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Game Dev and Animation Courses

This page lists all of the Game Dev (GAM) and Animation (ANI) courses offered at DePaul. For the schedule of courses currently being offered check the Course Schedule.

Undergraduate level Game Dev Courses
Undergraduate level Animation Courses
Graduate level Game Dev Courses
Graduate level Animation Courses

Undergraduate Courses

GAM 206 HISTORY OF GAMES

From “The Royal Game of Ur” (2500+ BCE) to “World of Warcraft” (2004), games have been a constant in human history. The forms of games, their experiential qualities, and their cultural significance have varied enormously from era to era and place to place. This class will examine particular games and game genres in their historical context using a case study format. We will focus on “indoor” games, those of chance and skill, as opposed to physical games and sports. The examples will be chosen (i) to have global scope and historic diversity, (ii) to relate to games that students will find familiar, and (iii) to raise particular issues in historical interpretation, the use of primary sources and changing concepts of leisure activity. PREQUISITE(S): NONE.

GAM 224 INTRO TO GAME DESIGN

This course approaches the study of computer games from three directions angles: first, as examples of media that can be analyzed and critiqued for their thematic elements, formal structure, plot and interactive appreciation; second, as complex software artifacts subject to technological constraints and the product of a labor-intensive design and implementation process; and three as a cultural artifact with behaviors and associations comparable in import to other popular art forms. Student will study the principles of game design and use them both to analyze existing games and to develop their own original game ideas. Students will also learn about the process of game development, starting from the game’s narrative concept and moving to consideration of a game’s components: the representation of the player, of artifacts, the virtual world that contains them and the interaction between them and the player. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.

GAM 230 INTRO TO GAME PRODUCTION

Game development is a big business, and production teams can now exceed one hundred people. This course is an introduction to the production methods used in the game industry, and to the demanding role of the Producer on the game development team. Students will work to develop skills in team building, project presentation, organization, and dealing with people. Subjects covered include scheduling tools, collaborative software, project management, vendor relations, inter-departmental relations, and quality assurance. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.

GAM 244 GAME DEVELOPMENT I

This course provides students additional theory and practice with an emphasis on game design and storytelling for games. Students continue learning about game development processes and techniques and how to apply advanced game design principles to create components of a 2D game.

GAM 245 GAME DEVELOPMENT II

This course emphasizes 3D game production. Students apply 3D game design and development principles to create deliverables for 3D games. Students will work with an existing game engine and content pipeline. The focus of the class will be on the creation and use of different types of content, key development issues, process management, and professional practices. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 244

GAM 250 DIGITAL SOUND FOR COMPUTER GAMES

Acquisition and computer representation of sound. Sound standards. lossy and lossless compression. Synthesis and processing of acoustic signals. Acquisitions of physical acoustic signals. Microphone geometries. Introduction to Foley editing. Game specific topics include: game audio design patterns, interactive processing pipeline for digital audio, music sequencers for games, sound APIs.

GAM 329 PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING FOR GAMES

This course will approach the study of Game Design with a focus on breaking designs into manageable elements and prototyping those elements in order to refine play. Students will learn how to develop game ideas and game systems with a focus on play procedures, rules, and designing for various types of possible players. Prototyping will involve various real world media in addition to paper write-ups and layouts. Students will engage in brainstorming exercises, develop game ideas and systems, and review and repurpose existing game mechanics. The course will help students find the balance between hard (planned logical) design and soft (more organic/emergent) design in order to develop compelling gameplay. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 224

GAM 333 THE BUSINESS OF GAMES

This course gives an introduction to the business aspects of the game development industry, including development, publishing, distribution and marketing. Subjects covered include game development contracts, milestone-based development, management techniques, marketing, customer and community support, personnel, budgeting, outsourcing, pipelines, and external partnerships. Prerequisite: GAM 224

GAM 341 INTRO TO LEVEL DESIGN

Level design is the art of creating believable environments, stages and missions for video games. This course explores topics including architecture, flow, pacing and puzzles. Using a 3D level editor, students will investigate technical design issues including the construction, texturing, lighting and scripting of modern game levels. The roles, duties and challenges of the level designer will also be discussed. Students will have all of the knowledge and skills needed to make a complete video game level in Unreal Engine 3. Prerequisites: GAM 224 and GAM 245.

