Undergraduate Courses
ITGM 120 Introduction to Interactive Design and Game Development
This course begins to investigate visual and audio communication involving user actions, strategic design and the illusion of motion. Through individual approach and expression in traditional media, students are encouraged to experiment with the juxtaposition and sequence of design elements and imagery and to develop a sense of artist-audience construct and consequence. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, CMPA 110.
ITGM 121 Introduction to Game Development
Through hands-on exercises, students are introduced to critical aspects of the game industry from non-digital games to indie games to the latest video games. Roles and responsibilities within the game development team are discussed and practiced through in-class exercises, and genres are critically introduced, discussed and explored. Key individuals, companies and associations are also explored, and controversies are examined. The course culminates in a group project. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110, DRAW 101.
ITGM 122 Introduction to Interactive Design
Through individual and group exercises, students are introduced to critical aspects of interactive art and design from physical computing to installation art to traditional and nontraditional websites. A history of the interactive medium is presented, and the breadth of the medium is critically introduced, discussed and explored. Through in-class exercises, students practice composition, aesthetics and various types of interactive art. Key individuals, media, software tools and associations also are explored. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110.
ITGM 130 Digital Design Aesthetics
This course provides the foundation for visualizing and understanding the essential vocabularies, principles and concepts of design, color and visual literacy as applied to interactive digital work. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110.
ITGM 230 Information Design for Dynamic Media
This course addresses the fields of information visualization and user interface design and their intersection in the field of interactive design. Through the exploration of key principles and methodologies of these fields, students develop a working knowledge of the means by which dynamic media systems—websites, games, information aggregators, smartphone applications, etc.—organize, visualize and present information to the end users of screen-based media. Students learn and use Industry methodologies to develop information-intensive interactive projects through a series of progressive assignments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120 or ITGM 121 or ITGM 122, ITGM 130.
ITGM 240 Modeling, Materials and Lighting
Modeling techniques and aesthetic skills required to create, texture and light 3-D objects are explored. Through the use of industry standard 3-D software, students learn methods and procedures to create 3-D models efficiently and accurately. They also learn to create textures, shaders and materials for 3-D geometry. Students create visualizations in 3-D through real-world observations. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 241 Survey of Interactive Entertainment
This course chronicles the history and evolution of interactive and game design while reflecting on its immediacy through Internet and game culture trends. Students examine the social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and game theory principles. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 110, CMPA 110.
ITGM 250 Fundamentals of Game Design
This course introduces students to game design through analysis, application and discussion of the game space, game mechanics, the game player and the design decisions that create the game state. Through in-class game play and game design exercises, students explore the design process through the concepts of player agency and immersion, while structures of goals—both short-term and long-term— force consideration of challenge, conflict and reward. Ultimately, students assess the needs of a target audience and create a game space and a game expressly designed for that audience while providing critical feedback to their peers on their own designs. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 258 Modeling for Game Development
Students develop an understanding of 3-D, the principles of modeling and video game aesthetics while exploring the creation of 3-D models specifically designed for integration into a game engine. Aesthetics, construction, communication, sculptural skills and quality of work are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 240.
ITGM 260 Interactive Design
This course focuses on the aesthetics of digital media elements and issues surrounding coherence in interactive environments. Students are introduced to authoring techniques and technologies as they learn how to create and develop basic projects for delivery on the web and as stand-alone applications in which interactivity is the focus. Prerequisite(s): ADVE 150 or GRDS 205 or ITGM 130.
ITGM 265 Introduction to Robotics AI
This course introduces students to the field of experience design relating to robotics and the code that controls them. Concepts of interactive design and game design relating to robotics are learned and applied using object-oriented programming and artificial intelligence. Students investigate the recent history of robotics as well as the essential concerns and methodologies of the field. Students create a series of robotic projects in order to understand the basic principles of robotics, artificial intelligence and object-oriented programming. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 272 Video Game Industry Survey
This course chronicles the history and evolution of the video game industry, from its early beginnings in paper and war games to modern day next generation consoles. Students examine the industry’s growth, key players and companies, processes, controversies and career paths while reflecting on how each generation has influenced the next. Students examine the forces that shape the industry as well as the games it makes. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 303 Programming for Interactivity
This course introduces object-oriented programming techniques using a scripting language. This course builds upon the Interactive Design course, enabling students to develop projects that include complex interactive websites, experimental interactive work and online games. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 305 Designing Social Media Applications
This course introduces interactive and game students to the overlapping field of social media game and application design. Through lectures, critiques and rigorous design exercises students are able to understand and develop strategies and designs for games and applications that leverage social networking platforms. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 310 Animation for Games
Animation provides a sense of immersion while giving players feedback about the state of the game. Students learn to create animation assets for both 2-D and 3-D games. Topics covered range from basic key frame animation and creating player character cycles to importing each student’s animation into an existing game engine. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 258 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 315 C++ Programming I
In this course, students learn programming techniques and skills using C++. Students learn basic understanding of computer science concepts, awareness of different types of computer languages, use of a program-development environment, understanding of control structures, data structures, program logic, problem-solving and object-oriented programming methodologies. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 320 Real-time Shaders and Effects for Games
One of the largest growing areas in game development for artists is shader and effects development. As graphics hardware and game engine technology improve, the demand rises for skilled artists who can take advantage of these tools to add visual interest to the digital game experience. Using industry standard methodologies, students use professional techniques and practices to create shaders and particle effects for games using a real-time game engine. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 325 Developing Social Media Applications
This course introduces students to the field of social media game and application design. Through lectures, critiques and rigorous design exercises, students are able to understand and develop strategies and designs for games and applications that leverage social networking platforms. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 333 Sculptural Texturing for Games
This course focuses on the creation of complex organic models and 2-D and 3-D textures for use in video game development. Traditional 2-D photo editing, painting software and 3-D painting and sculpting applications are combined to provide maximum emphasis on art, mood and extreme detail. Additional techniques relating to the use of complex systems within available hardware constraints also are discussed. In this course students explore, discuss and participate in critiques related to professional methodologies, techniques and practices. Results-oriented techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 342 Narrative Content Design for Games
Beginning with an overview of the types of narrative found in games, from linear stories to “MMO instances,” students in this course move from their initial story vision to a fully realized and interactive story for a video game. From the first class, students explore narrative structures, player expectation and response, and work with other students to incorporate feedback into their design to better prepare them to become content designers in the video game industry. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120.
