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Bachelor of Game Design

Get ready to join a like-minded community of passionate game enthusiasts, where every day you have the opportunity to design and develop commercially viable digital games, suitable for multiple platforms, using state of the art game engines. We’ve developed this degree with loads of industry input so you can rest assured we are teaching you all the professional, technical and personal skills contemporary game design studios are looking for. Our program is also one of the few that really dives deep into multi-player design education.

Intake Dates
  • 27 May 2024
  • 16 September 2024
  • 3 February 2025

Duration & Location

  • 3 years full time
  • 2 years accelerated
  • Up to 6 years part time
  • ā…” face-to-face on campus | ā…“ online
  • What To Expect
  • Course Content
  • Course Superpowers
  • Industry Partners
  • How to Apply

What To Expect

Our knowledge of the game design industry has enabled us to design a program that emulates the top professional game design studios. With our guidance and support, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into the video game industry and the career that you’ve always dreamed of.Ā 

 

 

  • Technical Instruction_BLACK
    Technical Instruction -

    Experienced knowledgeable educators

  • Creative Teamwork_BLACK
    Creative Teamwork -

    Teams of like-minded collaborators

  • Current Knowledge_BLACK
    Current Knowledge -

    Current software, technology and insights

  • Professional Skills_BLACK
    Professional Skills -

    Embedded employability training

  • Skills Practice_BLACK
    Skills practice -

    Practical hands-on learning

  • Project Work_BLACK
    Project work -

    Relevant project-based assessments

  • Expert Feedback_BLACK
    Expert feedback -

    Broad engagement with industry

  • Industry Input_BLACK
    Industry input -

    Work opportunities in professional contexts

Software we'll provide
  • Unreal Engine Logo

    Unreal Engine

  • MAYA logo

    Maya

  • ZBrush logo (transparent)

    ZBrush

  • Houdini3D_icon

    Houdini

  • Adobe Creative_Cloud

    Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Technical Instruction_BLACK
    Technical Instruction -

    Experienced knowledgeable educators

  • Creative Teamwork_BLACK
    Creative Teamwork -

    Teams of like-minded collaborators

  • Current Knowledge_BLACK
    Current Knowledge -

    Current software, technology and insights

  • Professional Skills_BLACK
    Professional Skills -

    Embedded employability training

  • Skills Practice_BLACK
    Skills practice -

    Practical hands-on learning

  • Project Work_BLACK
    Project work -

    Relevant project-based assessments

  • Expert Feedback_BLACK
    Expert feedback -

    Broad engagement with industry

  • Industry Input_BLACK
    Industry input -

    Work opportunities in professional contexts

AIT Campus

At AIT, we’re committed to helping you make magic, one project at a time. Join like-minded creatives in our industry-grade games design studios where two thirds of your Bachelor of Games Design will take place. At AIT, we understand that modern games design production is heavily reliant on technology and software. That’s why we invest heavily in the latest professional-grade animation and games design software and hardware, giving you the opportunity to fully experience, experiment, and create masterpieces using industry-standard tools.

Our studios facilities are equipped with high-end computers, and you’ll have access to state-of-the-art post-production studios, green screen rooms, audio studios, and consoles for multiplayer game testing. We have specifically designed our studios to ensure your projects are rendered to the highest industry standards, and that you have the tools you need to bring the creative process to life.

Copy of AIT Mel rooms 2023 by Homepix Photography 0187

Our Cloud Campus

At AIT, we take pride in providing quality online learning experiences for our students. Thatā€™s why all of our course materials are hosted on our cloud campus, a space specifically designed for education. The cloud campus offers access to all course content, including videos, interactive activities, discussion boards, video meetings, email facilities, library access, assessment support, study support, technical support services, and welfare services.

We understand that choosing where to study in Australia is a big decision, which is why we welcome you to come and check out our online learning platform before you enrol. With our cloud campus, youā€™ll have all the tools you need to succeed in the Bachelor of Game Design at AIT.Ā 

Student work: ‘Rose, Revolutionary Leader Sculpt’ by Tarik Takasu

01_AIT_Bachelor_and_Diploma_Page_Your_Learning_Platform_Image_(Canvas)_Website_604x340_Apr2023

Professional Experiences

While studying at AIT, youā€™ll be exposed to a number of professional experiences where you will learn the skills you need for your creative career, while also being introduced to the industry. On campus, your Production Lab Subjects will be heavily practical, project-based, and follow industry-relevant production processes in a studio-like environment.

