Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Video Game Production and Design will provide graduates in the theory and practice of video game design and all stages of game production from initial concept, through development to post-production testing and finally the marketing of the end product. The program focuses on developing well rounded game producers who are well versed in all aspects of how a professional videogame is made, equipping them to work on a full range of projects from low-budget independent studio games to large-scale high-budget major game productions. Students will produce professional game design documentation and develop a digital portfolio that includes a game prototype, art and sound assets.
The goal of the program is to develop both the critical acumen and technical abilities in the area of interactive entertainment and digital media. Early in the program, students gain a deep understanding of how to design a game, taking into account all aspects of art, animation, sound, and technical requirements, game level design, narrative forms and postproduction processes. As the program progresses, students will create their own original game design that they will fully document while concurrently acquiring deep knowledge of the game production process. Using the skills they have acquired in the art, animation and game scripting courses, students will build a prototype of their game and present a final thesis that incorporates a self evaluation of the design and production process.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the Master of Fine Arts in Video Game Production and Design, graduates will emerge with a deep knowledge of the theory of game design, a thorough knowledge of all aspects of developing a game, together with practical skills for effective management of game production teams. By the end of this program, students should be able to:
· Apply team management theory and skills by collaborating with design development and production teams
· Develop commercial design documents that guide the development of a game project
· Use production documents in the development of a game prototype
· Apply narrative structures in the development of a game script
· Evaluate video game designs from aesthetic, business and technical perspectives
· Distinguish level criteria in the design of a game
· Produce a video game prototype
· Implement game prototype testing
· Specify and implement art, animation, sound, technical requirements
· Revise game components during postproduction
Thesis
To qualify for the Master of Fine Arts in Video Game Production and Design, candidates must complete a thesis project while enrolled in MGP 691, Thesis Production. Working with a thesis advisor, an MFA candidate must develop, design and produce an original video game prototype. To graduate a candidate must submit a completed thesis project and digital portfolio for evaluation by the thesis committee within one year of the start of MGP 691. The thesis committee evaluates the thesis and game prototype to determine whether the student has met the requirements for the MFA in Video Game Production and Design.
The complete thesis project consists of a game design document based on an original game concept devised by the student, a prototype of the game design demonstrating key features of the design concept, a digital portfolio of game art and sound assets and a critical evaluation of that project and video game design and production.
The written portion of the thesis demonstrates the candidate's ability to communicate coherently, critically and creatively. The written thesis evaluation should cover all aspects of video game design, development and production as studied in the program and reflected in the student's project. The candidate also evaluates the relevant design components and technical considerations involved in the game.
During the thesis period, candidates will keep in regular communication with their thesis advisor through an online course interface, Internet and telephone conferencing. The thesis advisor will assist the student in assembling a three-person committee to evaluate the completed thesis project and a digital portfolio of the candidate's previous work.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the University graduate admission requirements listed in the general catalog under information for graduate degrees.
Requirements
(12 courses, 54 quarter units)
To receive a Master of Fine Arts in Video Game Production and Design, students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work, of which a minimum of 45 quarter units must be taken in residence at National University. Students can transfer up to 9 quarter units at the graduate level from a regionally accredited institution in the areas of film production, interactive design or digital media studies, provided the units have not been used to satisfy the requirements of an awarded degree. Students wishing to transfer credits into the program should contact the program faculty advisor. Refer to the section in the graduate admission requirements for additional specific information regarding application and matriculation.
Core Requirements
(12 courses, 54 quarter units)
MGP 650 Video Game Production
MGP 651 Designing for Interactive Media
MGP 652 Writing for Games
MGP 653 Art and Sound Design
MGP 654 Game Production Documentation
(Prerequisites: MGP 650 and MGP 651)
MGP 670 Game Scripting and Prototyping
MGP 671 3D Art, Animation and Motion Capture
MGP 680 Advanced Workshop in Game Design
(Prerequisite: MGP 651)
MGP 683 Game Production Management
(Prerequisite: MGP 654)
MGP 688 Game Testing and Postproduction
(Prerequisite: MGP 650 or MGP 651)
MGP 689 The Business of Games
MGP 691 Thesis Production
(Prerequisite: all core courses)
| Degree Program Locations | |
|---|---|
| Kearny Mesa Campus | |
| Los Angeles Campus | |