Game Design Masters Curriculum

Phase 1: Blended Program (First 18 Months)

During the first 18 months, students will be introduced to foundational skills in coding, game design, AI, data science, virtual reality, and cloud computing, with emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.

Year 1: Advanced Coding + Game Design Concepts (Months 1–12)

Months 1–6: Advanced Coding Techniques, Game Design Foundations, and Cross-Disciplinary Learning

• LeetCode and Interview Preparation:

  • Weekly coding challenges using platforms like LeetCode and interview questions from companies such as Google, Facebook, Tesla, and OpenAI.

  • Topics: Advanced data structures (trees, graphs, heaps), algorithms (sorting, dynamic programming), and system design principles.

  • Mock coding interviews for real-time feedback and problem-solving practice.

• Introduction to Game Design:

  • Overview of the game development process, game mechanics, and player experience.

  • Key principles: Game loops, level design, balancing, and user engagement.

  • Real-world project: Design a basic 2D game using Unity or Unreal Engine, focusing on player interaction and mechanics.

• Blending with AI and Data Science:

  • AI in Games: NPC behavior, pathfinding, and procedural content generation.

  • Data Science in Games: Using player analytics and game telemetry to improve gameplay experiences.

  • Real-world project: Implement AI-driven NPC behavior or a data-driven player feedback system in a game.

Months 7–12: Game Development, Graphics, and Cross-Platform Optimization

• 3D Modeling, Animation, and Graphics:

  • Introduction to 3D modeling using tools like Blender or Maya.

  • Creating assets, applying textures, and working with animations.

  • Graphics pipelines in game engines and optimizing for performance.

  • Real-world project: Design 3D models and integrate them into a game project.

• Game Programming and Physics:

  • Programming gameplay mechanics and physics-based interactions (e.g., character movement, object collisions).

  • Advanced scripting in Unity (C#) and Unreal Engine (Blueprints, C++).

  • Real-world project: Build a physics-based puzzle game, focusing on realistic movement and object interaction.

• Multiplayer and Networking in Games:

  • Introduction to multiplayer game design: Server-client architecture, synchronization, and lag compensation.

  • Building online multiplayer games with Unity and Unreal Engine.

  • Real-world project: Create a small multiplayer game with matchmaking and real-time gameplay.

• Blending with Leadership and Startup Topics:

  • Game Studio Leadership: Managing game development teams, agile methodologies for game projects.

  • Game Startups: Pitching game concepts, building minimum viable products (MVPs), and understanding market trends.

  • Real-world project: Develop and pitch a game prototype, leading a small team to create a functional demo.

Year 2: Specialization in Game Design (Months 13–18)

Months 13–18: Advanced Game Design and Cross-Disciplinary Learning

• Advanced Game Mechanics and Player Experience:

  • Exploring more complex game mechanics (e.g., resource management, progression systems).

  • Iterative design: Playtesting, balancing, and player feedback loops.

  • Real-world project: Build a game with multiple mechanics, focusing on player progression and engagement.

• Procedural Content Generation (PCG) in Games:

  • Using algorithms to generate game content dynamically (e.g., levels, environments, quests).

  • AI-driven PCG techniques (e.g., noise functions, evolutionary algorithms).

  • Real-world project: Develop a game with procedurally generated levels or dungeons.

• Narrative Design and Storytelling in Games:

  • Building compelling narratives and integrating them into gameplay.

  • Techniques for non-linear storytelling and player choice.

  • Real-world project: Create a narrative-driven game, focusing on story arcs, branching choices, and immersive dialogue.

• Virtual Reality (VR) in Game Design:

  • Designing for VR: Unique considerations such as immersion, motion sickness, and interaction.

  • Integrating VR elements into traditional game design.

  • Real-world project: Create a VR experience or game prototype, utilizing player interaction in a virtual environment.

• Blending with Cloud and Leadership:

  • Cloud-Based Game Development: Deploying multiplayer servers, cloud saves, and real-time analytics.

  • Leadership in Game Development: Managing larger projects, maintaining workflows, and overseeing game development timelines.

  • Real-world project: Deploy a cloud-enabled multiplayer game, managing real-time server interactions and leaderboards.

Phase 2: Specialization and Real-World Applications (Months 19–36)

Months 19–30: Specialization in Advanced Game Design Topics

In this phase, students focus exclusively on game design and development, deep-diving into specific areas while working on complex real-world applications.

Advanced Game Development (Option 1):

• Advanced graphics techniques (e.g., shaders, particle systems, dynamic lighting).

• Optimizing performance for complex game worlds and rendering pipelines.

• Real-world project: Develop an open-world game or large-scale 3D environment with dynamic elements like weather, day/night cycles, and AI-driven characters.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Game Design (Option 2):

• Deep dive into VR and AR game mechanics, player interactions, and motion controls.

• Exploring hardware like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and AR tools (ARKit, ARCore).

• Real-world project: Develop an immersive VR/AR game that uses unique features of VR/AR hardware (e.g., hand tracking or gesture controls).

Artificial Intelligence in Game Design (Option 3):

• Advanced AI techniques for games (e.g., deep learning for NPC behavior, adaptive difficulty systems).

• Implementing AI to enhance player experience (e.g., AI-driven game balancing).

• Real-world project: Build an AI-driven game where NPCs learn and adapt to player behavior over time.

Procedural Generation and Game World Creation (Option 4):

• Creating large-scale, dynamic game worlds using procedural techniques.

• Tools and algorithms for procedurally generating environments, levels, and assets.

• Real-world project: Develop a game with procedurally generated environments and random events, providing a unique experience for each playthrough.

Phase 3: 6-Month Live Project (Months 31–36)

Live Capstone Project (6 Months)

• Real-World Game Development Project: In the final 6 months, students work on a live game development project, either as part of a team with an industry partner or developing their own game for release.

• Team Collaboration: Students will work in teams, simulating real-world game development environments, including design, development, testing, and deployment.

• Project Examples:

  • Building a multiplayer online game with procedurally generated content and AI-driven characters.

  • Developing a VR game for commercial release, using advanced interaction techniques like hand tracking.

  • Launching a narrative-driven game with branching storylines, integrating data analytics to monitor player engagement and adjust content dynamically.

• Project Phases:

  • Phase 1 (Months 31–32): Research, concept design, and early prototype.

  • Phase 2 (Months 33–34): Game development, testing, and iterative refinement.

  • Phase 3 (Months 35–36): Final deployment, optimization, and launch on platforms like Steam, Oculus Store, or mobile app stores.

Program Outcomes:

• Mastery in game design principles, advanced game mechanics, and player experience optimization.

• Expertise in game programming, 3D modeling, animation, AI integration, and procedural content generation.

• Ability to design, develop, and deploy games on various platforms (PC, consoles, VR, AR, mobile).

• Real-world experience working on a live game project, from concept to launch, preparing students for careers in game development or indie game creation.

• Leadership and teamwork skills, honed through collaborative game development projects and real-world scenarios.