Specialization in Game Production (Bachelor of Arts in Media)

Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements MDAS11

Requirements

The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.

Game Production. Three (3) courses:
- MSCH-C 200 The Videogame Industry: Systems and Management
- MSCH-G 300 Game Production I
- MSCH-G 350 Game Analytics
- MSCH-G 360 Game Experience Design
- MSCH-G 372 Board Game Design
- MSCH-G 438 Procedural Media
- MSCH-G 488 Artificial Intelligence for Games
- MSCH-X 490 Projects in Media (must be taken for at least 3 credit hours)
MSCH-C 200 The Videogame Industry: Systems and Management
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines what games are and how they are made. Topics include the games industry: its creative dimensions and economic structures; its history and future; the organization of game development teams; the methods and tools used in game production. Students will gain a deeper and more detailed appreciation for this rapidly evolving, fascinating, and sometimes baffling industry.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 200 or TEL-T 260.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-G 300 Game Production I

Credits
3
Prerequisites
A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 220 or INFO-I 210
Description
Students will learn how to make digital game prototypes gaining hands-on experience while working in teams and using game engines such as Unity and Unreal. Students will develop sound teamwork practices such as appropriate and timely communication, version control, and leadership; employ production methods such as agile and waterfall; and develop essential playtesting methods.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH-G 300 or TEL-T 361.

MSCH-G 350 Game Analytics

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Covers working with detailed game data, including formulating questions, specifying statistics, extracting data, isolating variables of interest, analyzing those variables, and visualizing the results. Students will work with industry standard tools, methods, and real-world data.

MSCH-G 360 Game Experience Design

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Design game interfaces, integrating them into a game engine. Gain strong visual design skills (typography, color schemes, iconography), learning how to apply them. Finish the course with several portfolio pieces. Beyond game design, the course may be of interest to designers in web and software development.

MSCH-G 372 Board Game Design

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Explores the design of conflict systems for games. Students will learn fundamental theories of conflict design (e.g. game theory) and advanced design tools (e.g. spreadsheets). Theories and tools will be applied to popular video and board games.

MSCH-G 438 Procedural Media

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Addresses the emerging area of procedural art generation and introduces tools used to create visual artifacts for computer games and other digital media.

MSCH-G 488 Artificial Intelligence for Games

Credits
3
Prerequisites
A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-G 300
Description
Covers fundamental artificial intelligence techniques for creating effective opponents and non-player characters in games, including world representation, navigation, decision-making, planning, and social interactions, and other advanced topics.

MSCH-X 490 Projects in Media

Credits
1–6 credit hours
Prerequisites
Application approved by director of undergraduate studies, instructor, and facilities and technology director (when relevant)
Notes
Application is available on the Media School website
Description
Opportunity for individual and group projects in media production and journalism; work with faculty member on individual or group basis.
Repeatability
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in MSCH-X 475, MSCH-X 490, and TEL-T 498.
Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
1. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
2. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
3. Exceptions to specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.