 6)

• Entertainment Research Project Dissertation and Portfolio
• Advanced 3D Modelling Portfolio
• Hand Held Games Design
• Advanced 3D Modelling in a Games Engine

Option modules include:

• Audio for Computer Games
• Advanced Multiplayer Online Games
• Character Rigging for Games

For those wishing to pursue the MEng
award

Year 4:

• Project
• Interface and Platform Development
• Ludology 1 and 2
• Games Creation
  

Games Technology award handbook (PDF, file size: 1.52MB)

Staffordshire University is committed to providing the skills required to work in the games industry such as computer animation, graphic games design, games programming, games art, post-production and special effects, and technical direction. 

Graduates will typically work in the games industry as computer games animators, computer games 3D modellers. Your skills will allow you to progress within the computer games industry to become computer games designers and level designers.

• Computer Games Design and Programming
• Games Concept Design  
• Computer Games Programming
• Games Technical Art

For more information about Computer Games Design (BSc(Hons) H132, BEng(Hons) H130) please contact: