Pre-College Game Design

To be a good game designer, one must understand the fundamental principles of game design, the computer science that goes into programming a video game, the art and animation production process and the storytelling and character creation skills necessary to bring a video game to life. Strong knowledge of all technical and creative aspects of the game development process is important in creating an engaging and interactive experience today’s players expect.

During this four-week program, students experience what life is like for DigiPen College students who are working on their Degree in Game Design. Students in this track will take three (3) core academic classes plus the Game Project Lab that involves students from all of the Pre-College tracks working together to complete a game.

Classes:

• GD: Principles of Game Design
• CS: Applied Computer Science for Games (with Lab)
• GD: Interactive Narrative and Character Creation (with Lab)
• GAM: Game Project Lab

Technical Requirements:

Students must have access to a computer as well as additional hardware and software. Some programs or courses may indicate additional technology requirements, and not all programs are Mac compatible.

Additional Technical Requirements:

• Students will need a “Tabletop Simulator,” which can be purchased at the STEAM Store
• A copy of Characteristics of Game, by George Skaff Elias available on Amazon (Kindle edition or hard copy)  

Prerequisites:

Participants must be at least 16, entering their Junior or Senior year of high school, or have graduated high school within the last 18 months.

Additional Prerequisites:

• No prior experience required

Credits:

Students receive grades for their Pre-College classes, plus a final transcript to include in their college application.

Any student who successfully completes the Pre-College Program and matriculates to DigiPen Institute of Technology within three years will receive a tuition credit equal to the Pre-College Program tuition to apply toward their first-semester tuition as a freshman.