ITGM 346 Creature Pipelines for Real-time Environments
This course focuses on advanced organic model and creature pipelines for real-time environments. Through the study of 3-D modeling techniques and organic anatomy, students learn to create highly detailed and realistic 3-D characters for use in video game production. Additional focus is on preparing their 3-D work for integration into a real-time game engine. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 333.
ITGM 350 User-centered Design for Dynamic Media
This course focuses on the principles and methodologies used throughout the interactive design industry for creating screen-based dynamic media—websites, information installations, smartphone applications, etc. Specifically, students address the interactive design process used to create dynamic media and endogenous meaning systems. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 230, ITGM 260.
ITGM 351 Cognitive Art of Game Design
This course pushes students from the game space and the game player into practical, theoretical, controversial and abstract principles and applications within the cognitive art of game design. Through regular in-class prototype and play sessions as well as four longer-term game design projects, students consider, question and add a wide range of concepts to their already existing game design skills. Students explore the concept of a game as a generator of attachment, emotion and controversy, and hone their skills through a study of balance, semiotics, theme, narrative and interaction. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 250.
ITGM 352 Environment and Level Design
As the visual quality and expectations of digital games increases, so does the need for better art direction. By focusing on issues such as art direction methodologies, visual complexity, framing, modularity and a solid art pipeline, students design and create visually effective and highly detailed game-oriented environments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 240.
ITGM 353 Interactive Web Design
Key concepts of Web design are presented through a series of technical and design workshops. Students are introduced to the latest authoring and animation software and learn how to apply their knowledge of the software to create dynamic and exciting Web designs. Prerequisite(s): ADVE 300 or GRDS 205 or ITGM 260.
ITGM 359 Cinematics for Games
Cinematics are a primary device for delivering a narrative in today’s story-driven games. This course covers topics such as real-time character animation for scripted events, capturing and editing motion capture data and understanding concepts of game cinematography. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 280 or ITGM 310.
ITGM 360 Interactive Game Project
Students design and develop games, websites and interactive media through a series of technical and design workshops. The course explores intermediate and advanced technical and conceptual aspects of design and development for group-based games and interactive projects. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 364 Scripting for Games
In this course, students write scripts for a current game engine in order to alter its existing functionality as well as create new interactive elements. Ultimately, students learn to create what in the industry is called an engine modification (MOD). Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303, ITGM 352.
ITGM 380 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
This course focuses on integrating imagery, websites, video and various elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumé, cover letter, business card and flatbook portfolio. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 350 or ITGM 351 or ITGM 352 or ITGM 353.
ITGM 395 Applied Game Design
The process of video game design, from initial concept and pitch to completed game design using either traditional or agile development methodologies, is the focus of this course. From the first class, students develop concepts that are selected for completion by peer design teams. Teams then work to complete the game design document, concept art and an interactive installation, prototype or website highlighting their team’s design. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120.
ITGM 402 Game Design Criticism and Analysis
This course exposes students to the fundamental issues of game design and analysis through readings, writings, group discussions and critiques of current digital and non-digital games. Students form a vocabulary to discuss and analyze each game’s successes and failures with respect to rules and narratives. Through in-class exercises and outside assignments, students create new rules for existing games as well as develop new designs demonstrating applied principles. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 351 or ITGM 352.
ITGM 403 Information and Interfaces
This course focuses on information structure, the interactive design process, delivery and designing visual interfaces. Students are expected to develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from the industry, art and society. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 405 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
Students apply their skills to creating a workable interactive project or video game in a simulated professional environment. Topics include content creation within a limited resource environment. The course emphasizes production-oriented goals in order to provide students with a professional skill set and a body of fine art. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 402 or ITGM 403 or ITGM 440 or ITGM 452.
ITGM 410 Mobile Games Development
This course addresses interface design, user interaction and programming for mobile devices. Industry standard tools are used to build games for mobile devices such as PDAs and mobile phones. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 412 Design Patterns in Game Design
This course presents a thorough analysis and application of design mechanics and patterns, the very building blocks of games. Pattern theory and practice is discussed, and application of these patterns is then applied to a topical game created by students and demonstrated throughout the course of the quarter. Upon completion of the course, participants have a completed game as well as a thorough understanding of the design patterns and principles therein. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 402.
ITGM 415 C++ Programming II
In this course, students learn advanced program design methodologies, object-oriented design and programming techniques using C++. Students learn to build complex applications by developing reusable and modular code. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 315.
ITGM 430 2-D Game Design and Development
Using scripting techniques to support game logic, students design working digital game prototypes using an industry-standard 2-D design tool. Students learn about game design fundamentals and game theory, and focus their game design projects on innovative and experimental gameplay by realizing working 2-D game “sketches.” Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 440 Physical Computing
This course explores nontraditional input devices to create interactive user experiences. In addition to the technical, aesthetic and conceptual concerns of this art form, students assess the work of a range of artists. Students are expected to develop concepts, experiments and prototypes for self-contained interactive objects in immersive environments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 445 Physical Computing II
Students learn about advanced methods and technologies to develop interactive designs and artwork with physical input devices. Through lectures, discussions and hands-on projects, students are exposed to the latest applications of interaction design, such as ubiquitous computing, augmented reality and tangible computing. Students learn to work with a wide range of technologies, enabling them to create sophisticated interactive installations, alternative games and touch-based interfaces. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 440.
ITGM 452 Level Design Mechanics
Real-time rendering technology allows a game artist to create immersive game environments that respond to the player’s action within the game space. Students in this course are prepared for high-level careers in the video game industry by learning the processes for creating event-driven environments and acquiring the technical skills required to produce a functional game level. Topics include creating real-time shaders and in-game effects such as physics, particles and event triggers. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 351 or ITGM 352.
ITGM 465 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
Students work in a collaborative, simulated professional environment to address issues including content creation in a group dynamic, strategic planning, goal-oriented planning and game theory and design. This course provides students with a significant amount of professional-quality material for portfolio inclusion. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 405.
ITGM 475 Interactive Design and Game Development Postproduction
This final phase of the student’s senior project focuses on the production and mastering of a senior interactive or game project, including final design, programming or scripting, focus testing, testing and implementation. Students also create support materials, such as a product website, and work to integrate these into their portfolios. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 465.
ITGM 495 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various problems in the field of interactive design and game development and allows advanced students to pursue individual or collaborative projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
This course begins to investigate visual and audio communication involving user actions, strategic design and the illusion of motion. Through individual approach and expression in traditional media, students are encouraged to experiment with the juxtaposition and sequence of design elements and imagery and to develop a sense of artist-audience construct and consequence. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, CMPA 110.
ITGM 121 Introduction to Game Development
Through hands-on exercises, students are introduced to critical aspects of the game industry from non-digital games to indie games to the latest video games. Roles and responsibilities within the game development team are discussed and practiced through in-class exercises, and genres are critically introduced, discussed and explored. Key individuals, companies and associations are also explored, and controversies are examined. The course culminates in a group project. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110, DRAW 101.
ITGM 122 Introduction to Interactive Design
Through individual and group exercises, students are introduced to critical aspects of interactive art and design from physical computing to installation art to traditional and nontraditional websites. A history of the interactive medium is presented, and the breadth of the medium is critically introduced, discussed and explored. Through in-class exercises, students practice composition, aesthetics and various types of interactive art. Key individuals, media, software tools and associations also are explored. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110.
ITGM 130 Digital Design Aesthetics
This course provides the foundation for visualizing and understanding the essential vocabularies, principles and concepts of design, color and visual literacy as applied to interactive digital work. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 110.
ITGM 230 Information Design for Dynamic Media
This course addresses the fields of information visualization and user interface design and their intersection in the field of interactive design. Through the exploration of key principles and methodologies of these fields, students develop a working knowledge of the means by which dynamic media systems—websites, games, information aggregators, smartphone applications, etc.—organize, visualize and present information to the end users of screen-based media. Students learn and use Industry methodologies to develop information-intensive interactive projects through a series of progressive assignments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120 or ITGM 121 or ITGM 122, ITGM 130.
ITGM 240 Modeling, Materials and Lighting
Modeling techniques and aesthetic skills required to create, texture and light 3-D objects are explored. Through the use of industry standard 3-D software, students learn methods and procedures to create 3-D models efficiently and accurately. They also learn to create textures, shaders and materials for 3-D geometry. Students create visualizations in 3-D through real-world observations. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 241 Survey of Interactive Entertainment
This course chronicles the history and evolution of interactive and game design while reflecting on its immediacy through Internet and game culture trends. Students examine the social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and game theory principles. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 110, CMPA 110.
ITGM 250 Fundamentals of Game Design
This course introduces students to game design through analysis, application and discussion of the game space, game mechanics, the game player and the design decisions that create the game state. Through in-class game play and game design exercises, students explore the design process through the concepts of player agency and immersion, while structures of goals—both short-term and long-term— force consideration of challenge, conflict and reward. Ultimately, students assess the needs of a target audience and create a game space and a game expressly designed for that audience while providing critical feedback to their peers on their own designs. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 258 Modeling for Game Development
Students develop an understanding of 3-D, the principles of modeling and video game aesthetics while exploring the creation of 3-D models specifically designed for integration into a game engine. Aesthetics, construction, communication, sculptural skills and quality of work are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 240.
