Video Game Design and Development Fanshawe College

Video Game Design and Development

It's a vibrant and growing industry that's not just about playing games. It's about harnessing creativity and building entire worlds for players to express themselves. There are few professions as in-demand as video game designers, and London, Ontario is at the centre of this vibrant and growing industry.

In the Video Game Design and Development program, you'll study at the new, state-of-the-art Centre for Digital and Performance Arts in Downtown London, surrounded by leading gaming and tech industry firms. These innovators will mentor you and critique you. They'll show you how to get in and how to get ahead. This intensive three-year advanced diploma will focus on the tools and techniques you'll need to find an entry-level position as a concept artist, animator, level and game designer.

You'll develop your 2D and 3D skills by studying art and design theory, modelling, animation, texturing, anatomy and drawing. You'll then build on these basics for an understanding of the video game as a whole. At every step of the way, designers, animators, producers and art directors in the video game industry will make sure you know how your skills will be used in the real world.

Entry requirements

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

• A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 550 for the paper-based test (PBT), or 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
• An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 70% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
• Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10

Recommended Personal Preparation

A basic awareness of the graphics and 3D programs used in the industry. Experience playing a variety of video games. Using free trial software (3D Max, Maya, Adobe Photoshop) and doing free basic online tutorials in modelling, animating etc.