The Certificate of Achievement in Game Design is designed for students interested in careers in various positions in the video game industry such as game designers, systems designers, directors, etc. Students develop their game design foundation as well their technological skills before completing their capstone project of developing a video game.

Students may also consider completing closely related certificates such as those in Essentials of Video Game Programming, and Game Art to further enhance their skills and employability. Several courses are shared between these certificates.

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Los Angeles is the heart of the global entertainment sector. It is home to a multitude of film, television, and animation studios. The city is also one of the largest and most influential video game development hubs in the world. Major game publishers like Activision Blizzard, Naughty Dog, Riot Games, and many others have a significant presence in LA. An educational program in game design equips students with the specific skill sets needed to enter this booming sector, helping them develop the expertise required by local studios.

Los Angeles is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, which is reflected in the variety of perspectives, art styles, and cultural influences that shape the city’s creative industries. A game design program in LA would encourage students to explore a broad range of aesthetic styles, design philosophies, and storytelling techniques influenced by this rich diversity. This, in turn, would help students create more inclusive, globally appealing game art that resonates with players from various backgrounds.

The following are the Student Learning Outcomes for the program. After successful completion of the program, students will be able to…

• Apply principles of game design to successfully complete projects
• Utilize common software tools for game design
• Develop a video game by working in a team setting

This certificate requires completion of all courses with a minimum grade of “C” (or “P). Students are encouraged to consult the Counseling Office for a comprehensive education plan.

This certificate is related to several other programs.

• Certificate of Achievement in Game Art (in-development)
• Certificate of Achievement in Essentials of Video Game Programming
• Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts

While not truly stackable with any of the above, there are overlapping courses between all 4 certificates. In turn, completion of this certificate also gives students credit towards several others.

There are only a handful of local colleges that offer programs in this TOP Code:

• Long Beach City College: Certificate of Achievement (C-ACH), Digital Media: Multimedia Interaction & Game Design
• Pasadena City College: Associate in Science Degree and Certificate of Achievement in Game Design & Development
• Los Angeles City College: Certificates of Achievement in Game Art & Design Foundation, and Game Art & Design Production

There is still enough regional demand that these programs do not outstrip the supply of graduates.

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