ITGM 260 Interactive Design
This course focuses on the aesthetics of digital media elements and issues surrounding coherence in interactive environments. Students are introduced to authoring techniques and technologies as they learn how to create and develop basic projects for delivery on the web and as stand-alone applications in which interactivity is the focus. Prerequisite(s): ADVE 150 or GRDS 205 or ITGM 130.
ITGM 265 Introduction to Robotics AI
This course introduces students to the field of experience design relating to robotics and the code that controls them. Concepts of interactive design and game design relating to robotics are learned and applied using object-oriented programming and artificial intelligence. Students investigate the recent history of robotics as well as the essential concerns and methodologies of the field. Students create a series of robotic projects in order to understand the basic principles of robotics, artificial intelligence and object-oriented programming. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 272 Video Game Industry Survey
This course chronicles the history and evolution of the video game industry, from its early beginnings in paper and war games to modern day next generation consoles. Students examine the industry’s growth, key players and companies, processes, controversies and career paths while reflecting on how each generation has influenced the next. Students examine the forces that shape the industry as well as the games it makes. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 130.
ITGM 303 Programming for Interactivity
This course introduces object-oriented programming techniques using a scripting language. This course builds upon the Interactive Design course, enabling students to develop projects that include complex interactive websites, experimental interactive work and online games. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 305 Designing Social Media Applications
This course introduces interactive and game students to the overlapping field of social media game and application design. Through lectures, critiques and rigorous design exercises students are able to understand and develop strategies and designs for games and applications that leverage social networking platforms. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 310 Animation for Games
Animation provides a sense of immersion while giving players feedback about the state of the game. Students learn to create animation assets for both 2-D and 3-D games. Topics covered range from basic key frame animation and creating player character cycles to importing each student’s animation into an existing game engine. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 258 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 315 C++ Programming I
In this course, students learn programming techniques and skills using C++. Students learn basic understanding of computer science concepts, awareness of different types of computer languages, use of a program-development environment, understanding of control structures, data structures, program logic, problem-solving and object-oriented programming methodologies. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 320 Real-time Shaders and Effects for Games
One of the largest growing areas in game development for artists is shader and effects development. As graphics hardware and game engine technology improve, the demand rises for skilled artists who can take advantage of these tools to add visual interest to the digital game experience. Using industry standard methodologies, students use professional techniques and practices to create shaders and particle effects for games using a real-time game engine. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 325 Developing Social Media Applications
This course introduces students to the field of social media game and application design. Through lectures, critiques and rigorous design exercises, students are able to understand and develop strategies and designs for games and applications that leverage social networking platforms. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 260.
ITGM 333 Sculptural Texturing for Games
This course focuses on the creation of complex organic models and 2-D and 3-D textures for use in video game development. Traditional 2-D photo editing, painting software and 3-D painting and sculpting applications are combined to provide maximum emphasis on art, mood and extreme detail. Additional techniques relating to the use of complex systems within available hardware constraints also are discussed. In this course students explore, discuss and participate in critiques related to professional methodologies, techniques and practices. Results-oriented techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.
ITGM 342 Narrative Content Design for Games
Beginning with an overview of the types of narrative found in games, from linear stories to “MMO instances,” students in this course move from their initial story vision to a fully realized and interactive story for a video game. From the first class, students explore narrative structures, player expectation and response, and work with other students to incorporate feedback into their design to better prepare them to become content designers in the video game industry. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120.
ITGM 346 Creature Pipelines for Real-time Environments
This course focuses on advanced organic model and creature pipelines for real-time environments. Through the study of 3-D modeling techniques and organic anatomy, students learn to create highly detailed and realistic 3-D characters for use in video game production. Additional focus is on preparing their 3-D work for integration into a real-time game engine. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 333.
ITGM 350 User-centered Design for Dynamic Media
This course focuses on the principles and methodologies used throughout the interactive design industry for creating screen-based dynamic media—websites, information installations, smartphone applications, etc. Specifically, students address the interactive design process used to create dynamic media and endogenous meaning systems. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 230, ITGM 260.
ITGM 351 Cognitive Art of Game Design
This course pushes students from the game space and the game player into practical, theoretical, controversial and abstract principles and applications within the cognitive art of game design. Through regular in-class prototype and play sessions as well as four longer-term game design projects, students consider, question and add a wide range of concepts to their already existing game design skills. Students explore the concept of a game as a generator of attachment, emotion and controversy, and hone their skills through a study of balance, semiotics, theme, narrative and interaction. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 250.
ITGM 352 Environment and Level Design
As the visual quality and expectations of digital games increases, so does the need for better art direction. By focusing on issues such as art direction methodologies, visual complexity, framing, modularity and a solid art pipeline, students design and create visually effective and highly detailed game-oriented environments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 240.
