ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN GAME DESIGN (ADGD)

Course Modules

The Advanced Diploma consists of 8 subjects which can be completed in 12 months on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis. All Full Time students must participate in a compulsory MAGES Guided Project while undertaking their course modules. Part-time students are provided with an option to participate in MAGES Guided Projects.

Module Description:

1. Games Business and Research

Course length: 60 hours              
Credit: 20
Year:  2012 - 2013

This module will train students to identify the market needs for different game genres and targeted game player expectations. Students will learn the procedures and planning involved prior to the game design. The module will teach students the market research and methodology that needs to be done to assess the potential in any intended games market. The module will also include the understanding of descriptive statistics. Students will be required to be competent in using tools to analyze the market preference, trend and predictions possible. The module will provide learning experience in gathering data, coding, analyzing and making deductions about computer games market.

2. Computer Architecture and Networking

Course length: 30 hours               
Credit: 10
Year:  2012 - 2013

This module will provide knowledge to students on computer structure and operation such as Arithmetic-Logic Unit, computer registers, internal bus, memory, I/O organizations and interfacing standards. It will also include concepts on CPU operation and how it is used to execute instructions. Students will also learn concepts about networking and data communication. Networking concepts will include network types, topology, network architecture standards for open systems,  TCP/IP network protocol and understand the fundamental functions and architectures of LAN and WAN

3. C++ Programming and 3D Game Development

Course length: 120 hours              
Credit: 40
Year:  2012 - 2013

This module will introduce students to the fundamentals and familiarize in C++ programming. The module will also address the concepts in software engineering and program development. Topics will cover syntax, primitive types, iteration, conditional expressions, functions, arrays, pointers and dynamic memory allocation, and the conventional standard libraries. Students will then proceed to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and unique functions of programming with C++. OOP concepts will include classes and inheritance, polymorphism, overloaded and template functions. Students will then be trained to use the C++ programming concepts in a C++ interfaced game engine. The module will familiarize students to game development using the C++ game engine.

4. C# Programming and 3D Game Development

Course length: 60 hours                        
Credit: 20
Year:  2012 - 2013

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop C# applications. Students will be taught the C# program structure, language syntax, and implementation details. The training will focus on Statements and Exceptions, Methods and Parameters and Arrays. Students will then proceed to acquire skills in the use of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Game engine that uses C# interface will be introduced to students. Students will experience the development of games with C# game engine. The various design processes for games development will be implemented using the engine.

5. Mobile Games Development

Course length: 60 hours                         
Credit: 20
Year:  2012 - 2013

In this module, students will study the issues and concerns that are related to online games development. Focus will be given to design considerations for mobile games that are important in wireless transmission. Others topics will include technologies, quality of service, ethics, commercial issues and game engines that are used for mobile game development. Students will also be taught to develop a game using the game engines and experience the full implementation and testing of the online game.

6. Multiplayer Games Development

Course length: 90 hours                         
Credit: 30
Year:  2012 - 2013

The on-line gaming section of the course will give particular focus to Massively Multi-Player On-line Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) a particularly widely played type of on-line game. The module will aim to give students practical experience of developing aspects of both on-line and mobile games through a mixture of writing small applications and using appropriate tools.

7. Web Design and Online Database

Course length: 90 hours                 
Credit: 30
Year:  2012 – 2013

This module will initially include topics that focus on website design considerations and the technical issues to consider for user requirements. Students will learn to look at understanding audience, style of web contents writing, the visuals, color theory, website prototyping and website interfaces. Students will then learn to use web development tools to create the web sites. Mark up languages such as HTML 5.0, XHTML and CSS will be included to train students in understanding the programming that are involved in site construction. Finally, the module will train students on building online databases. Building dynamic and interactive web application will also be explored in the module.

8. Project

Course length: 90 hours                        
Credit: 30
Year:  2012 - 2013

The Game Design Project tasks the students to review the game design fundamentals mastered from the various modules and apply the necessary skills in the creation of game development. Students are expected to monitor all aspects of the projects, ensure that proper knowledge and resources are harnessed to create the desired outcome in a timely, cost-effective manner. Students will also devote most of their time in the research, development and publicity of the game.     

9. MAGES Guided Project

Course length: 300 hours

Succeeding as project manager or project leader requires that developer must complete the projects on time, finish within budget and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. The Game Development Project tasks the student to review the game development fundamentals mastered from the various modules and apply the necessary skills in the creation of a game. Students are expected to monitor all aspects of the project, ensure that proper knowledge and resources are harnessed to create the desired outcome in a timely, cost-effective manner.  Students will also devote most of their time in the research and design of the original game.
To do this successfully, a wide range of skills will be applied throughout the full life cycle of the development. This practical and hands-on project expertly distill knowledge from studies and put it to the test in a simulated real world production cycle as students follow the game creation from its inception to completion, combining the fundamental principles, disciplines and people management skills that contribute to long term project success.