GAME DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN PROGRAM Highlights

Game programming is a multi-billion dollar industry that is among the fastest growing in the world. The video game industry is in need of trained designers and programmers who understand the complexity and sophistication of these products designed for installation on home computers, game consoles, web pages and even cell phones. If you are creative and like to control the action, this program is for you.

This new program introduces you to basic game concepts, including introductory computer programming in C++, basic game console electronics, computer operating system usage, and database storage techniques. Expand your knowledge by examining and implementing 3-dimensional programs that expand into real games using industrystandard libraries. Create sounds to include in games and integrate these sounds into your applications. At the advanced level, you will learn to use standard game engines to accomplish sophisticated graphics and interaction within your program control. Portability of code is emphasized at all stages of instruction.

Complementing the game development skills set is a sound background in software design methodology and programming. Graduates will be qualified to apply for jobs as software developers and programmer analysts.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates will find employment with game studios in Canada and throughout the world. This area is experiencing job growth that is out-pacing the training of potential workers. Canada has six of the top 50 game studios in the world and this includes the top studio based on product sales. Potential positions at these studios include:

Graduates may also find employment as software developers and programmers analysts in Information Technology departments.

FEES

2008-09 tuition fees are $2119. Compulsory fees are $696.15. All fees are subject to change for 2009-10.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent with the following prerequisite:

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Students must have access to an IBM compatible computer outside of the College. Students must finance the cost of such a computer and Internet access for home use.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Student Workload: Students can expect to spend approximately 10 to 20 hours per week on homework outside of classroom instruction. Most courses have 3 or 4 tests scheduled throughout the semester. Lab work involves approximately one (1) lab per week per course.

Work Placement: In year 2, the project course may involve work with game studios. The College will actively participate in the job placement of graduates from this program.