For related IT programs, see Related Programs Listing .

Information Technology (with a Specialization in Game Design)

Purpose: The IT Game Design specialization gives students an introduction to the game industry as well as a foundation in information technology skills. Research shows $14.8 billion spent on video game content in the U.S. for 2012 according to the NPD Group, 2012 Game Market Dynamics report. Digital game content spending grew 16% and is expecting to continue to grow in the future. NRCC Games, a team of NRCC students and alumni, has been creating mobile games for the iPhone/iTunes app store since 2010. These apps help middle school and high school students learn math skills, reading comprehension, grammar and more. NRCC is active in International Game Developers Association (see www.igda.org/nctriangle).

Occupation Objectives: Game Level Designer • Game Designer • Game Tester • Entry Level Programmer

Admission Requirements: Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college after completing the specialization degree requirements should inform their faculty advisors at the beginning of studies to determine the appropriate courses that meet transfer requirements.

Program Requirements: The Information Technology degree with the Game Design Specialization is a two-year program combining instruction required for a game tester or game designer career in the game industry or entry level programmer in the information technology industry. The core courses include computer science concepts, programming concepts, and object-oriented programming with Visual Basic.NET, Java, and Visual C++.NET environments. The game specialization courses include game design, animation with Flash, 2D image editing with Photoshop, 3D modeling with 3D Studio MAX, UnReal Editor, Unity Game Engine and game prototyping with Game Maker. The design courses include both web design and game design and utilize Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Flash.

Students who plan to transfer after completing the degree should consult their IT Faculty Advisor at the beginning of studies to determine appropriate transfer course requirements.

For more information on this and other IT programs, visit the department’s website.