Computer users with an interest in Game Design Development and Animation

To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to progress their career in in this field and take advantage of new opportunities in the Game Design Industry.

Unit 1: History of the Games Industry

An outline history of the games industry including: early games including: Spacewar!, Pong,  Wolfenstein 3D and Half-Life, retro games and the modern era Historically important games and their impact on the industry Technological changes and their impact on game development

Unit 2: Game Analysis Core game elements including: narrative, gameplay and interaction The relationship between rules and mechanics Analyse a sample game in terms of narrative, gameplay and interaction Propose gameplay changes that could be made based on the analysis

Unit 3: Game Development Practice The functionality and capabilities of a game engine An overview of the game engine interface ntroduce the asset pipeline and importing from other programs An understanding of scripting within a game engine to add functionality The steps required to compile the finished game for a chosen platform Develop a game prototype that includes a sample level, gameplay, narrative and user interaction

Unit 4: The Business of Games

Current business models in the games industry including: AAA development, indie games and crowdfunding Describe the roles of various team members including: Producer, Designer, Programmer, Artist, Sound Engineer and Marketing Opportunities within an Irish context in areas such as development, localisation and QA

Photo Shop

Navigating the Workspace
Working with Documents Image Modes & Color Selection Selections and Masks Layers and Blend Modes Painting Tools Retouching Tools Creating Tiling textures for game use Painting custom textures over a 3d object

Digital 3D Modelling Techniques using Blender Introduction and Quick start, your first Animation Learning the Blender Interface Modelling – Basics, Polygon – Manipulating and Editing Materials and Textures Modelling – Special Modelling Techniques Animation – Key frame Animation Animation – Path Animation Modelling – Bezier Curves, Text Light, Cameras, World Settings Animation – Bones and Skeletons, Rigging basics and animation
Animation – Lattice and Vertex Animation Particles and Effects Rendering

Students are assessed as follows:

• Assignment 40%
• Skills Demonstration 30%
• Examination - Theory 30%

On successful completion of all Assignments and Examination learners will be awarded: FETAC Game Analysis Design Component Certificate Level 5