Programming for Games 1 is an introductory course tailored for aspiring game developers. This course provides a foundational understanding of programming, focusing on the C and C++ languages, which are pivotal in the game development industry. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to the basics of programming, with a strong emphasis on applying these concepts to game development.

Programming Logic and Methodologies is an introductory course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of programming logic essential for game development. This course focuses on the flow of information, representation of information on a computer, computer architecture, Unified Modeling Language (UML), and basic programming structures. The curriculum is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical application, with an emphasis on understanding how these elements are integral to effective game programming.

Mathematics for Game Programmers 1 is designed to prepare students for mathematical calculations used to manipulate 2D and 3D graphics. Students will analyze linear algebra formulae and how they apply to 3D graphics.

Game Design 1 will introduce students to the principles of game design and mechanics. Students will examine game genres, by analyzing common game mechanics and elements. Topics include game genres, game mechanics, and gameplay elements.

Introduction to the Game Industry introduces students to the game industry with analysis of local and international markets. Specific topics include: analysis of game development centers in the world, identification of roles and responsibilities of game departments, corporate structures and game studio organization hierarchies.

History of Video Games presents a historical survey of video games to modern times. Insights into the game industry will be made with identification of past, present and future games and their social and cultural impacts. Specific topics include: game technology, violence in games, and gender and games.

Art for Game Programmers is an introductory course designed to provide game programming students with a basic understanding of 2D and 3D art creation in the context of game development. The course offers a surface-level overview, focusing on key aspects of digital art creation that are most relevant to programmers. Students will learn to generate 2D art, create sprites and sprite sheets, and delve into the basics of 3D art, including modeling, rigging, and key-frame animation.

Game Production Project 1 is an initial course in a series of capstone game production courses, focusing on the pre-production stage of game development. In this course, students will collaboratively conceptualize a game design, and create prototypes to visualize their designs. Emphasizing teamwork, this applied course aims to foster skills in game design planning, prototype development, and critical evaluation through game testing.

This course will assist new Toronto Film School students be successful in an accelerated post-secondary learning environment. Focus will be placed on cultivating the skills and strategies that are necessary for achieving well-articulated, meaningful professional and academic goals. Topics include time management, budgeting, studying, information literacy, communication, positive decision-making, stress management, and staying motivated. Students will finish the Student Success Workshop with an actionable success strategy, knowledge of the people and resources available to them during their time at Toronto Film School, and higher confidence in their ability to succeed at Toronto Film School and beyond.

Programming for Games 2 is an intermediate course focused on teaching data structures and design patterns for game development. Students will explore key data structures such as arrays, linked lists, and trees, and learn how to implement them in solving game development challenges. The course also covers essential design patterns by applying them to enhance game project architecture and code quality.

Pre-requisite: VGD100

Game Engines 1 is an introductory course focused on game development using a game engine and associated programming language. Students will gain hands-on experience with the game engine editor, exploring its capabilities in game creation and asset management. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for game development using a game engine, equipping students with the skills to bring their game design ideas to life.

Pre-requisites: VGD100, VGD110

Mathematics for Game Programmers 2 focuses on applying calculus concepts in game development. Designed for students with a foundation in mathematics and game programming, the course explores derivatives and integrals, highlighting their practical use in areas like motion modeling, collision detection, and physics-based animations. Through hands-on exercises, students will learn to integrate these calculus principles into game programming, enhancing the realism and complexity of their game designs.

Pre-requisites: VGD111

Game Design 2 focuses on developing game design skills through storytelling and story writing. It explores storytelling structures, character development, and both linear and non-linear narratives, specifically tailored for games. Students will learn to craft stories, integrating these narratives into game design. This course emphasizes the transformation of traditional storytelling into interactive game experiences, by providing students with the skills to create immersive and engaging narratives in their games.

Pre-requisites: VGD112

Physics for Game Programmers 1 is an introductory course focused on applying Newtonian physics in game development. It focuses on mechanics and the key laws of motion, with an emphasis on practical applications in games. Students will incorporate realistic physics simulations into games, enhancing realism and player engagement.

Pre-requisite: VGD111

Game Production Project 2 builds on the foundation laid in Game Production Project 1, to prepare project planning for full-scale production. This course revisits and refines previously designed game concepts, guiding students through the creation of comprehensive production plans, which include project management strategies, development schedules, defined roles, and pipeline establishment. A key component of the course is evaluating various technologies to make informed decisions that best suit the project’s needs.

Pre-requisite: VGAD107

Programming for Games 3 is an advanced course where students will learn basic techniques to develop a game engine. Focused on building 2D and 3D game engines, the course covers game engine architecture, graphics rendering, user input handling, and audio processing. Students will apply 2D/3D graphics rendering techniques to manage and manipulate visual assets.

Pre-requisite: VGD200

Game Engines 2 focuses on enhancing skills in 3D game development using Unity. This advanced course explores 3D aspects of Unity’s game engine, including 3D modeling, animation, lighting, texturing, and complex scripting for physics and gameplay. Through practical projects, students will develop and refine 3D game environments and mechanics.

Pre-requisite: VGD211

Physics for Game Programmers 2 focuses on kinematics, building upon the physics fundamentals by exploring topics like velocity, acceleration, and projectile motion, with an emphasis on their application in game programming. The course is designed to teach how to simulate realistic motion in games, enhancing gameplay realism through game projects.

