Game Design and Development (AAS)

Learn how video games are made and bring your game ideas to life with an associate of applied science degree in game design & development. The game design and development degree is a two-year associate of applied science program that prepares students to work as a game developer or computer programmer. 

• There are three types of courses students will focus on in the degree: general computer science classes ensure every student has a solid programming background applicable to any development position, game development classes make certain students know how to apply their programming skill to create engaging games using an industry standard game engine, and art and multimedia courses provide the creative background necessary for students to effectively integrate with the diverse teams that work on modern games. Electives allow a student to customize their degree with additional classes in a chosen area of focus.
• If you enjoy art and technology and have a strong love of video games, our Associate of Applied Science in Game Design & Development is an excellent way to get started in video game creation. Our program offers training in game programming and development, 2D and 3D modeling and animation, and allows you to pick an emphasize in multimedia or computer science. Our lab is equipped with up-to-date tools and engines to provide you with the right hands-on experience to enhance what you learn in the classroom, and our faculty and instructors are experts in the field who can guide you through the program.

What You'll Learn

A lot of work goes into designing a video game, and what you learn in the program will be applicable to other areas outside of game design. Upon completion of the AAS in Game Design & Development, you’ll be able to:

• Apply game design concepts to new environments
• Understand the syntax of a computer language
• Demonstrate the ability to create a complete game

Admission Requirements

Admission to Arapahoe Community College

• General Education Courses (15-16 credit hours)
• ART 1201 - Drawing I 3 Credits
• BUS 2017 - Business Communication and Report Writing 3 Credits
• COM 1150 - Public Speaking 3 Credits OR
• COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication:GT-SS3 3 Credits
• ENG 1021 - English Composition I: GT-CO1 3 Credits OR
• ENG 1031 - Technical Writing I: GT-CO1 3 Credits
• MAT 1340 - College Algebra: GT-MA1 4 Credits OR higher

Major Courses (35 credit hours)

• CIS 2089 - Capstone 3 Credits
• CSC 1019 - Introduction to Programming: (Programming Language) 3 Credits
• CSC 1026 - Game Design and Development 3 Credits
• CSC 1060 - Computer Science I (Language) 4 Credits
• CSC 1061 - Computer Science II (Language) 4 Credits
• CSC 2000 - Game Programming I 3 Credits
• CSC 2027 - 3D Game Programming 3 Credits
• CSC 2046 - Mobile App Development 3 Credits
• MGD 1043 - Motion Graphic Design I: (Software) 3 Credits
• MGD 1011 - Adobe Photoshop I 3 Credits
• MGD 1053 - 3-D Animation I 3 Credits

Elective Courses (9-10 credit hours)
Students must take 9 -10 credits from the following

• ART 1202 - Drawing II 3 Credits
• ART 1002 - Visual Concepts 2-D Design 3 Credits
• BUS 1020 - Introduction to E-Commerce 3 Credits
• CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications 3 Credits
• CIS 2002 - Automated Project Management 3 Credits
• CSC 2065 - Discrete Structures 4 Credits
• CSC 2017 - Advanced Python Programming 3 Credits
• CSC 2036 - C# Programming 4 Credits
• MAR 1006 - Marketing Your Image 3 Credits
• MAR 2016 - Principles of Marketing 3 Credits
• MAT 2410 - Calculus I: GT-MA1 5 Credits OR higher
• MGD 1001 - Introduction to Computer Graphics 3 Credits
• MGD 1012 - Adobe Illustrator I 3 Credits
• MGD 1063 - Sound Design I 3 Credits
• MGD 2043 - Web Motion Graphic Design II 3 Credits
• MUS 1061 - Computer Music Applications I 3 Credits
• MUS 1062 - Computer Music Applications II 3 Credits
• Or any MGD or CSC course approved by Department

Job Opportunities in Game Design and Development
Graduating with a Game Design and Development degree from ACC can lead to a career in:

• Software Developers
• Video Game Designers
• Art Directors
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
• Graphic Designers

Why Choose Game Design & Development?

• During the program, you will begin to build your portfolio with games that you develop as a part of your courses. After obtaining your 2-year AAS, you can go directly into developing games, or you can continue your education at a 4-year institution. Our courses transfer to some colleges that offer Bachelor’s degrees in Game Development. Be sure to check with an advisor to learn more.

Are you ready to turn your hobby into your dream career? Start moving mountains with game design today.