Out of these subjects, you will produce a portfolio thatā€™s ready to present to prospective employers. In your third year, our dedicated partnerships team will connect you to internship and mentorship opportunities, whilst working with you to raise your profile within the creative technology industries.

  • Mentorship from Professional IT Experts_PEAR
    Mentorship from Professional Animators
  • Simulated Studio Environments on Campus_PEAR
    Simulated Studio Environments on Campus
  • Visiting Animation Studios_PEAR
    Visiting Animation Studios
  • Using industry-grade tools_PEAR
    Using Industry-grade Tools
  • Professional Guest Speakers_PEAR
    Professional Guest Speakers
Select...
  • Year 1 - Learn
  • Year 2 - Explore
  • Year 3 - Launch

Year 1 - Learn

3D Character Lab

Learn the entire design and development process (3D pipeline) required to create your own uniquely designed 3D characters. The areas covered include props and background development, using industry standard 3D software, 3D interface navigation, fundamental 3D theory, character design, modelling, texturing, lighting, skinning, camera animation and rendering. These skills will provide a firm foundation for creating 3D objects and characters.

Key professional skills development:

  • Project management basics
  • Presentation skills
  • Naming conventions and file management

Game Design Mechanics

Level Design

Game Scripting

3D Animation Mechanics

3D Rigging

01_AIT_Game_Development_Lab-Immersive_Game_Design_Experience_1_328x365_Mar2023.jpg

Year 1 - Game Development Lab

Immersive Game Design Experience 1

In the Game Development Lab you will design a range of 3D assets and integrate them into a game engine. The project will be planned and implemented in response to a brief and will involve identifying game development team roles and 3D sculpting of models using industry standard 3D modelling software.

Models will be textured, then undergo optimisation and retopology to ensure their effective operation in a game engine environment, where introductory level game engine programming will be applied. You will utilise a production cycle, modifying assets through multiple iterations in response to testing and peer review. Ethical considerations will be taken into account and applied to the design of game assets.

Key professional skills development:

  • Collaboration
  • Planning
  • Project management
  • Agile methodology
  • Presentation and professional communication skills
  • Responding to feedback
  • Student work by Phillip Lim

Year 2 - Explore

Sound Design

Our Sound Design subject will introduce you to both the creative and technical aspects of sound in digital media. You’ll learn how to record, process, and implement a variety of sounds in different contexts, as well as how to apply sound design principles to enhance communication, meaning, and emotion in your work. These skills can be applied across film, animation, and game design, enabling you to create dynamic and engaging soundtracks in any genre.

Our course content includes a wide range of sound editing tools, techniques, and musical scores, as well as location recording procedures, sound processing and noise reduction, compression and reverberation, and sound production workflow. Throughout the subject, you’ll be required to reflect on your work and make improvements based on feedback, helping you to develop your skills and grow as a sound designer.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and practical experience you need to create high-quality soundtracks for a range of digital media projects.

Key professional skills development:

  • Teamwork and time management
  • Copyright and legal considerations and critical listening skills

3D Asset Development

Console Game Development

Multiplayer Game Development

Technical Art

Culture and Creativity

01_AIT_Cinematic_Animation_Lab-Immersive_Game_Design_Experience_2_328x365_Mar2023.jpg

Year 2 - Cinematic Animation Lab

Immersive Game Design Experience 2

Let us guide you through the advanced implementation of game art in a game engine, including pre-built assets, facial animation, facial rigging, motion capture, voice recording and animation for cut scenes. You will develop pre-production elements such as staging, beats and layout.

A cinematics sequencer track will be implemented, and you will learn to post-produce your games by refining sound, lighting, colour correction and general editing and clean-up of cinematic game elements. This process will involve iterative development, consultation and responding to feedback..Ā 

Key professional skills development:

  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Critical analysis
  • Project management skills

Student work by Leon Ren

Year 3 - Launch

Professional Freelancing

Freelancing has become one of the major forms of employment in the areas of media and game design. Professional Freelancing will provide valuable information on how to manage as an independent entrepreneur in the creative industries.

The focus will be on legal requirements, finance and monetisation, types of business models, documentation and admin, budgeting, pitching and promotional skills. Examples of successful freelance game designer industry professionals will be examined, and you will research industry and analyse your findings to identify likely areas of opportunity within your field.

