Game - Design VGD2

Holland Code: A (Artistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in visual arts or media arts would be beneficial. Drawing ability is an asset.

Technology Moderate computer skills required. Applicants should have a basic awareness of the graphics and 3D programs used in the industry. Experience playing a variety of video games is beneficial background for this program. In preparation, applicants should try using free trial software (3D Max, Maya, Adobe Photoshop) and doing free basic online tutorials in modelling, animating, etc.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Be able to adapt their artistic style to different studios and different clients
• Imagination and artistic ability
• The ability to think logically and abstractly
• Keen attention to detail
• Take a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision (for example, preparing specifications, estimating costs)
• Ability to adapt to high-pressure deadlines
• Ability to convey their ideas to others
• Work well with others as members of a team
• Consulting with clients
• Flexibility to move between specific roles as needed
• Patience 

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Game Designer, Level Designer, Creative Director, Artist and Designer, Technical Artist, or Animator.

Places you may find yourself employed include

• Team-based game development studios
• Digital production companies
• Gaming studios

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Sitting for long periods of time may be required
• May be required to act out their characters in front of a mirror or in front of colleagues
• Work under the pressure of constant deadlines
• 60-hour work weeks are not uncommon

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace:

• Create game systems that answer the needs of the Producer with regard to the targeted experience for the player, while observing the production directives of the game;
• Participate actively to the production of prototypes in order to adjust and validate systems prior to starting production. Assess the success of prototypes by measuring how objectives are met, using relevant quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques;
• Adjust the game systems to allow the player to elaborate valid strategies in phase with the experience sought (without having any dominant or useless ones);
• Define the skills of the player used with the game systems as well as any related obstacles;
• Describe typical game situations (skills vs. obstacles) and collaborate with the Level Designer to set the basic game elements and how they will be distributed throughout the game depending on the difficulty level, the need for variety and the optimal learning curve;
• Create a control scheme that is both comfortable and easily mastered, by applying the relevant ergonomic principles (accessibility and usability);
• Define the information needed by the player to make interesting choices and adapted to his/her situation in the game, interface or menus.
• Collaborate with Graphic, Audio, Programming and scripted event teams (and others) to ensure the optimal communication of this information;
• Participate in the development of tools required to implement and adjust game systems in collaboration with Programmers (direct access to systems variables and logics);

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Visual Effects Society (VES)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared two subject guides (3D Animation and Interactive Media Design and Production) that provide information and links on subjects related to this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may be qualified to apply for the Fanshawe College graduate certificate in 3D Animation and Character Design.
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

You may also wish to explore Fanshawe Graduate Employment Outcomes Report and the Employment Profile of Ontario College Graduates.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024