The production of modern computer and video games is a huge undertaking and today's game designers need to be multidisciplinary in their approach, displaying a creative flair combined with a strong technical aptitude. This unique game development and game design course gives an introduction to the main areas in the process of producing games, with the aim of preparing the individual for entry into the industry and/or further specialisation.

Students will learn game art design and how to create game assets using packages such as 3ds Max and Mudbox. Sound production and editing will be included to train you to design stunning soundscapes and effects. Basic game programming will reveal the theory involved in game development. Our courses are developed around the IGDA curriculum framework.

"I did the part time gaming course from the period of 2010 - 2011 and have learned quite a bit. Since starting the course, I've learned a lot more of the in's and out's of 3D MAX (such as mapping or texturing) which I dreaded beforehand. Was very rewarding to see that they had industry qualified people teaching the course. Some of which had worked on a few games I had played over recent years. Overall I would certainly recommend it for anyone interested in any aspect of gaming."
James O'Brien

What you will learn at the game development and game design course:

Preliminary game designs and ideas.

determining the overall look of the world in which your game takes place using sketches and colour schemes... Creating a feel and a sense of atmosphere.

How to translate and communicate ideas in a best way possible

Concept Game Art Design

Includes character design, environment design... props, vehicles, etc.

Anatomy: bones, muscles... interconnection to one another

Colour Theory

Use of colour, colour combinations and their visual impact... again from concept art down to an actual game running. Shadow and light... tricks we can use not only in creating atmosphere but also in texturing our characters and their environment. (From Super Mario to Gears of War)

Reference images

How to use them, when to use them, how to organize them for easy access, etc. 2 categories: inspiration / texturing

Photoshop

zBrush

different approaches to ideas and the smooth transition of these ideas from 2d to 3d.

On completion of the Pulse College game development course you will be armed not only with experience of actually creating and (in a way ) materializing and bringing to life the world of your imagination... But also you will be in possession of knowledge and rules that will make your creative process much easier.

You will also be able to read pictures, colours and concepts... spot the mistakes or recognize extraordinary designs, be it your own or someone else's

Even if you (at this point) feel that your strength is not necessarily in art and design what you will learn will benefit you greatly ... down the line ultimately you will work as a part of the team and communication will be that much easier if:

a) you understand the rules and use of visual language in videogames

b) have knowledge of programs like Photoshop and Zbrush and their use in creation of videogame

Preliminary stages and concept game design in video games ...

LECTURERS

• Ken Tysom

  Ken Tysom is a renowned expert in sound for visual media with over ten years experience educating and lecturing in this specialist area. After completing college in 1998 Ken gained a teaching position at Pulse College in Dublin. From there he developed a passion for audio within a non-linear environment.

• Cárthach Ó Nuanáin

  Cárthach Ó Nuanáin is a computer scientist and musician currently based in Dublin, Ireland. He joined Pulse College in 2009 as a lecturer on the Game Design & Analysis Diploma course and teaches the introductory module in programming. After working in industry as a software engineer for a number of years he developed an interest in multimedia and interactive entertainment. Recent projects include designing interactive music software and games for the Mac, PC and iPhone. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from University College
Cork and an M.Phil in Music & Media Technologies from Trinity College Dublin.

For more information please contact us on: 01 478 4045 or pulse@pulsecollege.eu

See our Game Development and Game Design Courses below: