Game Development Certification Training, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Game Development Certification Training

 

Course Outline:

 

This comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the game development industry and prepare you for the listed certifications. The curriculum blends theoretical learning with extensive hands-on practice, culminating in a portfolio-ready project and preparation for remote job placement.

 

Phase 1: Foundations of Game Development (Modules 1-8)

• Module 1: Introduction to Game Development:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Define game development and its various disciplines.
    • Identify key game genres, platforms, and target audiences.
    • Understand the game development lifecycle.
    • Explore career paths in the game industry.
    • Explain core game design principles (e.g., fun, engagement, challenge).
    • Analyze the elements of successful games.
    • Discuss ethical considerations in game development.
    • Research the history and evolution of video games.
    • Compare and contrast different game engines.
    • Understand the basics of game design documentation.
• Module 2: Programming Fundamentals (C#):
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the fundamentals of programming.
    • Learn C# syntax, including variables, data types, operators, and expressions.
    • Master control flow statements (if-else, loops, switch).
    • Understand object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts: classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation.
    • Work with methods, functions, and parameters.
    • Understand data structures like arrays and lists.
    • Implement basic algorithms.
    • Debug code effectively.
    • Use a development environment (e.g., Visual Studio).
    • Write clean and efficient code.
• Module 3: Introduction to Unity Engine:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Navigate the Unity Editor interface.
    • Understand the concept of GameObjects and Components.
    • Manipulate GameObjects in the Scene view.
    • Use the Inspector window to modify Component properties.
    • Understand the Unity project structure.
    • Import and manage assets.
    • Write basic C# scripts in Unity.
    • Understand the Unity API.
    • Use the Unity documentation and community resources.
    • Create and manage scenes.
• Module 4: Game Design Principles:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand core game mechanics and gameplay loops.
    • Design engaging player experiences.
    • Implement effective level design principles.
    • Create intuitive UI/UX.
    • Understand player psychology and motivation.
    • Balance game difficulty.
    • Design compelling narratives and stories.
    • Implement game feel and polish.
    • Design for different target audiences.
    • Create and iterate on game prototypes.
• Module 5: 2D Game Development in Unity:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Use Unity’s 2D tools and workflows.
    • Work with sprites and tilemaps.
    • Implement 2D physics using colliders and rigidbodies.
    • Create 2D animations using animation controllers.
    • Implement 2D camera controls.
    • Design and implement UI for 2D games.
    • Optimize 2D game performance.
    • Publish 2D games to different platforms.
    • Implement 2D lighting and effects.
    • Work with 2D physics materials.
• Module 6: Version Control with Git:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the principles of version control.
    • Install and configure Git.
    • Create and manage Git repositories.
    • Commit changes and use branches.
    • Merge branches and resolve conflicts.
    • Use Git for collaborative development.
    • Understand Git workflows.
    • Use a Git hosting service (e.g., GitHub, GitLab).
    • Understand branching strategies.
    • Use Git for project management.
• Module 7: Introduction to Unreal Engine:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Navigate the Unreal Engine editor interface.
    • Understand the concept of Actors and Components.
    • Manipulate Actors in the viewport.
    • Use the Details panel to modify Component properties.
    • Understand the Unreal Engine project structure.
    • Import and manage assets.
    • Use Blueprints for visual scripting.
    • Understand the Unreal Engine API.
    • Use the Unreal Engine documentation and community resources.
    • Create and manage levels.
• Module 8: 3D Modeling Fundamentals:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand 3D modeling principles and terminology.
    • Navigate the 3D modeling software interface (Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max).
    • Create basic 3D shapes and manipulate them.
    • Understand polygon modeling and topology.
    • Create and edit meshes.
    • Understand UV unwrapping and texturing.
    • Export 3D models for game engines.
    • Understand different 3D modeling techniques.
    • Optimize 3D models for performance.
    • Create low-poly and high-poly models.