GAM 350 PHYSICS FOR GAME DEVELOPERS

The course concentrates on Newton’s Laws of Motion, kinematics and kinetics. This theory will be applied to problems that a game programmer must understand e.g. collisions between objects, projectiles and their trajectories, real-time simulation of motion. Special objects such as cars, aircraft and ships will be discussed. Students will apply and implement laws of physics. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 262 and MAT 150

GAM 374 ACTION GAMES PROGRAMMING

Many computer games are based on physical interactions between game objects e.g. collisions, evasions, pursuit, etc. Design and implementation of these actions is not an easy problem. Concept and character development, storyboarding, prototyping, testing and implementation will be discussed. Students will gain hands on experience in game programming using a low level graphical library. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 262

GAM 376 AI FOR COMPUTER GAMES

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the essential components of a computer game. The course introduces basic concepts of AI. Emphasis will be place on applications of AI in various genres of computer games. In the implementation component of this course students will be exposed to the existing AI game engines (middleware), which contain implemented AI algorithms that are ready to be applied into game code. These algorithms include: decision trees, pathfinding, neural networks, script-driven game object behaviors. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 262

GAM 378 STRATEGY GAMES PROGRAMMING

Turn-based and real-time strategy games. Abstract strategy games such as chess, backgammon, and bridge. Game themes and presentation of fantasy, historical and futuristic gaming scenarios. Ethically responsible content and social impact of different cultures, ethnicities, genders on the game play and game audience will be addressed. Game-player resource management. Implementation of strategy engines, 2D presentation and isometric projection. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 376

GAM 380 CONSOLE GAME DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTS

Specialized computers for games with high-end graphics and sound capabilities, and other specialized input output devices form one of the largest game markets. In this advanced programming course students will gain hands-on experience writing and porting code for game consoles.

GAM 382 EDUCATIONAL & CHILDREN’S GAMES

Explores the role of computer games for children, particularly in educational settings. Analysis of math, word and logic games. Special design requirements for audience and age-level. Integration of help, hints, and assessment. Students will implement an educational game targeted at a particular age and skill. Development of socially responsible and ethical behaviors will be one of primary objectives. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 245

GAM 385 INTRO TO GAME PROGRAMMING IN JAVA

Java as a programming language is an important alternative to C++. Especially, games for wireless mobile devices are increasingly written in Java. This course discusses Java2 API and graphics development with Java 2D and 3D. Such topics like animation techniques and scene management, creating client server architectures will be implemented in the context of game programming. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374

GAM 386 GAME DEVELOPMENT FOR MOBILE DEVICES

Mobile devices are becoming once of the most important hardware for game players. In this course we introduce major mobile hardware platforms and their operating systems. Issues related to game design for handheld devices will be presented. The strong technical component of this course includes game programming for a handheld device with a wireless internet connection enabling multiplayer game architecture. Such concepts as: building a custom game library, multiplayer game programming, infrared, wireless and socket communication between devices will be discussed. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374

GAM 390 MULTIPLAYER GAME DEVELOPMENT

Multiplayer games were made possible by the advances in networking technology, increases in processor speed and data storage. Today, the majority of successful game titles are equipped with a multiplayer capability. This technical course discusses the fundamental aspects of multiplayer game development such as: design techniques, architectures, client and server side implementation, databases. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374

GAM 392 GAME MOD WORKSHOP

In this course, students will develop skills in game design and development through the construction of a “mod” of an existing game. Emphasis will be placed on the game development life cycle from concept through release, on productivity in a team environment, and on effective project management practices.

