Animation Game Design

Kent State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Animation Game Design introduces students to the exciting world of interactive, time-based, and digital media through concentrations in Animation and Game Design. 

Program Introduction

This program allows students to create digital media works such as cartoons, digital and non-digital games, motion graphics, 3D walkthroughs, simulations, and virtual reality environments while learning contemporary concepts in their respective concentration. All students take core courses which introduce them to the current state of the animation and game industries while building their skills with a variety of industry-standard technologies for 2D graphics, 3D models, digital sculpting, and simple animation. Once a student moves into their concentration, they engage knowledge and perspectives in their area of specialization through collaborative creative projects directed by our faculty of active industry professionals. 

Degree Availability 

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Fully offered at the following campuses: 

• Tuscarawas

• Stark 

• Kent

Animation Game Design Major concentrations:

• Animation involves bringing motion to still objects or, more traditionally, displaying a sequence of still images to create the illusion of life. Animation can tell or story, present events, or explain complex ideas via simulations, scripted films, or even via turntable models in portfolios.

  Students who choose the Animation Concentration learn the principles, concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures of both two- and three-dimensional animation, rooted in classical techniques and studies of the Principles of Animation. They use these technologies, tools, and skills to create short animations for both storytelling, interactive, time-based, and interactive applications.  This process is also important for the workflow of real-time rendering in a 3D game engine to build experiences and can include animation, interactive elements, conventional camera work, and virtual reality experiences. 

• Game Design involves understanding the interactions between users and interfaces that include some playful element such as points, rewards, competition, or role-play. Like animation, games may tell a story or may use simulated dynamics to create action. 

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  Students who choose the Game Design Concentration develop competencies with industry-standard game development engines by creating a series of increasingly complex game projects – from non-digital tabletop games, to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional games, as well as mobile and virtual reality applications. As they develop these technological skills, students learn the principles of shaping games into positive or thought-provoking user experiences.  Students in this program prepare interactive works for platforms such as personal computers, smart phones and game consoles. They also create works used not only for entertainment, but simulation, training, and measuring educational outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Animation and Game Design programs normally work in studios specializing in 2D and 3D digital graphics, architectural visualization, virtual and augmented reality, interactive training simulations, as well as the broadcast and entertainment industries. As a field where professionals routinely integrate the work of multiple visual and audio media, students are encouraged to work collaboratively across disciplines. Our selection of major electives likewise offers students pathways for building skills and knowledge in related areas. Our graduates are employed in recent years at the companies below:

• Moving Picture Company, Montreal, Quebec- Visual effects artist 
• High Moon Studios, San Diego, CA - Associate level designer
• Epic Games, Raleigh, NC - Game capture specialist
• Enhearten Media, Queensland, Australia - Social media manager
• Strife AI, Akron, OH - artist/animator
• Objective Reality Games, Chillicothe, OH - Artist/animator 
• Roundtable Learning, Chagrin Falls, OH - 3D Designer
• Smolen Engineering, Ltd., Jefferson, OH - Drafting Technician 
• DataField Technology Services, Worthington, OH - Illustrator/3D Artist
• EAC Product Development Solution, Minneapolis, MN - Technical Instructor
• EA Games, Redwood City, CA - Associate Technical Artist
• Cloud Imperium Games, Los Angeles, CA - Character Technical Artist
• AlterVerse, Inc., Lake Shore, MN - Quest Gameplay Designer
• Hoversport Studios LLC, Lakewood, OH 
• Gylee Games, Cincinnati, OH - Level Designer

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science degree in Animation Game Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Computer/Technology Suggested Specifications

Windows is the preferred operating system over Mac so that students may run the Windows-only Unreal Engine (required software) on their computers.

• Set a budget first and foremost, then shop to match your budget.
• Processor: Some type of AMD Ryzen /Intel i5 / i7 eight core CPU (minimum).
• Minimum 16 GB of system RAM, 32 GB is better for running multiple development tools at once.
• Minimum GTX 1660 / 1060 GPU (4-6GB video memory, minimum) Minimum of Solid State Disk (SSD) for windows + applications + regular HDD (for storage of other files) if at all possible. 500 GB - 1 TB capacity preferred. 
• Laptops cost more due to being compact and portable compared to a desktop system. CPU and GPU upgrades also cost a great deal more if they are available.

We also strongly advise buying a drawing tablet (though it's not required). We recommend Wacom brand tablets since that is what our lab computers have drivers for. The Wacom Intuos tablet line has several options under $100. There is also an educational discount for students once your kent.edu email is provided.

Students interested in this degree should contact:

Faculty:

Professor Chris Totten, 330-308-7567 | ctotten@kent.edu 
Professor Lori Bears, 330-308-7438 | lbears@kent.edu

Academic Advisors:

Tuscarawas Campus: Beth Franz, 330-308-7510 | bfranz@kent.edu
Stark Campus: Jami McIntyre, 330-244-3260 | jmcint28@kent.edu
Kent Campus: Laurie Donley, 330-339-3391 | ldonley@kent.edu

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