Phase 2: Advanced Game Development (Modules 9-24)

• Module 9: Advanced Unity Scripting:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Master advanced C# concepts: delegates, events, generics, lambda expressions, LINQ.
    • Implement design patterns for game development (e.g., Singleton, Factory, Observer).
    • Work with coroutines for asynchronous programming.
    • Optimize C# code for performance in Unity.
    • Implement advanced data structures and algorithms.
    • Use Unity’s debugging tools effectively.
    • Write unit tests for game code.
    • Understand memory management in Unity.
    • Implement serialization and deserialization of game data.
    • Work with external libraries and APIs.
• Module 10: Unity AI Programming:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Implement pathfinding using Unity’s NavMesh system.
    • Create AI behaviors using behavior trees or state machines.
    • Implement enemy AI for different game genres.
    • Design AI for non-player characters (NPCs).
    • Implement AI perception and decision-making.
    • Use AI tools and plugins.
    • Optimize AI performance.
    • Implement group AI and crowd simulations.
    • Design AI for different difficulty levels.
    • Implement AI for specific game mechanics.
• Module 11: Unity Game Physics:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand Unity’s physics engine.
    • Work with colliders, rigidbodies, and joints.
    • Implement different types of physics interactions.
    • Create realistic physics simulations.
    • Optimize physics performance.
    • Implement ragdoll physics.
    • Use physics for gameplay mechanics.
    • Work with physics materials.
    • Implement custom physics behaviors.
    • Debug physics issues.
• Module 12: Unity Animation and UI:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Create and manage animation controllers in Unity.
    • Implement different animation techniques (e.g., blending, transitions, layers).
    • Work with animation parameters and events.
    • Design and implement UI using Unity’s UI system.
    • Create interactive UI elements.
    • Implement UI animations and transitions.
    • Use UI for gameplay feedback and information.
    • Optimize UI performance.
    • Implement UI for different screen sizes and resolutions.
    • Work with UI prefabs.
• Module 13: Advanced Unreal Engine Blueprints:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Master advanced Blueprint concepts (e.g., macros, functions, events).
    • Implement complex game logic using Blueprints.
    • Create reusable Blueprint components.
    • Optimize Blueprint performance.
    • Debug Blueprints effectively.
    • Work with variables and data types in Blueprints.
    • Implement communication between Blueprints.
    • Use Blueprints for UI and gameplay.
    • Implement AI behaviors using Blueprints.
    • Integrate Blueprints with C++.
• Module 14: Unreal Engine C++ Integration:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the basics of C++ programming in Unreal Engine.
    • Create C++ classes and actors.
    • Expose C++ functionality to Blueprints.
    • Implement game logic in C++.
    • Optimize C++ code for performance.
    • Debug C++ code in Unreal Engine.
    • Work with Unreal Engine’s API.
    • Integrate C++ with Blueprints.
    • Implement custom game mechanics in C++.
    • Work with Unreal Engine’s build system.
• Module 15: Unreal Engine Level Design:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design and create levels in Unreal Engine.
    • Use Unreal Engine’s level editing tools.
    • Implement lighting and post-processing effects.
    • Optimize level performance.
    • Create immersive environments.
    • Work with landscape tools.
    • Implement level streaming.
    • Design levels for different game genres.
    • Create modular level assets.
    • Use Unreal Engine’s level scripting tools.
• Module 16: Unreal Engine Gameplay Framework:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand Unreal Engine’s gameplay framework.
    • Work with actors, components, and pawns.
    • Implement character movement and controls.
    • Create game modes and game states.
    • Implement player controllers and input.
    • Work with Unreal Engine’s replication system.
    • Implement game logic using the gameplay framework.
    • Customize the gameplay framework.
    • Create custom game modes.
    • Implement game-specific features.
• Module 17: Character Modeling in Maya/3ds Max:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Create character models using polygon modeling techniques.
    • Understand character topology and anatomy.
    • Create high-poly and low-poly character models.
    • Optimize character models for performance.
    • Create UV maps for character models.
    • Texture character models.
    • Rig character models for animation.
    • Create blend shapes for facial animation.
    • Export character models for game engines.
• Module 18: Character Animation in Maya/3ds Max:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Animate character models using keyframe animation and rigging.
    • Implement walk cycles, run cycles, and other character animations.
    • Create animation blends and transitions.
    • Work with motion capture data.
    • Implement facial animation.
    • Optimize character animations for performance.
    • Export character animations for game engines.
    • Create animation controllers.
    • Implement animation states.
• Module 19: Environment Art for Games:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Create environment assets for games.
    • Use 3D modeling software to create environment models.
    • Texture environment assets.
    • Optimize environment assets for performance.
    • Create level art using environment assets.
    • Implement lighting and post-processing effects in environments.
    • Create realistic and stylized environments.
    • Work with terrain tools.
    • Create modular environment assets.
    • Use environment art to enhance gameplay.
• Module 20: Game UI Design and Implementation:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design user interfaces for games.
    • Create UI elements using design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator).
    • Implement UI in game engines.
    • Create interactive UI elements.
    • Implement UI animations and transitions.
    • Use UI for gameplay feedback and information.
    • Optimize UI performance.
    • Implement UI for different screen sizes and resolutions.
    • Design UI for different game genres.
    • Conduct user testing for UI.
• Module 21: Game Audio Design:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the principles of game audio design.
    • Create sound effects for games.
    • Implement sound effects in game engines.
    • Work with game music.
    • Implement music in game engines.
    • Design and implement soundscapes.
    • Use audio middleware.
    • Optimize game audio performance.
    • Implement dynamic audio.
    • Create immersive audio experiences.
• Module 22: Special Effects for Games:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Create visual effects for games.
    • Use particle systems to create special effects.
    • Implement special effects in game engines.
    • Optimize special effects performance.
    • Create different types of special effects (e.g., explosions, fire, magic).
    • Use special effects to enhance gameplay.
    • Work with shaders.
    • Create custom special effects.
    • Implement special effects for different platforms.
    • Use special effects to create mood and atmosphere.
• Module 23: Game Design Documentation:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Create game design documents.
    • Write game proposals.
    • Design game mechanics.
    • Create level designs.
    • Design user interfaces.
    • Write narrative and story documents.
    • Create character profiles.
    • Design gameplay systems.
    • Document game features.
    • Create technical design documents.
• Module 24: Game Testing and Quality Assurance:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the principles of game testing.
    • Create test plans.
    • Conduct different types of game testing (e.g., functional testing, usability testing, performance testing).
    • Report bugs effectively.
    • Use bug tracking software.
    • Work with game development teams.
    • Understand quality assurance processes.
    • Implement quality assurance strategies.
    • Test games on different platforms.
    • Analyze game data.

