Advanced Diploma in Game Design

Course details

The Advanced Diploma in Game Design takes Game Development education to the next level by focusing on the critical development skill of a programmer. Students will learn the various languages, programming tools and software, as well as the entrepreneurial side of games development.

Course Outline

Games Business and Research

This module will train students to identify the market needs for different game genres and targeted game player expectations. Students will learn the procedures and planning involved prior to the game design. The module will teach students the market research and methodology that needs to be done to assess the potential in any intended games market. The module will also include the understanding of descriptive statistics. Students will be required to be competent in using tools to analyze the market preference, trend and predictions possible. The module will provide learning experience in gathering data, coding, analyzing and making deductions about computer games market.

Computer Architecture and Networking

This module will provide knowledge to students on computer structure and operation such as Arithmetic-Logic Unit, computer registers, internal bus, memory, I/O organizations and interfacing standards. It will also include concepts on CPU operation and how it is used to execute instructions. Students will also learn concepts about networking and data communication. Networking concepts will include network types, topology, network architecture standards for open systems, TCP/IP network protocol and understand the fundamental functions and architectures of LAN and WAN

C++ Programming and 3D Game Development

This module will introduce students to the fundamentals and familiarize in C++ programming. The module will also address the concepts in software engineering and program development. Topics will cover syntax, primitive types, iteration, conditional expressions, functions, arrays, pointers and dynamic memory allocation, and the conventional standard libraries. Students will then proceed to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and unique functions of programming with C++. OOP concepts will include classes and inheritance, polymorphism, overloaded and template functions. Students will then be trained to use the C++ programming concepts in a C++ interfaced game engine. The module will familiarize students to game development using the C++ game engine.

C# Programming and 3D Game Development

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop C# applications. Students will be taught the C# program structure, language syntax, and implementation details. The training will focus on Statements and Exceptions, Methods and Parameters and Arrays. Students will then proceed to acquire skills in the use of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Game engine that uses C# interface will be introduced to students. Students will experience the development of games with C# game engine. The various design processes for games development will be implemented using the engine.

Mobile Games Development

In this module, students will study the issues and concerns that are related to online games development. Focus will be given to design considerations for mobile games that are important in wireless transmission. Others topics will include technologies, quality of service, ethics, commercial issues and game engines that are used for mobile game development. Students will also be taught to develop a game using the game engines and experience the full implementation and testing of the online game.

Multiplayer Games Development

The on-line gaming section of the course will give particular focus to Massively Multi-Player On-line Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) a particularly widely played type of on-line game. The module will aim to give students practical experience of developing aspects of both on-line and mobile games through a mixture of writing small applications and using appropriate tools.

Web Design and Online Database

This module will initially include topics that focus on website design considerations and the technical issues to consider for user requirements. Students will learn to look at understanding audience, style of web contents writing, the visuals, color theory, website prototyping and website interfaces. Students will then learn to use web development tools to create the web sites. Mark up languages such as HTML 5.0, XHTML and CSS will be included to train students in understanding the programming that are involved in site construction. Finally, the module will train students on building online databases. Building dynamic and interactive web application will also be explored in the module.

Project

In this module, students will be deployed to employers or organization in the related field of studies. It will aim to provide students with meaningful work experience through an internship. The internship will only be made available to students if there are any vacancies or opportunities. Whenever, the vacancies are limited, students will be deployed based on academic performance and merit. For students who are unable to go for an internship, they will be required to complete a project that involves a full implementation and possibly publishing of a game. This will be the students’ portfolio for future employment.

MAGES Guided Project

Succeeding as project manager or project leader requires that developer must complete the projects on time, finish within budget and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. The Game Development Project tasks the student to review the game development fundamentals mastered from the various modules and apply the necessary skills in the creation of a game. Students are expected to monitor all aspects of the project, ensure that proper knowledge and resources are harnessed to create the desired outcome in a timely, cost-effective manner. Students will also devote most of their time in the research and design of the original game.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a passion for creation, a love for media and entertainment, and willingness to strive for good results.

Academic Qualifications

• GCE ‘A’ Level Pass or
• Students who have passed 12 years of education (Senior High School level) with an average score of 65% for all subjects, and proof of passing in English or
• Student who have graduated from MAGES, Diploma in Game Design or
• Students who have other qualifications similar to MAGES, Diploma in Game Design. (MAGES may require these students to study some modules from the MAGES Diploma before gaining entry into Advanced Diploma) or
• Diploma (IT and Gaming programmes related study) or
• Higher NITEC (IT and Gaming programmes related study)

English Proficiency

• GCE ‘O’ Level English grade D7 required for IT and Gaming programmes related courses or
• Other programmes require a minimum of C6 English grade or
• For all students who have not studied English up to senior high level would need to have completed IELTS 5.5

If student does not meet any of the above English Requirements, then the following apply:

• Other equivalent qualifications where the medium of instruction is English or
• Student may attend additional English classes and pass at the equivalent of Upper Intermediate Level or
• Pass interview with the Academic Director and assessment by the Academic Board on a case by case basis