Academy of Art University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Game Development

DURATION

6 Semesters

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

EARLIEST START DATE

Feb 2025

TUITION FEES

USD 1,615 *

STUDY FORMAT

Distance Learning, On-Campus

* per unit for international students / USD 1,407 per unit for domestic students

Introduction

The MFA Game Development program allows students to further their careers by synthesizing traditional art and design fundamentals with today’s groundbreaking technologies. Students level up their skills through hands-on prototyping of game mechanics and art creation, followed by creating a thesis project and an industry-quality portfolio.

Unit Requirements

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Degree Requirements

MFA Game Development Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the Final Thesis Project
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirement:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course

Program Outcome

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project
Create a thesis project that demonstrates a professional-level achievement in the specialty

Visual Communication

Critically evaluate the aesthetics, meaning, and effect of imagery

Technology

Demonstrate mastery of the tools and technology related to the area of specialty

Presentation Skills

Present their ideas and solutions in a visually compelling cogent manner using industry-standard vocabulary and professional-quality presentation materials

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Create project schedules and milestones and manage resources to meet project goals
Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline

Professional Readiness

Produce a professional demo reel or portfolio which meets industry standards
Work cooperatively and effectively in a production environment

Specialty Skills: Game & Level Design

Communicate abstract ideas using game design documents and 2D maps
Create playable games with 3D technology

Specialty Skills: Animation

Effectively apply the principles of animation to characters, environments/props, or VFX
Demonstrate continuity in visual storytelling when incorporating original animations into established game engines
Develop and showcase a consistent signature style

Specialty Skills: Environment Modeling

Translate visual research and reference to create 3D environments appropriate for the artistic style of the project
Model, texture and light forms in 3-dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of organic, architectural, and industrial form
Produce assets such as buildings, vehicles, and foliage

Specialty Skills: Character Modeling

Sculpt, model and texture forms in 3-dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of human and zoological anatomy
Translate visual research and reference to create 3D characters appropriate for the artistic style of the project
Produce assets such as humanoid characters, creatures, and props

Specialty Skills: Concept

Follow an industry-standard process, from thumbnails through final render to generate concept designs
Apply visual research to Concept art
Demonstrate an understanding of movement, proportion, and functionality of designs through effective orthographic or perspective drawings

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Curriculum

Program Tuition Fee

Gallery

English Language Requirements

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