Key professional skills development:

  • Networking
  • Professional communication
  • Planning and presentation skills

Emerging Insights

01_AIT_Virtual_Production_Lab-Immersive_Animation_Experience_3_328x365_Mar2023.jpg

Year 3 - Virtual Production Lab

Immersive Animation Experience 3

The emerging field of virtual production enables realistic combinations of objects, characters and environments to produce composite images. In this subject virtual production technologies and techniques will be studied in detail as you blend virtual environments with live action images.

The subject will cover virtual environments, virtual props and assets, background projections using green screen or live projection, integration of live action images with virtual elements through camera tracking, matching sound, lighting and colour.

Facial motion capture and the use of digital doubles using 3D modelling and animation will be introduced, and the animation and surfacing of 3D creatures and other assets will be enhanced by incorporating particle effects such as explosions, fire, smoke and rain.

Advanced game engine functions will be used to composite image elements and animate components to produce realistic virtual multilevel images.

Key professional skills development:Ā Ā 

  • Creative thinking
  • Problem solving skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Self-reflection and response to feedback

Student work by Koda Landers

Your final four subjects are all about taking your place as an industry contributor. Youā€™ve got this!

  • Forge 1
    • Forge 1 is part one of a subject that runs across two terms, where you learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. In Forge 1, the focus is on researching client needs and preparing a range of pre-production material required for the development of an industry project.

      Planning and project management skills will be sharpened, and pre-visualisation of narrative content will be developed to deliver comprehensive planning materials for a substantial production that will be completed in Forge 2 in the final trimester of study.Ā 

  • Professional Internship Program
  • Industry Launchpad
  • Forge 2
  • Forge 1 is part one of a subject that runs across two terms, where you learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. In Forge 1, the focus is on researching client needs and preparing a range of pre-production material required for the development of an industry project.

    Planning and project management skills will be sharpened, and pre-visualisation of narrative content will be developed to deliver comprehensive planning materials for a substantial production that will be completed in Forge 2 in the final trimester of study.Ā 

CourseSuperpowers
CourseSuperpowers

At the completion of this course:

  • You could work in the following roles:

    • Game Producer
    • Lead Artist
    • Game Designer
    • Level Designer
    • Full Stack Games Programmer
    • Character/Environment Artist
    • Games Animator
    • Technical Artist
    • Games Design Academic
  • Confidently use software, including:

    • Unreal Engine
    • Maya
    • Zbrush
    • Houdini and Adobe
    • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Master technical skills including:

    • Games Design
    • Gameplay Programming
    • Multiplayer Game Development
    • Technical Art (VFX & Procedural Environments)
    • Animation
    • Rigging
    • 3D Modelling
    • Sculpting
    • Texturing
    • Virtual Production
    • Games Project Management
  • Graduate with a Professional Portfolio that includes:

    • Design of a full game level, mechanically and visually, using high-quality game assets.
    • A range of 3D characters and environment assets.
    • A range of rigged and animated game assets: characters and weapons, a fully scripted top-down SHMUP, a first person shooter game demo developed in a team and scripted gameplay mechanics.
    • An action-adventure game demo developed for a console dev kit.
    • An online multiplayer shooter.
    • A game environment focusing on VFX and procedural assets.
    • An animated game cinematic utilising motion capture animation.
    • A Realtime virtual short using live action actors in a film-quality 3D environment
    • Items you work on during your professional internship
    • A Capstone Game Project based on client brief, created with peers from design to publishing

    Student work: ā€˜Soul Seekerā€™ by Andrew Chiu, Lachlan Canning, Zijian He, Kai Johns, Daniel Miller & Giovanni Pedalino

Imagine being connected to industry while you study. We've worked with...

  • gd_syd_42
  • gd_syd_featherweight

How to apply

Here at AIT, we care about your creativity, not your ATAR. If youā€™re a domestic student, then you can apply directly to AIT or via UAC and VTAC.Ā  If youā€™re an international student, then our registered agent partners can help you to organise everything youā€™ll need for your AIT application and your application to study in Australia.Ā Ā 

Find out exactly what studying at AIT will cost, with our transparent list of student fees plus learn more about the generous scholarships for both international and domestic students.

Student work: ā€˜Clockworkā€™ by Kate Nelson, Joran Apap, Amy Murtagh, Anna Truong and Sang Nguyen

Game image showing characters and gaming world

What'snext?
What'snext?

Not sure what to explore next? Visit our connect page and choose your own adventure. Talk to someone about your study options, book a campus tour and have a look around, chat with a current AIT student or get started on your application.

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