ITGM 353 Interactive Web Design
Key concepts of Web design are presented through a series of technical and design workshops. Students are introduced to the latest authoring and animation software and learn how to apply their knowledge of the software to create dynamic and exciting Web designs. Prerequisite(s): ADVE 300 or GRDS 205 or ITGM 260.
ITGM 359 Cinematics for Games
Cinematics are a primary device for delivering a narrative in today’s story-driven games. This course covers topics such as real-time character animation for scripted events, capturing and editing motion capture data and understanding concepts of game cinematography. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 280 or ITGM 310.
ITGM 360 Interactive Game Project
Students design and develop games, websites and interactive media through a series of technical and design workshops. The course explores intermediate and advanced technical and conceptual aspects of design and development for group-based games and interactive projects. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 364 Scripting for Games
In this course, students write scripts for a current game engine in order to alter its existing functionality as well as create new interactive elements. Ultimately, students learn to create what in the industry is called an engine modification (MOD). Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303, ITGM 352.
ITGM 380 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
This course focuses on integrating imagery, websites, video and various elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumé, cover letter, business card and flatbook portfolio. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 350 or ITGM 351 or ITGM 352 or ITGM 353.
ITGM 395 Applied Game Design
The process of video game design, from initial concept and pitch to completed game design using either traditional or agile development methodologies, is the focus of this course. From the first class, students develop concepts that are selected for completion by peer design teams. Teams then work to complete the game design document, concept art and an interactive installation, prototype or website highlighting their team’s design. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 120.
ITGM 402 Game Design Criticism and Analysis
This course exposes students to the fundamental issues of game design and analysis through readings, writings, group discussions and critiques of current digital and non-digital games. Students form a vocabulary to discuss and analyze each game’s successes and failures with respect to rules and narratives. Through in-class exercises and outside assignments, students create new rules for existing games as well as develop new designs demonstrating applied principles. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 351 or ITGM 352.
ITGM 403 Information and Interfaces
This course focuses on information structure, the interactive design process, delivery and designing visual interfaces. Students are expected to develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from the industry, art and society. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 405 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
Students apply their skills to creating a workable interactive project or video game in a simulated professional environment. Topics include content creation within a limited resource environment. The course emphasizes production-oriented goals in order to provide students with a professional skill set and a body of fine art. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 402 or ITGM 403 or ITGM 440 or ITGM 452.
ITGM 410 Mobile Games Development
This course addresses interface design, user interaction and programming for mobile devices. Industry standard tools are used to build games for mobile devices such as PDAs and mobile phones. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 412 Design Patterns in Game Design
This course presents a thorough analysis and application of design mechanics and patterns, the very building blocks of games. Pattern theory and practice is discussed, and application of these patterns is then applied to a topical game created by students and demonstrated throughout the course of the quarter. Upon completion of the course, participants have a completed game as well as a thorough understanding of the design patterns and principles therein. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 402.
ITGM 415 C++ Programming II
In this course, students learn advanced program design methodologies, object-oriented design and programming techniques using C++. Students learn to build complex applications by developing reusable and modular code. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 315.
ITGM 430 2-D Game Design and Development
Using scripting techniques to support game logic, students design working digital game prototypes using an industry-standard 2-D design tool. Students learn about game design fundamentals and game theory, and focus their game design projects on innovative and experimental gameplay by realizing working 2-D game “sketches.” Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 440 Physical Computing
This course explores nontraditional input devices to create interactive user experiences. In addition to the technical, aesthetic and conceptual concerns of this art form, students assess the work of a range of artists. Students are expected to develop concepts, experiments and prototypes for self-contained interactive objects in immersive environments. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 303.
ITGM 445 Physical Computing II
Students learn about advanced methods and technologies to develop interactive designs and artwork with physical input devices. Through lectures, discussions and hands-on projects, students are exposed to the latest applications of interaction design, such as ubiquitous computing, augmented reality and tangible computing. Students learn to work with a wide range of technologies, enabling them to create sophisticated interactive installations, alternative games and touch-based interfaces. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 440.
ITGM 452 Level Design Mechanics
Real-time rendering technology allows a game artist to create immersive game environments that respond to the player’s action within the game space. Students in this course are prepared for high-level careers in the video game industry by learning the processes for creating event-driven environments and acquiring the technical skills required to produce a functional game level. Topics include creating real-time shaders and in-game effects such as physics, particles and event triggers. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 351 or ITGM 352.
ITGM 465 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
Students work in a collaborative, simulated professional environment to address issues including content creation in a group dynamic, strategic planning, goal-oriented planning and game theory and design. This course provides students with a significant amount of professional-quality material for portfolio inclusion. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 405.
ITGM 475 Interactive Design and Game Development Postproduction
This final phase of the student’s senior project focuses on the production and mastering of a senior interactive or game project, including final design, programming or scripting, focus testing, testing and implementation. Students also create support materials, such as a product website, and work to integrate these into their portfolios. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 465.
ITGM 495 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various problems in the field of interactive design and game development and allows advanced students to pursue individual or collaborative projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
Graduate Courses
ITGM 502 Game Design Perspectives
Game design is the art that brings together rules, players and game components in order to create an experience for the player. Through study and application, students learn the foundations of game design and the game design pipeline, sample the methods of great game designers, explore IP usage and design in emerging media and apply this knowledge in a series of in-class exercises and individual designs, both proposed and executed.
