Take gaming to the next level
With the global gaming industry now valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is offering two new majors: Game Design (through the Bachelor of Design Innovation) and Computer Graphics and Games (through the Bachelor of Science). Enrolments for Trimester 1 2022 are open now.
The Game Design major focuses on design elements, introducing students to the key concepts of game design and the varied skills of game development. Students will learn to design video games through a multidisciplinary approach, and gain knowledge in gaming fundamentals, storytelling, new technologies, interaction design, software, coding, game history, art, and animation.
The Computer Graphics and Games major focuses on computer programming and teaches students about today’s animation, game techniques, and how to develop the practical skills to create new kinds of software, visual experiences, and games. Students will build graphics and visual effects using algorithms, programming, and learn about design practice and theory.
“Games have evolved hugely over the past 30 to 40 years. From a children’s pastime to a billion-dollar industry, games have become a significant cultural force and these programmes offer students the opportunity to become a part of that,” says Tuakana Metuarau, Discipline Lead and Lecturer in Game Design.
“From the indies to studios, there is an opportunity here for students to learn how to take their game ideas and make them into playable experiences. The DNA of video games can be found in almost all interactive digital media—technology for game development is used in film, animation, science, and beyond.
“The demand for game development skills and their use has become more versatile, giving students' opportunities beyond the gaming industry.”
Students from both majors work alongside each other and collaborate on projects, giving them real-life experience of what it is like in the gaming industry where designers and programmers work together.
Dr Simon McCallum, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering, says: “Game development is an interdisciplinary area. We need great engineers and software developers to work with designers and artists to create amazing new experiences. Modern software development is about understanding both computers and the people that use them. The Games majors will give you all the tools you need to become part of the creator economy.”
The new majors are designed to open doors for graduates to exciting opportunities in the game development industry, such as game design, game programming, asset production, game testing, and related creative industries, while also providing a pathway into other postgraduate study.