2-Year Diploma in Game Design and Development
Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters, including holidays and attachment)
Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings per semester
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This diploma provides a comprehensive foundation in game design and development, covering the entire process from concept creation to final production. Students will learn game design principles, programming, visual storytelling, and how to use industry-standard tools for creating both 2D and 3D games.
Year 1
Semester 1: Introduction to Game Design
Week 1-4: Fundamentals of Game Design
- History and Evolution of Video Games
- Game Design Principles and Concepts
- Types of Games: Genres and Platforms
- Practical Exercises: Creating simple game prototypes
Week 5-8: Game Mechanics and Dynamics
- Core Game Mechanics (Movement, Combat, Strategy)
- Designing Engaging Gameplay Loops
- Player Motivation and Engagement
- Practical Exercises: Designing game mechanics for a specific genre
Week 9-12: Visual Storytelling and Narrative Design
- Elements of Visual Storytelling in Games
- Character Development and World-Building
- Integrating Story with Gameplay
- Practical Exercises: Creating a game narrative and storyboard
Week 13-16: Introduction to Game Development Tools
- Overview of Game Engines (Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Basic Scripting and Programming Concepts
- 2D and 3D Asset Creation Tools (Photoshop, Blender)
- Practical Exercises: Building a simple game using Unity or Unreal Engine
Semester 2: Game Programming and Development
Week 1-4: Programming Fundamentals for Games
- Introduction to Game Programming Languages (C#, C++, Python)
- Object-Oriented Programming Concepts in Game Development
- Game Physics and Mathematics
- Practical Exercises: Writing simple game scripts
Week 5-8: 2D Game Development
- 2D Game Design and Level Creation
- Animation Techniques for 2D Games
- Implementing User Interface (UI) and Heads-Up Display (HUD)
- Practical Exercises: Developing a complete 2D game
Week 9-12: 3D Game Development
- 3D Game Design and Environment Creation
- Advanced Animation Techniques for 3D Characters
- Lighting and Shading in 3D Games
- Practical Exercises: Developing a basic 3D game level
Week 13-16: Audio and Sound Design
- Importance of Audio in Games
- Sound Design Techniques for Different Genres
- Implementing Audio Effects and Music in Games
- Practical Exercises: Creating and integrating sound effects into a game
Year 2
Semester 3: Advanced Game Design and Development
Week 1-4: Advanced Game Mechanics and AI
- Designing Complex Game Systems
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Games: Pathfinding, Behavior Trees
- Balancing and Tuning Game Difficulty
- Practical Exercises: Implementing AI behavior in a game
Week 5-8: Multiplayer Game Development
- Networking Concepts for Multiplayer Games
- Designing and Developing Online Multiplayer Games
- Server Management and Synchronization
- Practical Exercises: Creating a basic multiplayer game prototype
Week 9-12: Game Optimization and Performance
- Optimizing Game Assets and Code
- Managing Game Performance and Frame Rates
- Testing and Debugging Techniques for Games
- Practical Exercises: Optimizing an existing game project
Week 13-16: Game Marketing and Monetization
- Game Marketing Strategies and Distribution Channels
- Understanding Game Monetization Models (Freemium, Premium, In-App Purchases)
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Game Development
- Practical Exercises: Developing a marketing plan for a game
Semester 4: Capstone Project and Industry Attachment
Week 1-4: Capstone Project
- Conceptualizing and Designing a Complete Game
- Project Management and Team Collaboration
- Implementation, Testing, and Polishing the Game
- Final Presentation and Evaluation
- Practical Exercises: Completing and presenting the capstone project
Week 5-8: Industry Attachment
- Hands-On Experience in Game Development Studios
- Applying Learned Skills in Real-World Game Projects
- Industry Networking and Professional Development
- Practical Experience: Working on a live game development project
Week 9-12: Professional Development and Career Planning
- Building a Professional Portfolio and Resume
- Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
- Understanding Industry Certifications and Pathways
- Practical Exercises: Preparing for a career in game design and development
Week 13-16: Course Review and Final Exam
- Comprehensive Review of All Topics Covered
- Practice Projects and Final Assessments
- Final Exam and Evaluation
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Diploma in Game Design and Development," certifying their expertise in game design, programming, and development. This certification prepares them for roles such as Game Designer, Game Developer, Level Designer, and similar positions in the gaming industry