ITGM 503 Design Methods for Interactivity
This course addresses the principle fields of information design, user interface design and human-centered design as they relate to interactive design. Through the exploration of key principles and methodologies of these fields, students develop a working knowledge for evaluating data sets, finding the appropriate information perspectives, creating dynamic interfaces and conducting user testing in order to produce a functional, polished interactive project.
ITGM 505 Game Art Methods
Students explore a variety of tools and methods used by artists in the game industry focusing on process and critique. Through an emphasis on presentation and language, students further refine their core skills needed to be a successful digital game artist.
ITGM 705 Interactive Design and Media Application
Through the integration of historical studies, theory and practice, students address issues central to interactivity in art making and design. Theoretical methods and models are utilized to inform and develop student practice. The class discusses on-screen projects as well as physical computing and immersive environments within the context of business, design, the gallery environment and the public sphere of the Internet.
ITGM 706 Game Design Documentation
In this course, students gain a solid understanding of game design documentation processes that are crucial for writers and designers of interactive work. Issues involving the game design sequence, fundamental game design techniques, taxonomy of documentation terms and communication through documentation to other departments are investigated, analyzed and critiqued. Students also explore a wide variety of game industry documentation types and needs.
ITGM 709 Visual Interface and Information Design
This course focuses on the issues of information structure, the interactive design process, delivery, designing visual interfaces, the cognitive process, prototyping and testing. Students develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from industry, art and society.
ITGM 710 Character Development
This course examines how to develop characters by working in stages from 2-D character model sheets to the 3-D finished project. Subjects covered include plot and character development, information research and originality, the history of character development and developmental drawings of characters, settings and other materials. Other relevant issues such as artistic license and responsibility are covered in class discussions.
ITGM 715 Interactive Web Design
This course focuses on the design and development of websites through a series of technical and design workshops. Students explore technical and conceptual aspects of Web design, are introduced to key elements of industry-standard Web design tools and learn how to apply their knowledge to the software to create dynamic and exciting designs.
ITGM 716 Non-digital Game Design
This course provides students with an in-depth and hands-on examination and critique of the art of non-digital game design. Students explore contemporary games and game designers to learn design patterns evident in these games as well as the means of exploring a variety of topics through the non-digital medium. Working through a range of design styles, from non-digital strategy games to Eurogames games to art games, students become adept artists in the medium culminating in a non-digital prototype at the course’s conclusion. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705 or SDES 704.
ITGM 719 Scripting for Interactivity
This course explores programming skills through the use of scripting languages found in industry-standard Web development tools. Students create highly interactive Web applications with sophisticated and exciting interfaces. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 715.
ITGM 720 Interactive Art and Culture
In this course, students examine theoretical design concepts and principles applicable to the interactive design and game development industries while tracing the history and evolution of past productions. Students can develop a sense of aesthetics through examining social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and critiquing essential compositional components of immersive design. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 701.
ITGM 721 Environments for Games
This course centers on the physical building of virtual worlds and the aesthetic/game play needs associated with these worlds. Students create a variety of level types, including indoor and outdoor world levels, and then optimize those worlds for export to industry-standard game engines. The course also covers the rebuilding and repositioning of game geometry for game play and specific techniques for exporting geometry from various 3-D game applications. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 710.
ITGM 723 Human-centered Interactive Design
The aim of human-centered interaction studies is to humanize technology and to design interfaces from a human-centered, activity-based approach rather than from a technological or design perspective. This course provides students with knowledge that enables them to design Web and interactive applications that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly usable by their intended audiences. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 725 Instructional Media Development
This course exposes students to the development of media for educational instruction as designed for digital platforms and online delivery. Students explore and produce projects that present educational content and build virtual learning environments. They research existing learning management systems (LMS) and present conceptual solutions that challenge conventional standards and focus on design and the user experience. Prerequisite(s): GRDS 720 or IACT 731 or ITGM 715.
ITGM 727 Databases and Dynamic Website Programming
Databases form an integral part of the Internet today. The majority of serious corporate websites utilize complex database functions to track customer information, manage the site and provide specialized data to specific users. This course explores methods for creating, maintaining and manipulating a database that drives a graphic website and examines how the database affects website design, architecture and functionality. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 715.
ITGM 733 Digital Sculpting for Video Games
This course explores the creation of complex models and textures for use in video game development. Students are introduced to current theory, functional aesthetics and advanced techniques relevant to digital sculpture. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 709 or ITGM 710.
ITGM 736 Physical Interactive Media
This course enables students to analyze and develop interactive projects with physical input devices. Students develop simple interactive prototypes using switches, sensors and computer vision interfaces. Alongside the practical coursework, students read, analyze and discuss the origins and evolution of interactive art, interaction design and alternative gaming through relevant texts and projects. In the second part of the course, they research appropriate hardware and software solutions and develop an independent project. Students also produce short video documentation of each one of their projects. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723.
ITGM 737 Game Balance
Through in-class exercises and demonstrative lectures, students learn, model and ultimately apply time-tested tools and techniques that are used to design, evaluate and balance games. Topics include cost curves, gameplay metrics, randomness, pacing and player progression, and transitive and intransitive relationships in games. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 706 or ITGM 716.
