Game and Interactive Art

Overview

Game artists create the visual elements of video games, including character design, environments, props and special effects. They work closely with other members of the game development team to develop the overall look and feel of a game.

In this program, you learn design and technical fundamentals while using industry standard tools and processes for a variety of collaborative projects. You gain a comprehensive understanding of the video game pipeline process and create various visual and artistic assets while working with students from the Game Programming program on the development of a video game in a studio setting.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You learn in a studio environment that reflects industry practice and use current technology and software.
• You gain valuable experience working on a major project through all phases – from requirements to conceptualization, design, prototyping, development, testing and delivery.
• Small class sizes and instructors with diverse skill sets and industry experience provide one-on-one interaction within a collaborative environment.
• Throughout the program, specialized industry equipment is used and guest speakers are brought into the classroom.

Other info

• This sector is experiencing significant growth in our region, and it's anticipated this will lead to a growth in demand for graduates of this program.
• It's highly recommended that you gain familiarity with the software and processes used in industry prior to attending NSCC by exploring the following tutorials:
  • Roll-a-ball Tutorial – requires free Unity software
  • Blender for Beginners: Game Asset Creation– requires free Blender software
• This program appeals to creative people who are self-directed and self-motivated. Emphasis is placed on working with groups in project-based environments that reflect real-world workplaces. 
  

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Truro Campus/Online Truro	Full time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• Entrance portfolio - an entrance portfolio is a significant factor in determining your admission into the program. For detailed information on what your portfolio needs to include, see the Game and Interactive Art portfolio requirements (PDF 848KB)

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Game and Interactive Art - Year 1
• Game and Interactive Art - Year 2

Career options

Future study options

• Continue your studies at NSCC in Game Programming where you’ll learn the essential programming and collaborative skills needed to work in the field of video game development and immersive technology.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

GAME 1001 - Career Development for the Game Industry I
This course introduces students to the various structures, cultures and opportunities associated with the game industry. Students will learn about the significance of a professional, creative portfolio and build an awareness of career planning.

GAME 1004 - Structural Drawing I
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of digital illustration and it's application for game art.

GAME 1005 - Career Development for the Game Industry II
Students will begin to explore personal fit within the game industry through career planning. Students will also identify areas for improvement and develop plans to address gaps. Health and wellness and diversity and inclusion in the industry are also covered.

GAME 1008 - Game Engine for Artists I
This course introduces students to the tools and processes used within a game engine to build simple objects and how to integrate components within a game project.

GAME 1012 - Introduction to Game Engine
This course provides an introduction to game engine tools and software used in the Game Development Industry. Students will create game related projects & prototypes and will apply industry best practices.

GAME 1020 - Game Asset Development I
This course introduces students to game assets and how they are used in games. Students will learn how to build simple environments, textures and 3D animation and how to prepare and integrate assets into game engines.

GAME 1035 - 3D Software I
In this course students explore various 3D software tools and their application in relation to personal areas of interest and specialization. Students will examine trends in the game industry and build life-long learning skills and methodologies. Areas for exploration may include; lighting, rendering, texturing, modelling, animating, rigging, special effects, motion capture, 3D printing, dynamics or 3D scripting.

GAME 1044 - Structural Drawing II
In this course students focus on different illustration techniques used in the creation of characters for games.

GAME 1060 - Game Development I
This course introduces students to game development theory and methodology. Students will develop game concepts and cover topics such as iterative design, game design documentation and play-testing.

GAME 1070 - Game Development II
In this course, students apply development theory to design game components, such as systems and mechanics in readiness for development. Students will develop industry standard game design documentation to support consistency and quality throughout projects.

GAME 1080 - Game Asset Development II
This course introduces students to the process of developing 3D characters for use in games. Students will use industry standard 3D software to build simple organic models and 3D animation loops for game engines.

GAME 2005 - Career Development for the Game Industry III
Students will build and practice presenting industry targeted portfolios and participate in mock interviews. In addition, students will refine career goals.

GAME 2008 - Game Engine for Artists II
This course introduces students to sprite sheets and the processes and tools used for materials creation in a game engine.

GAME 2020 - Game Asset Development III
This course focuses on motion capture processes and animation loops. Students will become familiar with the difference between 3D animation systems, and when to apply them.

GAME 2035 - 3D Software II
In this course students investigate alternative 3D software packages to create professional 3D assets. Students will apply acquired 3D skills and knowledge in the context of new software. Study areas may include programming, dynamics, compositing, animation, special effects, rigging, lighting, texturing or modelling.

GAME 2044 - Structural Drawing III
In this course students focus on the significance of consistent design and how to develop storyboards to capture game concepts.

GAME 2065 - Game Development III
In this course students build a game prototype following game development methodologies and documentation. Students will work collaboratively on a limited scope game project and follow the full development cycle from conception to a finished product.

GAME 2088 - Game Engine for Artists III
This course covers the creation and animation of rigged objects for a game. Students are also introduced to VFX tools in a game engine and how to integrate special effects into a game.

GAME 2090 - Capstone for Game and Interactive Art
This course integrates the skills and knowledge gained in previous courses. Students will work in cross-disciplinary teams that replicate real-world environments to complete game projects.

GAME 2500 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides students with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation they are studying. Students will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Students will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience.

GAME 3005 - Career Development for the Game Industry IV
In this course students refine professional portfolios and interview skills and build a professional profile in readiness for employment.

GAME 3035 - 3D Software III
This course takes a deep dive into targeted skill development for the game industry and covers advanced topics for 3D asset creation. Students will have the opportunity to focus on specialized topics directly targeting the industry need.

GAME 3075 - Game Development IV
In this course students build a term-long game project from inception to completion as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Students will assume individual roles and responsibilities that are modelled after actual game industry processes (agile development, milestones, reporting structures, communication, documentation).

GAME 3080 - Game Asset Development IV
In this course students integrate skills and knowledge to create advanced assets for games while following best practices.