Domains
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Programming and Software Development - Graduates will gain a robust foundation in programming and software development, which are the cornerstones of game development. Mastery of programming languages such as C++, C#, and Java are critical for creating the functional backbone of games. Understanding and applying the principles of the software development life cycle ensures that students can manage the complexity of game development projects from inception to completion. Skills in algorithm development, object-oriented programming, and testing methodologies are essential for building reliable and efficient game software. Furthermore, the ability to work effectively in teams is indispensable in the collaborative environment of game development.
- Demonstrate proficiency with programming languages used in game development.
- Develop algorithms necessary to implement the programming component of a game.
- Demonstrate proficiency with object-oriented programming.
- Apply software development life cycle principles.
- Apply data-driven testing methodologies and bug tracking to determine defects in game software.
- Effectively collaborate as a member of a team.
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Gaming Design Tools and Technologies - Graduates will be equipped with the practical skills to utilize advanced gaming design tools and technologies, enabling them to bring creative visions to life. By mastering game engines and scripting languages, students are able to construct dynamic game environments and complex gameplay mechanics. Managing game assets and optimizing resources are key to ensuring games run smoothly across various platforms. The ability to manipulate scene graphs and implement rendering techniques will allow for the creation of visually stunning and immersive experiences, while the integration of audio will enhance gameplay, creating a complete and engaging product.
- Utilize game engines.
- Develop proficiency in scripting languages for game development.
- Manage game assets to optimize resource usage.
- Manipulate scene graphs.
- Implement rendering techniques.
- Integrate audio to enhance gameplay.
- Demonstrate a growth mindset by embracing emerging technologies.
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Artificial Intelligence - Graduates will develop expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), which is vital for creating sophisticated and adaptive game experiences. Implementing efficient AI algorithms allows for the creation of non-player characters that can challenge and respond to the player in a realistic manner. Understanding AI systems and behavior models such as finite state machines or behavior trees is critical for developing complex gameplay dynamics. The incorporation of machine learning techniques for the reinforcement learning of AI characters and the generation of content will lead to innovative game experiences that can evolve and remain engaging over time.
- Implement efficient algorithms for AI-controlled characters to navigate the game environment.
- Develop AI systems that can make intelligent decisions based on game state, player actions, and predefined behavior patterns, providing challenging and engaging gameplay experiences.
- Design hierarchical AI behavior models using finite state machines or behavior tree frameworks.
- Utilize machine learning techniques for reinforcement learning of AI characters.
- Utilize AI algorithms to generate game content to provide a varied and immersive gameplay experience.
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Gaming Concepts - Graduates will explore the societal and historical impact of games, providing them with a broader context for their work in game development. They will evaluate the role of games in culture, understand the structure of the game industry, and identify various gamer demographics to target. Through this domain, students will also hone their skills in the game design process and development life cycle, enabling them to produce well-constructed games. Furthermore, the application of storytelling will be emphasized, as narrative is a powerful tool in game creation that can deeply connect with players and enrich the gaming experience.
- Evaluate the role of games in society and history.
- Describe the game industries, roles, and job responsibilities.
- Identify the game player from different target audiences.
- Demonstrate use of the game design process and development life cycle.
- Apply storytelling in game creation.
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Gaming Tools and TechnologiesGaming Tools and Technologies - Graduates will become proficient in the creation and animation of both 2D and 3D graphics, which are fundamental skills in game art and design. By achieving a high technical proficiency in industry-standard hardware and software, students will be prepared to meet the demands of the game development profession. This domain also focuses on the application of foundational design principles, ensuring that graduates can produce games that are not only technically sound but also aesthetically appealing and engaging. Finally, by creating a complete game, students will have the opportunity to apply their learned skills in a project that showcases their ability to synthesize various aspects of game development.
- Animate 2D graphics.
- Animate 3D graphics.
- Demonstrate high technical proficiency in industry-required hardware and software programs.
- Apply foundational design principles in a game.
- Create a game.
Faculty
Our faculty are committed to bringing their abundant knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience to GCU and its students every day.
Program FacultyDisclosure Categories Related to Professional Licensure
Bachelor of Science in Game Development
for residents of AL, AK, AS, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FM, FL, GA, GU, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MH, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, MP, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, PW, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VI, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY,
Alabama
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Alaska
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
American Samoa
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Arizona
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Arkansas
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
California
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Colorado
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Connecticut
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Delaware
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
District of Columbia
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Federated States of Micronesia
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Florida
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Georgia
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Guam, US Territory
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Hawaii
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Idaho
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Illinois
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Indiana
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Iowa
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Kansas
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Kentucky
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Louisiana
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Maine
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Marshall Islands
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Maryland
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Massachusetts
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Michigan
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Minnesota
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Mississippi
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Missouri
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Montana
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Nebraska
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Nevada
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
New Hampshire
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
New Jersey
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
New Mexico
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
New York
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
North Carolina
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
North Dakota
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Northern Mariana Islands
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Ohio
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Oklahoma
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Oregon
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Pennsylvania
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Puerto Rico
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Republic of Palau
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Rhode Island
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
South Carolina
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
South Dakota
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Tennessee
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Texas
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Utah
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Vermont
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Virgin Islands
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Virginia
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Washington
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
West Virginia
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Wisconsin
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.
Wyoming
Not Intended for Licensure
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Arizona or any other US state or territory.