ITGM 741 Immersive Level Design
Through the study of past and current level designers and their work, students identify effective techniques and formulate successful strategies for developing immersive and experiential event systems. Topics such as pacing, immersion and cinematic techniques are discussed. Students finish this course with a dynamic interactive game experience demonstrating their ability to produce high-quality game levels. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 706.
ITGM 748 Interactive Design and Game Development M.A. Final Project
Students have the option of choosing to develop a final project or a final portfolio. This course allows returning professionals who have already constructed professional portfolios to work on a full-term project while giving those who are in need of a portfolio the chance to create one with the professionalism and presentation quality the industry demands. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723 and completion of the review for candidacy.
ITGM 749 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
Students focus on the integration of imagery, websites, video and various other elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumé, cover letter, business cards and flat book portfolio. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723.
ITGM 750 Physical Interactive Media II
Students are exposed to advanced input/output interaction technologies such as computer vision, gesture recognition, touchscreen interfaces and spatial-aware devices. Students research, analyze and present the work of the best designers in the field of physical computing. They produce through an iterative design process a series of sophisticated installations demonstrating their ability to use physical computing techniques for expressive and artistic purposes.
ITGM 755 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
In this required seminar/studio course, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed, with a strong emphasis on critique. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 758 Programming for Game Development
In this course, students are introduced to the appropriate skills for working with an advanced game 3-D engine. Concepts covered include basic artificial intelligence, path planning, decision-making systems and game logic. Additional focus is on applied linear algebra, basic Newtonian physics, graphics protocols and related differential equations. Problem-solving skills and a broad overview of essential materials and techniques are the desired outcome of this course. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 721.
ITGM 760 Game Design Auteurism
Through an in-depth focus on the masters of game design and their methodologies, techniques and process, students begin to formulate a vocabulary and a dialog to critique existing game designs. Students learn to explain and demonstrate how these designers and their games have influenced their own work. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 765 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
In this required seminar/studio, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed with a strong emphasis on critique. This course primarily addresses the development of preproduction work for the thesis. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 755.
ITGM 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
ITGM 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
ITGM 780 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
This graduate elective course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.
ITGM 790 Interactive Design and Game Development M.F.A. Thesis
M.F.A. students in interactive design and game development develop an innovative and theoretically informed body of work that is exhibited in a manner and context that supports its creative content. Students also produce a written component that addresses the theoretical premise of the work. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
Game design is the art that brings together rules, players and game components in order to create an experience for the player. Through study and application, students learn the foundations of game design and the game design pipeline, sample the methods of great game designers, explore IP usage and design in emerging media and apply this knowledge in a series of in-class exercises and individual designs, both proposed and executed.
ITGM 503 Design Methods for Interactivity
This course addresses the principle fields of information design, user interface design and human-centered design as they relate to interactive design. Through the exploration of key principles and methodologies of these fields, students develop a working knowledge for evaluating data sets, finding the appropriate information perspectives, creating dynamic interfaces and conducting user testing in order to produce a functional, polished interactive project.
ITGM 505 Game Art Methods
Students explore a variety of tools and methods used by artists in the game industry focusing on process and critique. Through an emphasis on presentation and language, students further refine their core skills needed to be a successful digital game artist.
ITGM 705 Interactive Design and Media Application
Through the integration of historical studies, theory and practice, students address issues central to interactivity in art making and design. Theoretical methods and models are utilized to inform and develop student practice. The class discusses on-screen projects as well as physical computing and immersive environments within the context of business, design, the gallery environment and the public sphere of the Internet.
ITGM 706 Game Design Documentation
In this course, students gain a solid understanding of game design documentation processes that are crucial for writers and designers of interactive work. Issues involving the game design sequence, fundamental game design techniques, taxonomy of documentation terms and communication through documentation to other departments are investigated, analyzed and critiqued. Students also explore a wide variety of game industry documentation types and needs.
ITGM 709 Visual Interface and Information Design
This course focuses on the issues of information structure, the interactive design process, delivery, designing visual interfaces, the cognitive process, prototyping and testing. Students develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from industry, art and society.
ITGM 710 Character Development
This course examines how to develop characters by working in stages from 2-D character model sheets to the 3-D finished project. Subjects covered include plot and character development, information research and originality, the history of character development and developmental drawings of characters, settings and other materials. Other relevant issues such as artistic license and responsibility are covered in class discussions.
ITGM 715 Interactive Web Design
This course focuses on the design and development of websites through a series of technical and design workshops. Students explore technical and conceptual aspects of Web design, are introduced to key elements of industry-standard Web design tools and learn how to apply their knowledge to the software to create dynamic and exciting designs.
ITGM 716 Non-digital Game Design
This course provides students with an in-depth and hands-on examination and critique of the art of non-digital game design. Students explore contemporary games and game designers to learn design patterns evident in these games as well as the means of exploring a variety of topics through the non-digital medium. Working through a range of design styles, from non-digital strategy games to Eurogames games to art games, students become adept artists in the medium culminating in a non-digital prototype at the course’s conclusion. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705 or SDES 704.
