Game Design & Development Concentration

The games industry values "T-shaped skills," where a team shares common skills with each person focusing on one area of specialization. Our program positions our students for success by combining a foundation in programming skills with the knowledge of the fundamentals of game design, 3D animation, and digital audio. Game developers earn an average salary in the range of $75,000-$100,000, although actual salary depends on specialization, location, and studio size; additionally, many game developers enjoy freelance work. Students in this concentration can also pursue other fulfilling careers such as a mobile app developer, UX Designer, front-end engineer, software developer, and product manager.

Both inside and outside of the classroom, you will have the opportunity to apply your developing skills to benefit real people. Our program includes numerous Immersive Learning opportunities, such as Computer Science for Muncie (and surrounding schools), working with local technology company Accutech, developing software for Minnetrista, or working with real community partners within the senior capstone sequence.

Computer science pairs well with other STEM majors, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition, it is appealing to add a major in business, entrepreneurship, accounting, or finance. And, yes, you can pair a computer science concentration in game design & development with a second concentration in computer science, such as web & mobile app development.

• Principles of game design
• Programming techniques on modern game engines
• Game production methods
• Advanced game development
• Principles of animation
• Digital signal processing for music