WANIC Video Game Programming

Program Description:

The DigiPen Video Game Programming track gives students an introduction to the art and science behind video game development. Through seven modules of instruction, students learn key art, math, and computer science concepts that are applied to a game project after each module. While developing their games, students also write a short essay defending the methods and reasons used to complete their project, as well as address industry issues like labor practices, intellectual property rights, publishing contracts and controversial game content.

The Pacific Northwest is a true hub of game development, with hundreds of big-name game companies as well as indie game studios contributing to the ongoing growth of the over $80 billion game industry in the U.S. The demand for skilled developers has never been higher.  For students who want to pursue a rewarding career as a game developer, this signature program provides the solid foundation that has already launched hundreds of high school students on their journey into this industry and beyond.

In this full-year, 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits) students will:

• Understand concepts central to programming including Boolean logic, using correct mathematical expressions, abstraction, and choosing how to represent data
• Write both collaborative and individual programs in C and other programming languages for both problems solving and creative expression
• Write algorithms to solve problems, read algorithms made by other people, and judge whether certain algorithms are better than others for a specific problem
• Use programming concepts more specifically related to games such as game loops, component-based engine architecture, and game- play programming
• Practice the Video Game production process including pitches, design documents, scheduling, milestones, testing, time management, and working on interdisciplinary teams

Two Year Program Available.