GAM 394 GAME DEVELOPMENT PROJECT I

One of the most important characteristics of a game programmer is the ability to work on complex game development projects. An ethical dimension of games development will be covered. Issues related to ethical decision making and ethical responsibility of game developers will a central theme of this course. Educational aspects of game playing will be emphasized. This course gives students an opportunity to utilize knowledge obtained in this degree program. An outcome of this class will be a computer game design and implementation. This work will constitute a major part of the project portfolio that students have developed during their study. Majority of the course work will be conducted in a games development and graphics labs. Lectures on special topics will be given. The course is designed to span two quarters. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374 (Senior standing)

GAM 395 GAME DEVELOPMENT PROJECT II

Continuation of GAM 394. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 394

GAM 399 TOPICS IN GAME DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Variable topics course in computer game design and development. May be repeated for credit. PREREQUISITE(S): Permission of instructor.

ANI 101 ANIMATION FOR NON-MAJORS

Course introduces a variety of basic animation techniques for cinema and gaming, such as hand-drawn, cutout, stop-motion and (very basic) 3D, with an emphasis on the use of computer technology. Examples of diverse animation genres and styles (experimental, cartoon, anime, special effects, computer games) from different cultures will be screened and discussed. Students will explore the unique qualities of the medium through a series of hands-on projects that can be adapted to their own personal interests. They will learn about professional animation process (storyboard and animatic) during the production of a final project that encourages them to consider the role and potential of animation in our society.

ANI 105 INTRO TO VISUAL DESIGN

This course introduces the basic concepts of design for time-based digital media. Students study the principles of composition and color theory, and how these are affected by movement, duration and display. Vector and bitmap manipulation tools are explored in relation to game design, video and Internet production. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE

ANI 201 ANIMATION I

This course is an introduction to the art and practice of animation. It is a studio-based class, which will emphasize learning through process, experimentation and creation. Students will explore the limitless possibilities of animated motion in the context of cinema, computer games and the Internet. All genres and styles are within the scope of this class, including Anime, cartoons, computer game art, experimental art and special effects. In addition to how?, we will also explore and discuss why?, and the role and potential of animation in our society, and its place in other cultures as well. This course is designed for the student who wishes to pursue further study in the field, and provides intensive practice of the basic skills and methods through production. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 105 or GPH 211 or ART 105

ANI 206 HISTORY OF ANIMATION

This course is an introduction to the history and development of the field of animation. We will explore this subject from various perspectives: by chronology, from its prehistory before the invention of film to the present day; by form, including method and medium; by culture, comparing the US to Japan, Russia, Europe and others; by subject; and by personality, concentrating on the figures who have shaped the art form and continue to influence it through their example. Students are expected to bring an enthusiastic interest in the medium, and to devote serious effort to reading about, viewing, researching and discussing animation and the artists who have created it. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.

ANI 220 PRE-PRODUCTION ART

This course covers the creative processes involved in the pre-production design of animation, cinema and games. Students will study and produce concept art, character designs, storyboards and animatics. Emphasis is placed on the role of the designer in visual storytelling. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing

ANI 230 3D MODELING FOR ANIMATION AND GAME DEVELOPMENT

This course covers introductory modeling and texturing techniques required to construct 3D objects and scenes to be used for animation and gaming. Topics to be covered include: scene composition, modeling 3D objects with polygons and smooth surfaces, surface materials and texturing, cameras, lighting and rendering.

ANI 231 3D ANIMATION FOR CINEMA AND GAME DEVELOPMENT

This is an introductory course in 3D animation. It will emphasize traditional animation principles as applied to 3D animation. Topics will include: principles of animation, storyboarding, transformations and deformations of 3D objects, rigging, camera and light animation. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 230

ANI 240 ANIMATION II

This course will concentrate on facilitating the student’s production of animation projects. The topics of idea generation, experimentation, problem solving, planning and time management, and the process of critical analysis will be applied to the student’s work, with the choice of animation technique, content and form left to the individual. Students will learn the importance of bringing projects to completion. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI101 or ANI201 AND sophomore standing