ITGM 719 Scripting for Interactivity
This course explores programming skills through the use of scripting languages found in industry-standard Web development tools. Students create highly interactive Web applications with sophisticated and exciting interfaces. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 715.
ITGM 720 Interactive Art and Culture
In this course, students examine theoretical design concepts and principles applicable to the interactive design and game development industries while tracing the history and evolution of past productions. Students can develop a sense of aesthetics through examining social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and critiquing essential compositional components of immersive design. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 701.
ITGM 721 Environments for Games
This course centers on the physical building of virtual worlds and the aesthetic/game play needs associated with these worlds. Students create a variety of level types, including indoor and outdoor world levels, and then optimize those worlds for export to industry-standard game engines. The course also covers the rebuilding and repositioning of game geometry for game play and specific techniques for exporting geometry from various 3-D game applications. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 710.
ITGM 723 Human-centered Interactive Design
The aim of human-centered interaction studies is to humanize technology and to design interfaces from a human-centered, activity-based approach rather than from a technological or design perspective. This course provides students with knowledge that enables them to design Web and interactive applications that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly usable by their intended audiences. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 725 Instructional Media Development
This course exposes students to the development of media for educational instruction as designed for digital platforms and online delivery. Students explore and produce projects that present educational content and build virtual learning environments. They research existing learning management systems (LMS) and present conceptual solutions that challenge conventional standards and focus on design and the user experience. Prerequisite(s): GRDS 720 or IACT 731 or ITGM 715.
ITGM 727 Databases and Dynamic Website Programming
Databases form an integral part of the Internet today. The majority of serious corporate websites utilize complex database functions to track customer information, manage the site and provide specialized data to specific users. This course explores methods for creating, maintaining and manipulating a database that drives a graphic website and examines how the database affects website design, architecture and functionality. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 715.
ITGM 733 Digital Sculpting for Video Games
This course explores the creation of complex models and textures for use in video game development. Students are introduced to current theory, functional aesthetics and advanced techniques relevant to digital sculpture. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 709 or ITGM 710.
ITGM 736 Physical Interactive Media
This course enables students to analyze and develop interactive projects with physical input devices. Students develop simple interactive prototypes using switches, sensors and computer vision interfaces. Alongside the practical coursework, students read, analyze and discuss the origins and evolution of interactive art, interaction design and alternative gaming through relevant texts and projects. In the second part of the course, they research appropriate hardware and software solutions and develop an independent project. Students also produce short video documentation of each one of their projects. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723.
ITGM 737 Game Balance
Through in-class exercises and demonstrative lectures, students learn, model and ultimately apply time-tested tools and techniques that are used to design, evaluate and balance games. Topics include cost curves, gameplay metrics, randomness, pacing and player progression, and transitive and intransitive relationships in games. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 706 or ITGM 716.
ITGM 741 Immersive Level Design
Through the study of past and current level designers and their work, students identify effective techniques and formulate successful strategies for developing immersive and experiential event systems. Topics such as pacing, immersion and cinematic techniques are discussed. Students finish this course with a dynamic interactive game experience demonstrating their ability to produce high-quality game levels. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 706.
ITGM 748 Interactive Design and Game Development M.A. Final Project
Students have the option of choosing to develop a final project or a final portfolio. This course allows returning professionals who have already constructed professional portfolios to work on a full-term project while giving those who are in need of a portfolio the chance to create one with the professionalism and presentation quality the industry demands. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723 and completion of the review for candidacy.
ITGM 749 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
Students focus on the integration of imagery, websites, video and various other elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumé, cover letter, business cards and flat book portfolio. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 723.
ITGM 750 Physical Interactive Media II
Students are exposed to advanced input/output interaction technologies such as computer vision, gesture recognition, touchscreen interfaces and spatial-aware devices. Students research, analyze and present the work of the best designers in the field of physical computing. They produce through an iterative design process a series of sophisticated installations demonstrating their ability to use physical computing techniques for expressive and artistic purposes.
ITGM 755 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
In this required seminar/studio course, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed, with a strong emphasis on critique. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 758 Programming for Game Development
In this course, students are introduced to the appropriate skills for working with an advanced game 3-D engine. Concepts covered include basic artificial intelligence, path planning, decision-making systems and game logic. Additional focus is on applied linear algebra, basic Newtonian physics, graphics protocols and related differential equations. Problem-solving skills and a broad overview of essential materials and techniques are the desired outcome of this course. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 721.
ITGM 760 Game Design Auteurism
Through an in-depth focus on the masters of game design and their methodologies, techniques and process, students begin to formulate a vocabulary and a dialog to critique existing game designs. Students learn to explain and demonstrate how these designers and their games have influenced their own work. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 705.
ITGM 765 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
In this required seminar/studio, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed with a strong emphasis on critique. This course primarily addresses the development of preproduction work for the thesis. Prerequisite(s): ITGM 755.
ITGM 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
ITGM 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
ITGM 780 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
This graduate elective course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.
ITGM 790 Interactive Design and Game Development M.F.A. Thesis
M.F.A. students in interactive design and game development develop an innovative and theoretically informed body of work that is exhibited in a manner and context that supports its creative content. Students also produce a written component that addresses the theoretical premise of the work. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