Phase 3: Specialization and Project Development (Modules 25-40)

 

Game Design Specialization (Modules 25-28)

• Module 25: Advanced Game Mechanics Design:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design complex and engaging game mechanics.
    • Implement innovative game mechanics.
    • Balance game mechanics for different player skill levels.
    • Design game mechanics that support the game’s theme and narrative.
    • Prototype and iterate on game mechanics.
    • Analyze and evaluate game mechanics.
    • Design game mechanics for different game genres.
    • Design game mechanics for different target audiences.
    • Design game mechanics for different platforms.
    • Document game mechanics clearly and concisely.
• Module 26: Level Design and World Building:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design engaging and challenging game levels.
    • Create levels that support the game’s mechanics and narrative.
    • Use level design principles to create flow and pacing.
    • Design levels for different game genres.
    • Design levels for different target audiences.
    • Design levels for different platforms.
    • Use level design tools effectively.
    • Create level prototypes.
    • Iterate on level designs based on playtesting feedback.
    • Document level designs clearly and concisely.
• Module 27: Narrative Design and Storytelling:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design compelling game narratives and stories.
    • Create memorable characters and storylines.
    • Write game dialogue and scripts.
    • Implement narrative elements in game levels and mechanics.
    • Design branching narratives and multiple endings.
    • Use narrative techniques to create emotional impact.
    • Design narratives for different game genres.
    • Design narratives for different target audiences.
    • Document game narratives clearly and concisely.
    • Collaborate with writers and other creative team members.
• Module 28: User Experience (UX) Design for Games:
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Design user interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use.
    • Conduct user research and usability testing.
    • Design user interfaces for different platforms and input devices.
    • Implement user interface animations and transitions.
    • Design user interfaces that support the game’s mechanics and narrative.
    • Design user interfaces for different game genres.
    • Design user interfaces for different target audiences.
    • Document user interface designs clearly and concisely.
    • Collaborate with UI artists and programmers.
    • Analyze user data to improve user experience.

 

Phase 3: Specialization and Project Development (Modules 29-40)

 

Module 29: Project Conceptualization and Planning:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Brainstorm and generate game ideas.
  • Define the scope and features of the game.
  • Create a game design document (GDD).
  • Develop a project plan and timeline.
  • Identify team roles and responsibilities.
  • Set project milestones and deadlines.
  • Choose appropriate development tools and technologies.
  • Establish communication and collaboration workflows.
  • Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
  • Define the target audience and platform.

