Game Design & Development

Are you looking for a career that aligns with your passions? Then our Game Design and Development program may be a great fit for you. The modern world is geared toward interactive gaming and technology, resulting in a higher demand for workers with the skills and knowledge to implement these aspects into the industry. If you’ve always wanted to work in gaming, now is the time.

While earning your Associate in Applied Science degree in Game Design and Development, develop skills in computer hardware, networking and basic computer programming. Receive training in game programming, 3D modeling and animation, level design and game engines.

You’ll also have the unique opportunity to start your gaming portfolio by creating a fully-functional 3D game as part of your final project.

Whether you choose to become a developer, designer, game tester or programmer, you’ll learn the ropes of the role in a hands-on work environment through our program. Enter the workforce with proof of your technical training and experience.

Faculty Contact

Weston Miller
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator | Computer Programming and Game Design & Development
712-362-7938 | wmiller@iowalakes.educreate new email

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 terms

DEGREE: Associate in Applied Science (72 credits)

CAMPUS: Estherville

Internship/Practicum

Did You Know?

Starting Salary: $56,941

Average Salary: $78,935

Projected Employment Growth: 0.3%

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 3

Introduction to the concepts of computer programming and Graphical User Interfaces.  Includes structured design techniques for modern problem solving.


Credits: 3

This course will introduce students to all aspects of the game development process. The course will begin with a brief history of the gaming industry and then delve into the specific design phases. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the design document and evaluating real world examples. Character design and storyboarding will be discussed as well as gaming genres and gaming consoles.


Credits: 3

This course provides students with a foundation in the design, implementation and management of database systems. This course will provide an illustration of the physical and logical representation of data using theory and practice. The concepts of Data Modeling, Normalization and the SQL language will be explored in depth followed by actual implementation in case studies and class projects. The students will also discuss the role of database technology in modern industry. The students will utilize the open source MySQL database for all in-class examples and projects.


Credits: 3

Student will learn how to prepare and evaluate system specifications, troubleshoot minor hardware problems, configure and install hardware, manage memory, maintain and optimize operating systems, and use diagnostic software.


Credits: 3

Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.


Credits: 3

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cogni­tive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.


Credits: 3

A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.


Credits: 3

An applied mathematics course dealing with mathematics related to most academic disciplines .It provides introduction to matrices, linear programming, combinations, permutations, statistics, mathematics of finance.

Prerequisites: MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts, MAT 120 – College Algebra, MAT 121 – College Algebra, or MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig


Credits: 3

Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .

Prerequisites: Ap­propriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts


Credits: 4

Topics include linear functions and inequalities; quadratics; conics; polynomials and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; linear systems; matrices and determinants .Additional topics may include sequences, series, permutations, combinations and probability.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 156 or MAT 157


Choose either BUS 161, PSY 111 or SOC 110

Choose either MAT 140, MAT 120 or MAT 121

Term 2

Credits: 3

This course will give students a hands on, example based intro­duction to the level design process for use in 3D games. Students will learn to use industry standard design programs and will understand basic lighting, texturing, NPC (non player character) and object placement as well as level layout concepts. Students will critique professional and peer designed levels through play testing and critical analysis.


Credits: 3

This course will give students a hands-on, example based intro­duction to the modeling and animation process for use in movies or games. Colors, textures, physical simulations, and keyframe based animation are covered.


Credits: 3

This course will give students the opportunity to explore web de­velopment concepts without the aid of design products like Adobe Dreamweaver. This course will begin with a brief history of the technological constructs of the Internet followed by an in depth, hands on approach to XHTML, CSS along with basic JavaScript. Concepts will include XHTML Documents Type Descriptions, basic formatting, hyperlinks, handling graphics and XHTML events, and various XHTML tags. JavaScript concepts will include: The Document Object Model, variables, statements, loops, decisions and program logic. Students will be exposed to the new tags and properties of HTML5 and CSS3.


Credits: 3

Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy


Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the local area networking information in Microsoft courses on workstations and networking. This course provides students with the information needed to build a foundation in current networking technology for local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet.


Credits: 4

Foundational training in local area networking technology serving as a general introduction to LANs, WANs and the internet. Topics include IQRs, network interface cards (NIC), cabling (coax, STP, UTP and fiber), ARCNET, network protocols, hubs, routers and bridges.


Choose either NET 142 or NET 140

Term 3

Credits: 3, 5

Students will gain practical experience at individual work stations and will be required to report on their field experience. Evaluations will be based on their on-site performance.


Term 4

Credits: 3

Studies the most commonly used structured techniques of flow charting included with the concept of data flow in large integrated systems. Also included are systems design, systems analysis and systems development for data processing solutions.


Credits: 3

Structured language which is powerful, efficient and versatile. The student can write programs from very simple applications to advanced editors, operating systems and sophisticated applica­tion programs.


Credits: 3

This course exposes students to 2-dimensional game develop­ment concepts using the Torque2D game engine. Students will learn concepts related to 2d game development and then apply what they learn to a variety of scenarios through examples and tutorials. The culmination of this course involves creating a fully functional 2d game. Topics include: introduction to the Torque2D software, level editing, sprites (animated and static), networking, behaviors, scripting, basic physics, GUI development, and sound.

Prerequisites: CIS 141 – Computer Science


Credits: 3

This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and pro­ducer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descrip­tive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210


Credits: 4

This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and pro­cedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and produc­er of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypoth­esis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210


Credits: 4

A survey of the basic concepts of astronomy and physics, recom­mended for students who have not had high school physics. Lecture, demonstration and laboratory.


Credits: 4

Demonstrations, lectures, recitations and laboratory work begin­ning a two semester sequence covering the subject. Mechanics is primarily covered during the first semester. Recommended for pre-medical, dental, pharmacy and for liberal arts student inter­ested in the sciences.

Prerequisites: An elementary understanding of algebra, trigonometry and geometry from high school


Choose either MAT 156 or MAT 157

Choose either PHS 113 or PHY 162

Term 5

Credits: 3

This project-based, portfolio building course expands the concepts introduced in Game Development I. There will be more empha­sis on C++ code editing, under the hood, of the game engine of choice.

Prerequisites: CIS 366 – Game Development I, CIS 125 – Intro to Programming Logic W/Language


Credits: 3

Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and docu­mentation as well as literary analysis.

Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I


Credits: 3

This course will provide an overview of legal theories, principles, and rules governing digital media law. The course will explore the ethics behind the laws and actions discussed in class.  At the end of the course, students will possess a working knowledge of media law, including issues relating to First Amendment rights, copyright infringement, intellectual property, defamation, libel, slander, and consumer protection, and will have critical thinking skills to examine situations from an ethical standpoint.


Credits: 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts and practical uses of mobile application development. The major objective is to develop a practical approach to learn the fundamentals of mobile application development and learn how they can be applied to other Operating Systems.


Credits: 3

The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking.  Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.


Credits: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.


Credits: 3

Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.


Credits: 3

The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.


Credits: 3

CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, com­munications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.


Credits: 3

This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).


Choose either SPC 101, SPC 112 or SPC 122

Choose either BUS 102, CSC 110 or CSC 116

† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.