Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program in ...
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development
Brantford
INTAKE: May & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development program at Wilfrid Laurier University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in the creation of digital games. This interdisciplinary program combines aspects of computer science, design theory, storytelling, and visual arts to equip students with the skills needed to conceptualize, design, and develop interactive gaming experiences. Students explore topics such as game mechanics, level design, 3D modeling, animation, narrative design, and user experience (UX) design. Through hands-on projects, workshops, and collaborative activities, students gain practical experience and develop a portfolio of game projects, preparing them for careers in the game industry or related fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development program at Wilfrid Laurier University is structured to cover both the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for success in the game industry. Core courses include game design fundamentals, computer programming, digital media production, game narrative and storytelling, and game development tools and techniques. Students also have the opportunity to choose elective courses in specialized areas such as game art and animation, game audio, virtual reality (VR) development, or serious games design. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, where students collaborate in teams to design and develop original game prototypes, culminating in a capstone project that showcases their skills and creativity.
Research Focus: Wilfrid Laurier University has a growing research focus in game studies, interactive media, and digital culture. Faculty members and researchers conduct research on topics such as game design theory, player behavior and engagement, virtual worlds, and the social and cultural impacts of gaming. Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development program have opportunities to engage in research projects, explore emerging trends in game design and development, and contribute to the scholarly discourse on games and interactive media. Research-focused courses and seminars provide students with exposure to cutting-edge research methods and theories in game studies, empowering them to critically analyze games and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Industry Engagement: The university maintains strong connections with the game industry, technology companies, indie game studios, and creative agencies, offering students numerous opportunities for industry engagement and professional development. Through internships, co-op placements, and industry partnerships, students in the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development program have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and build connections with industry professionals. Industry engagement activities may include guest lectures, industry panels, game jams, hackathons, and networking events, providing students with insights into the game development process, career pathways, and job opportunities in the game industry.
Global Perspective: Wilfrid Laurier University promotes a global perspective in its game design and development program, recognizing the global reach and cultural diversity of the gaming industry. The curriculum incorporates global perspectives on game culture, game markets, and game development practices, preparing students to work in diverse and multicultural environments. Students are encouraged to explore games from different cultures, genres, and platforms, and to consider the cultural, social, and ethical implications of game design and consumption. Study abroad programs, international collaborations, and cross-cultural projects further enhance students' understanding of global gaming trends and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and globally-minded approach to game design and development.
Location
Brantford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 32251
Application fee: CAD$ 80 + Applying through OUAC 105F Portal charges CAD$ 156 + International Charges CAD$ 10
Academic Requirements: International undergraduate applicants are typically required to have a minimum academic average of 70% or its equivalent in their secondary school studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE: A minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English.
- DET: A minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Entrance Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University offers several entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The value of these scholarships varies, with some covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship receive a renewable award that covers a significant portion of their tuition fees.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are entering their first year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's academic achievements.
In-Course Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University also offers in-course scholarships for international students who have completed at least one year of study at the university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be awarded to students who have achieved a certain GPA or have excelled in specific areas of study.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Some faculties and departments within Wilfrid Laurier University may offer scholarships and awards specific to their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be available to international students based on academic performance, leadership, or other criteria determined by the faculty or department.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, international students at Wilfrid Laurier University can also explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university has partnerships with various organizations and agencies that offer scholarships to international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It is important to note that scholarship eligibility and application processes may vary, and some scholarships may have specific requirements or deadlines.
Graduates of Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development program possess a unique skill set that prepares them for a variety of exciting career opportunities in the rapidly growing gaming industry.
Game Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as game designers, where they are responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating game mechanics, designing levels, and crafting engaging player experiences. Game designers work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop game concepts, create prototypes, and iterate on gameplay mechanics to ensure a compelling and immersive gaming experience.
Game Developer: Graduates can work as game developers, specializing in areas such as programming, software engineering, or technical art. Game developers write code, develop algorithms, and implement game features using programming languages such as C++, Java, or UnityScript. They collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to bring game concepts to life, optimize game performance, and troubleshoot technical issues throughout the game development process.
Game Artist: Graduates can pursue careers as game artists, where they create visual assets, characters, environments, and animations for video games. Game artists use digital art tools such as Photoshop, Maya, or Blender to design and produce 2D and 3D artwork that enhances the aesthetic appeal and visual storytelling of games. They work closely with art directors, animators, and technical artists to ensure consistency and quality in game art assets.
Game Programmer: Graduates can specialize as game programmers, focusing on coding and software development aspects of game creation. Game programmers write and debug code, implement game mechanics, optimize game performance, and integrate audiovisual assets into game engines. They may specialize in areas such as gameplay programming, artificial intelligence (AI), physics simulation, or network programming, depending on their interests and expertise.
Game Producer: Graduates can pursue careers as game producers, where they oversee the development process, manage project timelines and budgets, and coordinate communication and collaboration among team members. Game producers work closely with designers, developers, artists, and stakeholders to define project goals, prioritize features, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality games within budget constraints.
UX/UI Designer: Graduates can work as user experience (UX) designers or user interface (UI) designers, focusing on the design and usability of game interfaces, menus, controls, and player interactions. UX/UI designers conduct user research, create wireframes and prototypes, and design intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that enhance player engagement and satisfaction. They collaborate with game designers and developers to optimize the user experience and accessibility of games across different platforms and devices.
Narrative Designer: Graduates can specialize as narrative designers, focusing on the storytelling and narrative aspects of game development. Narrative designers write scripts, develop storylines, and create compelling characters, dialogues, and narrative arcs that immerse players in the game world and drive player engagement. They collaborate with writers, designers, and artists to integrate narrative elements seamlessly into gameplay and enhance the emotional impact and coherence of the game experience.
Quality Assurance Tester: Graduates can work as quality assurance (QA) testers or game testers, where they evaluate and test games for bugs, glitches, and usability issues. QA testers conduct playtesting sessions, identify defects and inconsistencies in game mechanics, and provide feedback to developers on gameplay balance, user experience, and overall quality. They play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, performance, and polish of games before release to the market.
Educational Game Developer: Graduates can specialize in educational game development, creating interactive learning experiences, simulations, and serious games for educational purposes. Educational game developers design and develop games that facilitate learning, skill development, and knowledge acquisition in various subject areas, such as STEM education, language learning, history, or health education. They collaborate with educators, instructional designers, and subject matter experts to align game content with educational objectives and curriculum standards.
Indie Game Developer: Graduates can pursue careers as independent game developers, working as freelancers or founding their own game development studios to create and publish original games independently. Indie game developers have creative freedom and autonomy to explore innovative game concepts, experiment with unique art styles and gameplay mechanics, and connect directly with players through digital distribution platforms such as Steam, itch.io, or the App Store. They manage all aspects of game development, from design and development to marketing, distribution, and community management, and have the opportunity to reach a global audience and make a meaningful impact in the indie game scene.