Pre-requisite: VGD214

Game Design 3 focuses on level design with an in-depth exploration of game design concepts applied to creating engaging and challenging levels. Utilizing a game engine and level editor, students will learn practical skills in level design, including layout planning, pacing, player guidance, and integrating narrative elements.

Pre-requisite: VGD213

Project Management and Quality Assurance focuses on the essential skills needed to manage game development projects and implement effective quality assurance practices. The course covers foundational principles of project management tailored for the game industry, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and team coordination. In addition, the course discusses popular quality assurance methodologies, focusing on testing techniques, bug tracking, and maintaining game quality throughout the development cycle.

Game Production Project 3 is the continuation of Game Production Project 2, where students progress into the production phase of their game development capstone project. This course emphasizes the practical application of agile development methodologies, focusing on producing game components through backlog and milestone development. Students will be actively involved in iterative development, sprint planning, and execution, applying agile principles to manage and adapt their project workflow efficiently. The course aims to simulate a real-world game development environment, enabling students to experience the challenges and rewards of producing a game from concept to a playable prototype.

Pre-requisite: VGAD205

AI Game Programming is a comprehensive course designed to explore the application of artificial intelligence algorithms in game development. This course covers a range of topics, from the fundamentals of game AI, pathfinding and navigation to more complex aspects like behavioral AI.

Pre-requisite: VGD300, VGD301

Game Engines 3 provides comprehensive understanding of the Unreal Engine 5 game engine. Students will explore the interface, Blueprint visual scripting system, and programming with the UE5 API using C++. Students will learn to create, navigate, and manipulate game environments, implement game logic, and optimize performance in UE5.

Pre-requisite: VGD301

Mobile Game Development provides specialized training in programming games for mobile platforms. Leveraging a game engine, students will learn key aspects of mobile game development, including efficient programming practices, optimization for mobile devices, and integration of mobile-specific features like touch input and accelerometer use.

Pre-requisite: VGD301

Physics for Game Programmers 3 explores inverse kinematics and how it’s used to create realistic movement and animation in game development. Students will learn about the mathematical foundations of inverse kinematics and how to implement these techniques in a game engine.

Pre-requisite: VGD302

Game Design 4 focuses on game mechanics generation and user experience in games. Students will explore designing effective and engaging game mechanics, emphasizing the creation of intuitive and player-friendly game interfaces.

Pre-requisite: VGD303

Game Audio will introduce students to technology and tools needed for game audio development. Students will learn how to design and generate sound effects that can be integrated into games, and how to program audio in various game engines.

Game Production Project 4 is a continuation of the capstone project series where students further develop their game projects. Building on skills taught in previous courses, this course focuses on finalizing game design elements, and developing gameplay mechanics.

Pre-requisite: VGAD305

Game Networking examines the fundamentals of networking within the context of game development. Students will explore various networking models, learning how to effectively communicate and manage these models. The course also covers practical applications by exploring networking APIs in game engines to implement multiplayer features and networked game functionality.

Pre-requisite: VGD401

Game Engines 4 focuses on development using advanced features of the Unreal Engine 5 API using C++. Students will examine the UE5 rendering pipeline, AI programming, performance optimization, and VR/AR development.

Pre-requisite: VGD401

Game Design 5 focuses on exploring the post-production phase in game development. Students will explore the processes involved after a game’s initial development phase. Students will learn strategies for successful game launches, post-launch support, updates, and community engagement. The course also explores marketing techniques and the importance of data analysis in post-release phases.

Pre-requisite: VGD404

Game Business introduces students to the operational aspects of running a game studio. Students will analyze business models and how they apply to the game industry. The curriculum covers essential topics such as the different types of business models, effective game marketing strategies, and the principles of game budgeting, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the business side of game development successfully.

Pre-requisite: VGD304

Career and Portfolio Development 1 is designed to prepare students for their future careers in the industry by focusing on the creation and refinement of essential career documents and a personal portfolio. Students will learn to analyze job listings and tailor their resumes and cover letters accordingly, ensuring they effectively highlight their skills and experiences. Additionally, the course guides students through the process of developing a professional portfolio that showcases their talents and projects, emphasizing presentation and organization skills critical for making a strong impression on potential employers.

Pre-requisite: VGD304

Game Production Project 5 focuses on integrating complex mechanics into students’ capstone project. This course emphasizes the practical application of game design and programming, focusing on enhancing gameplay, interaction, and user experience. Through supervised lab sessions, students will apply advanced development techniques and refine their projects based on feedback.

Pre-requisite: VGAD406

Capstone Production Project is a culminating course designed for students to finalize their capstone projects. In this course, students work collaboratively to finalize development of a game, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout their studies. The course emphasizes teamwork, project management, and practical game development techniques.

Pre-requisite: VGD500, VGD501, VGD502, VGD503, VGD504, VGAD505

Career and Portfolio Development 2 is tailored for students nearing the culmination of their studies. Building on the foundational skills acquired, this course emphasizes the creation of a portfolio and demo reel, which are critical components in showcasing expertise and creativity in game design. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, students will learn to select their best work, craft compelling narratives around their projects, and utilize technical editing techniques to produce a professional demo reel. This course aims to refine students’ abilities to communicate their vision and skills effectively, preparing them for successful careers in the competitive game industry.

Pre-requisite: VGAD504