ANI 260 MOTION GRAPHICS

This course will introduce the student to effective communication using motion graphics, including its application in the areas of film titles, broadcast and commercial design, interactive media, and gaming. The combination of music, visuals and typography will be explored following the basic theories of kinetic composition and aesthetics. Students will study the history of the field, including the work of pioneers such as Norman McLaren, Saul Bass and Len Lye. PREREQUISITE(S): Sophomore Standing and one of the following: ANI 105, ANI 101, ART 105, GPH 211, DC 205

ANI 300 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

This course applies traditional animation principles to creating stylized 3d characters. Topics will include: anatomy, character modeling, skeletons, skinning, kinematics, rigging, walk cycles, facial animation, and muscle deformations. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 231 or GPH 338

ANI 301 ADVANCED 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

This course introduces advanced concepts in 3D character animation that are necessary for achieving professional quality results. Students will hone their skills through the study of advanced techniques for animating multiple characters, creating continuity, and building character through performance. An emphasis will be placed on the exploration of movement for developing personal style. Prerequisites: ANI 300

ANI 310 MOTION CAPTURE WORKSHOP

This course is a workshop focusing on realistic character motion obtained through motion capture. Students will learn the motion capture pipeline, including character skinning and mapping, planning and directing motion capture sessions, applying motion to a character and motion editing. Prerequisite: ANI 231 or GPH 338

ANI 330 ADVANCED 3D MODELING

This course will involve the creation of advanced polygon models with a focus on character creation. Students will learn professional techniques including quad-based modeling and proper edge flow. Students will also learn how to set up their characters for animation. PREREQUISITES: ANI 230 or GPH 250 or GPH 425

ANI 339 3D TEXTURING AND LIGHTING

Students will study the processes and techniques for texturing and lighting in 3D. Procedures including preparing models for texturing, creating and manipulating shading networks, laying out UV?s, and painting textures will be explored. Topics in lighting will be approached from the foundation of traditional cinematography with a focus on driving both mood and story. Students will utilize complimentary skills in lighting and texturing to create high quality renders for both still and moving images. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 230 or GPH 250

ANI 340 ANIMATION III

Students will build on the skills learned in Animation II, and produce more ambitious projects. They will be expected to exhibit sophisticated technique, storytelling and content, and work to develop as creative artists through self-critique. The successful planning and completion of projects on time is essential. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 220 or ANI 240 and junior standing

ANI 350 ANIMATION PRODUCTION STUDIO

This course uses the animation studio model to create a group project from start to finish. Students learn about the division of labor needed to produce larger projects as they experience working with others on a team. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 240

ANI 370 ACTING FOR ANIMATORS

For animators, acting is the art of creating a performance through an on-screen character. This class will involve acting, movement, and improvisational exercises that focus on the specialized world of the animator. The student will learn the specific theories and techniques that actors use to express the character’s personality traits. Assessment will be in the form of participation, clips, analysis of animation voice actors and a final project involving the written description, drawing and character analysis of an animated character to be designed by the student. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE

ANI 379 ADVANCED 3D COMPOSITING

This course is designed to allow advanced compositors and animators to merge the 2D, 3D and/or live-action video worlds, drawing from a combination of techniques such as motion tracking, compositing, rotoscoping, hand-drawn, cut-out and 3D animation. The goals are to go beyond simply achieving technical proficiency, as we will also focus on learning principles of good animation in preparation for both artistic and commercial endeavors. Prerequisites: ANI 230 and DC 378

ANI 390 TOPICS IN ANIMATION

Advanced study in animation focusing on a specific area each quarter. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: ANI 101 or ANI 201 or consent of the instructor.

ANI 393 TOPICS IN 3D ANIMATION

Advanced study in 3D animation focusing on a specific area each quarter. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: ANI 230 or consent of the instructor.

ANI 399 INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study form and consent of instructor required. Prerequisites: Consent of dean.

