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B.S. in Computer Science/Guildhall M.I.T. and B.F.A./Guildhall M.I.T.

HGAM 5200. Game Design I. This course explores the fundamentals of video game design and teamwork. It provides a foundational framework and language for game design discussion. The class is heavily participation based where students explore video game design by analyzing and deconstructing existing games, exploring alternate sources of game design, discussing current trends in video game design and participating in team-based class workshops. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5201. Game Studies I. This course introduces the theory and practice of game development, with an emphasis on digital games. The course includes a historical perspective and evaluative methods. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5202. Game Studies II. This course provides students in all areas of specialization additional depth on the theory and practice of game development, with an emphasis on rapid development strategies and life-cycle planning. Additional topics include scheduling and estimation, team organization, and risk management. Students participate in lecture/discussion, case study, and individual/group assignments. Prerequisite: HGAM 5201.

HGAM 5221. Mathematical Methods for Game Physics I. This course provides an introduction into fundamental concepts of linear algebra and their application to 3-D real-time rendering. In particular, the course covers vectors, vector spaces, matrix math, linear transformation, concept of a basis, and hierarchical scene graph-based rendering. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5222. Mathematical Methods for Game Physics II. This course covers topics related to the theory and practice of mathematics and physics for 3-D games. The main emphasis of the course is mathematical methods and programming techniques for real-time 3-D computer graphics, including linear algebra, complex numbers and quaternions, hierarchical data structures, and C++ programming. Prerequisite: HGAM 5221.

HGAM 5241. Drawing I. This course focuses on the development of fundamental drawing skills, emphasizing observational skills and conceptual development. The primary goal is to develop technical skills for digital drawing, painting, and image manipulation that encompass composition, perspective, proportions, and 2-D animation. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5242. Drawing II. This intermediate-level drawing course is designed to increase students’ command of drawing techniques. Emphasis is placed on analysis of form and critical perspective. Prerequisite: HGAM 5241.

HGAM 5261. Art and Scripting I. This course provides a foundation in game programming for level design, with an emphasis on logic, introduction to scripting languages, and technical aspects of asset integration into a game. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5262. Art and Scripting II. The goal of this course is to provide a working familiarity with the art pipeline for asset production in games, from concept and initial modeling, through unwrapping and texture creation, to the finished asset. Focus will be primarily on 3D Studio Max and Photoshop skills. Prerequisite: HGAM 5261.

HGAM 5292. Team Game Production I. This course provides a foundation in the game development process, including planning, pipelines and documentation for game projects, game technology, artificial intelligence and user interface design, and game testing. Students apply game design and development skills to create a 2-D game demo as part of a small project team. Prerequisite: HGAM 5200.

HGAM 5311. Software Development I. This course provides a foundation in game programming for basic 2-D game development, including game coding, scripting, game engine design, data structures, input, working with graphics and sound assets, basic artificial intelligence, tool development, and the technical aspects of game testing. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5312. Software Development II. This course introduces concepts related to 3-D game development, including game coding and scripting, 3-D game engine design, advanced data structures, and advanced techniques for working with graphics and sound. Prerequisite: HGAM 5311.

HGAM 5331. Art Creation I. This course provides a foundation in the tools, techniques, and production methods for creating 2-D game art, including modeling, texturing, and animating. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5332. Art Creation II. This course applies the principles learned in 2-D art production to the process of creating 3-D game art. Emphasis is placed on modeling, rigging, texturing, wrapping, and preparing models for animation. Prerequisite: HGAM 5331.

HGAM 5351. Level Design I. This course provides a foundation in level design and editing for 2-D games, including genre analysis, game styles and limitations, audience and game analysis, gameplay principles, character artificial intelligence and scripting, and basic art and architecture for games. Students also develop fundamental-level editing skills for 2-D games. The course integrates theories and principles from a variety of disciplines to develop the fundamental proficiency for a level designer. Prerequisite: Permission to enroll in courses at The Guildhall.

HGAM 5352. Level Design II. This course provides a foundation in level design for 3-D games, including basic 3-D gameplay, story and scene development for 3-D games, basic 3-D character artificial intelligence and scripting, 3-D texturing, 3-D lighting, using sound, and play testing for basic 3-D games. Students also develop basic-level editing skills for 3-D games. Prerequisite: HGAM 5351.