Course description:
Our Diploma of Interactive Gaming is a game programming course that has been developed in conjunction with New Zealand’s top game studios, so that you’ll graduate with the right preparation to set you up for a career in the gaming industry. It’s purpose-built to qualify you for direct entry into the Media Design School Level 7 Graduate Diploma of Game Development (programming stream).
Initially we’ll take you through the fundamental requirements of game development, specifically the industry standard video game programming language of C++, mathematics, and 3D graphics programming (DirectX). You’ll also study the industry processes, techniques, and principles behind modern video game technology.
Putting together the skills and knowledge learnt during the first eight weeks, you’ll work in a team to create an original game project. Cool huh? In the past, these games have gone on to win international awards.
Graduates normally progress into the programming stream of Media Design School’s Graduate Diploma of Game Development, where you’ll expand your knowledge and get to create a full 3D game using premium game development kits and middleware. Alternatively, you may seek entry-level roles in game production or programming related industries.
Career paths:
Graduates from Interactive Gaming could expect to find employment opportunities primarily in the following areas:
- Entry-level game programmer
- Entry-level graphics programmer
- Entry-level software developer
Further study:
- Graduate Diploma of Game Development, with specialisation in Game Programming.
- BSc. (Computer Science)
- BSc. (Software Engineering)
Course breakdown:
C++ Programming for Interactive Gaming Weeks 1-9
Your introductory component studies the industry standard programming language of C++. This programming language is fundamental to game development across multiple game development platforms. The first nine weeks include: Functions, pointers, reference, dynamic memory allocation, Classes, object oriented analysis, design and programming, UML, Number systems, data structures, STL, Windows programming and 2D Sprite-based game development.
Mathematics for Interactive Gaming Weeks 10-15
This component studies the fundamental mathematics required for game development, and includes: Set theory, function, polynomials, trigonometry, analytical geometry, vectors, matrices, transformations, quaternions, collisions and reflections.
Graphics Programming with DirectX Weeks 16-24
This component studies 3D rendering for video games with DirectX, including: 3D graphics transformation pipeline, component object model, DirectX graphics, fixed-function pipeline, Direct3D devices, device states, primitive rendering, vertex and index buffers, camera systems, Lighting, texture mapping, alpha blending and fog systems.
Industry Trends and Practices Weeks 9-24
Over a large part of the course you’ll study industry trends and practices such as: Development and content delivery paradigms, ethics and social issues, target platforms, version control systems and processes and production planning and scheduling methodologies
Interactive Game Development Project Weeks 25-32
The final component of the course gives you the experience of a live, team based production environment as you work together to create an original video game. Using the knowledge you’ve gained over the course, you’ll plan and deliver a video game to schedule, following standard industry practices and analysing each stage as you go.
Entry requirements:
Age:
Minimum 17 years (domestic) and 18 years (international).
Prerequisites:
Game programming applicants must have a minimum of NCEA Level 2 (6th form) Mathematics or equivalent (algebra and geometry in particular). Those who do not hold NCEA Level 2 Mathematics will be invited to sit a Maths test to prove their competencies.
Good English communication skills and a keen interest in games and the gaming industry are essential, as well as general computer knowledge including working with an operating system.