Game DESIGN and Development
Do you have a passion for games?
If so, you can be a part of this exciting industry. There are many challenging roles you can play in the game business, and the foundation you will find at Flashpoint Academy will prepare you as a top candidate for those entry level spots. If you want to be a producer, writer, designer, artist, modeler, coder or any of the other dozens of possible roles that our training can prepare you for in this field, here's some of what you can expect in our professionally driven game development, game design and game production school in Chicago. If you're not yet sure what it is that you want to do, our program will give you a great start so that you can find success in your area of specialization. Please see the articles, "What Kind of Careers Are There in the Game Industry?" and "Ask the Experts, Parents' FAQs About Game Development."
Flashpoint Academy's two year course of study features:
- Critical training in professionalism and teamwork appropriate to the industry
- Transmedia collaboration
- Building online student portfolios
- Hands-on workflow with professional digital asset management systems
- Training and creative content building with key tools such as 3D Studio Max, SoftImage XSI, ZBrush, MudBox, Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop), Dreamweaver MX, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Developer Studio, plus various modding tools for cutting-edge game engines
- Development of written and oral communication skills primary for success in team-based professional environments
- Side-by-side work with game professionals and actual contracted work with companies throughout many industries
- Interfacing with local studios in Chicago including Midway Games, Wideload, Pop Cap Games, Day 1 Studios, and others, including work with the International Game Developer's Association
- Ultimate innovation and creativity in all things while understanding all aspects of the business - Bring true life to your digital dreams!
In addition to our seasoned teaching staff from the game business and other digital arts industries, we are actively bringing in additional lecturers and industry talent from around the world to our brand new Chicago campus.
Are you ready to take the next step? Please click here to give us your contact information so that you can learn more about our Game Development and Design program. Our admissions counselors are looking forward to answering your questions once you complete the contact form. We have monthly open houses that we hope you can attend. If that doesn't work out, we invite you to schedule a private tour by emailing Admissions or calling 312-332-0707.
Now accepting applications for September 2008.
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Do you want to know how to get your first job in the game industry?
Flashpoint Academy's Simeon Peebler describes how to do it in this article published in the industry site GameCareerGuide.com.
What kind of careers are there in the Game Industry?
Check out a great informational site by the International Game Developer's Association called "Breaking In"!
Parents Frequently Asked Questions About Game Development
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FACULTY PAGES
Simeon Peebler, Department Chair of Game Development
Ted Gordon, Game Development Faculty
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Q] Do I need experience in game development to enter the program?
A] If you have a serious passion for games, we will work with you to build up your skills from scratch so that you can meet the demands of the game industry. Game development is a challenging business that requires the utmost performance from many types of individuals. Not everyone will need to be a programmer! We have special tracks for producers, artists, programmers and designers. Each area contains multiple levels of challenge and difficulty that will ensure that the students with less background get caught up quickly, but the students with more experience can get a head start on things.
Q] What types of game development classes can I expect to take at Flashpoint Academy?
A] You will learn the history of the game industry, master the tools of the trade, and develop the best "Playable Portfolio" seen from a digital arts school. You will experience the latest integrated development environments in use by programmers, artists and level designers on today's newest games. Using the latest hardware and software in our state-of-the-art labs, you will master game development workflow, use digital asset management, and experience all aspects of team dynamics as you progress forward on big projects with other students. From the beginning, you will start your training by "modding" some of the top game engines and platforms out there -- using systems such as Unreal, Half Life, CryEngine, Second Life and more. At the end of your two years, you will have created game content for several genres and worked in "derivative collaboration" with the film, visual effects & animation, and recording arts departments. In developing your skills and knowledge of business, creativity and technology where it relates to gaming, Flashpoint Academy's Game Development program is extraordinary. Nothing else compares to it, period.
Click here to learn more about our Game Development and Design program.