Module 30: Project Development and Implementation:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Implement game mechanics and features.
  • Create game assets (art, audio, code).
  • Integrate assets into the game engine.
  • Develop game levels and environments.
  • Implement UI and UX design.
  • Write and test game code.
  • Implement AI and physics systems.
  • Integrate game services (e.g., networking, analytics).
  • Regularly test and iterate on the game.

Module 31: Project Testing and Refinement:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Conduct thorough game testing (functional, usability, performance).
  • Identify and fix bugs and issues.
  • Gather and analyze playtesting feedback.
  • Iterate on game design and implementation based on feedback.
  • Optimize game performance.
  • Balance game difficulty and gameplay.
  • Polish game assets and features.
  • Prepare the game for release.
  • Create marketing materials and documentation.

Module 32: Project Presentation and Review:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Prepare a game presentation and demo.
  • Present the game to instructors and peers.
  • Receive and incorporate feedback on the game.
  • Reflect on the project development process.
  • Document lessons learned and best practices.
  • Prepare a post-mortem analysis of the project.
  • Showcase the game in a portfolio.
  • Prepare for project Q&A.
  • Evaluate team contributions.

Module 33: Game Networking and Multiplayer Development:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand network topologies and protocols.
  • Implement client-server and peer-to-peer architectures.
  • Develop multiplayer game features (e.g., matchmaking, chat, leaderboards).
  • Handle network latency and packet loss.
  • Secure game networks.
  • Optimize network performance.
  • Work with network libraries and APIs.
  • Implement real-time communication.
  • Design multiplayer game mechanics.
  • Debug network issues.

Module 34: Mobile Game Development:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand mobile game development considerations.
  • Optimize game performance for mobile devices.
  • Implement touch controls and input.
  • Work with mobile platforms (iOS, Android).
  • Integrate mobile SDKs and services.
  • Design mobile-friendly UI and UX.
  • Publish games to mobile app stores.
  • Implement in-app purchases and monetization strategies.
  • Understand mobile game marketing and user acquisition.
  • Optimize game size and download time.

Module 35: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Development:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand VR/AR development principles.
  • Work with VR/AR headsets and devices.
  • Implement VR/AR interactions and controls.
  • Design 3D models and environments for VR/AR.
  • Optimize VR/AR performance.
  • Implement VR/AR user interfaces.
  • Work with VR/AR SDKs and platforms.
  • Design immersive VR/AR experiences.
  • Develop VR/AR games and applications.
  • Test and debug VR/AR projects.

Module 36: Game Audio Design and Implementation:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand sound design principles and techniques.
  • Create and edit sound effects and music.
  • Implement audio in game engines.
  • Work with audio middleware (e.g., FMOD, Wwise).
  • Design and implement soundscapes and ambient audio.
  • Implement dynamic audio and interactive music.
  • Optimize audio performance.
  • Use audio to enhance gameplay and immersion.
  • Work with voice acting and dialogue.
  • Implement audio for different game genres.

Module 37: Project Polishing and Optimization:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Polish game assets and features.
  • Optimize game performance and stability.
  • Implement final bug fixes and improvements.
  • Refine gameplay and user experience.
  • Prepare the game for showcasing and publishing.
  • Create marketing materials and documentation.
  • Implement analytics and tracking.
  • Optimize the game for different platforms.
  • Prepare the game for certification.
  • Create a final build of the game.

Module 38: Portfolio Development and Presentation:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Create a professional game development portfolio.
  • Showcase game projects and contributions.
  • Write a compelling portfolio description.
  • Design an effective portfolio website or platform.
  • Prepare a portfolio presentation.
  • Practice presenting the portfolio to potential employers.
  • Tailor the portfolio to specific job applications.
  • Highlight relevant skills and experience.
  • Get feedback on the portfolio.
  • Update the portfolio regularly.

Module 39: Job Search Strategies and Networking:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify job opportunities in the game industry.
  • Network with game developers and industry professionals.
  • Build a professional online presence.
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Use job search websites and platforms.
  • Prepare a resume and cover letter.
  • Practice interview skills.
  • Follow up with potential employers.
  • Negotiate job offers.

Module 40: Interview Preparation and Mock Interviews:

 

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand different types of job interviews.
  • Prepare for technical interviews and coding challenges.
  • Practice answering common interview questions.
  • Develop questions to ask interviewers.
  • Participate in mock interviews with instructors and peers.
  • Receive feedback on interview performance.
  • Research potential employers.
  • Dress professionally for interviews.
  • Follow up after interviews.
  • Negotiate salary and benefits.