Graduate Courses

GAM 424 GAME DESIGN WORKSHOP

This course is an introduction to both the theory and practice of game design. Students will explore fundamental elements of game design and put these concepts to work in designing, prototyping, playtesting, and developing both physical and computer games. The course will cover formal elements of games, game dynamics, game narratives, and the dramatic components of games. Students will study the game design process including brainstorming, conceptualization, creation of design documentation, and play-testing. PREREQUISITE(S): none

GAM 450 PHYSICS FOR GAME DEVELOPERS

GAM 474 ACTION GAMES PROGRAMMING

GAM 475 GAME ENGINE PROGRAMMING I

Game engines provide an integrated programming platform for today’s high performance games. This class explores C/C++ game engine programming, data structures, and practices. Topics include memory management, input devices, video rendering, file access, debugging, and application interface development. Prerequisite(s): CSC 374 and (CSC 383 or CSC 393)

GAM 476 AI FOR COMPUTER GAMES

GAM 490 MULTIPLAYER GAME DEVELOPMENT

GAM 575 GAME ENGINE PROGRAMMING II

This class continues to explore C/C++ game engine programming, data structures, and practices. Topics include audio, network access, threads and multi-processor systems, profiling, scripting, content libraries, animation, and a survey of gam engines. Prerequisite(s): GAM 475

GAM 594 GAMING ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY CAPSTONE

This course gives students an opportunity to utilize knowledge obtained in this degree program in developing a computer game, from conceptualization, design, to implementation. Issues in project management and configuration management will also be addressed. This work will constitute a major part of the project portfolio that students have developed during their study. PREREQUISITE(S): Completion Of Foundation Courses.

GAM 599 TOPICS IN COMPUTER GAME DESIGN

Variable topics course in computer game design and development. May be repeated for credit. PREREQUISITE(S): Permission of instructor

GAM 690 GAME DEVELOPMENT STUDIO

In this course and its continuation GAM 691, students will work in small teams to design and implement a computer game. The courses must be taken consecutively. PREREQUISITE: GAM 575

GAM 691 GAME DEVELOPMENT STUDIO CONTINUATION

Continuation of GAM 690. PREREQUISITE: GAM 690

ANI 420 ANIMATION PRODUCTION

Students study the traditional processes used for the production of animation for cinema and games. Topics include pre-production, sound, planning and scheduling, the division of labor, and post-production. Students will apply these methods to their own projects, using the medium of their choice. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 101 or 201

ANI 430 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

This course concentrates on the acting techniques of classical character animation as applied to 3D animation technology, both for cinema and game design. We will examine the history of the field in hand-drawn, stop-motion and 3D, focusing especially on the principles developed at the Disney and Warner Brothers studios. The student will explore the technical aspects of translating these ideas to 3D models, including basic modeling, skinning, bone systems, rigging and kinematics, but the main focus will be on creative performance. Exercises will cover communicating the illusion of intelligence, mood through movement, staging, acting basics, the feeling of weight, and progressing dialogue. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 231 or GPH 438.

ANI 431 ADVANCED 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION

ANI 435 ADVANCED 3D MODELING

ANI 439 3D TEXTURING AND LIGHTING

Students will study the processes and techniques for creating shaders and lighting setups for both cinematic and gaming environments. Techniques in UV mapping and projection mapping will be explored for both environments and character creation. Lighting will be approached from the foundation of traditional cinematography. Additional topics, including negative lighting and global illumination, will also be covered. PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 230 or GPH 250

ANI 450 MOTION CAPTURE WORKSHOP

ANI 460 ANIMATION GRADUATE SEMINAR

This seminar will explore the animator’s role in contemporary culture, including careers in entertainment, art, game development and education. A combination of guest speakers, critical readings, animation analysis and group discussion will help students lay a foundation for their graduate study in the field. Prerequisites: none

ANI 479 ADVANCED 3D COMPOSITING

ANI 490 TOPICS IN ANIMATION