A Sneak Peek into Ontario Tech’s Game Development and Interactive Media Program

Are you interested in designing video games? If so, this may be the best program for you!

This article was written by Safa Nazir, an Ontario Tech University student.

All of our programs at Ontario Tech University are diverse and bring their own charm. Keep reading for a sneak peek into what our Game Development and Interactive Media program looks like. I cover some of the aspects of the program that make it an enriching and exciting experience and give you a preview of some of the games our students have produced.

Here are six features of the program that I enjoy and think you will too:

1. Understanding the fundamentals

Before making complex and detailed games, you must start at the very beginning. After all, you need to understand the basics before diving into the deep end. First-year courses will cover everything from programming to game design to 2D animation, to ensure you have the required foundational knowledge.

These courses introduce you to basic concepts and prepare you for Game Development workshops. These workshops provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in semester-long game-related projects, where you get to develop your own game!

2. Smaller class sizes

Game Development at Ontario Tech is a comparatively smaller program — meaning that you'll have less than 100 students in your undergraduate years! This means you can get to know all your classmates well since you'll see the same people every day.

It also gives you a chance to have a closer relationship with your professors and teaching assistants. You can talk to them if you have any questions, want to have a chat, or require any professional advice.

Be sure to take advantage of the office hours your professors hold. Having your professors get to really know you can provide you with better reference letters and can help you network in the field! Trust me, they are not as scary as you may think.

3. Emphasis on technical skills

Although we study all aspects of development, more focus is put on technology and programming. Don't worry if you haven't done any coding before — as mentioned before, we start from the very basics.

Learning these technical skills will help you excel in your classes by providing you with an understanding of the mechanics of game programming.

4. Improving teamwork and adaptation skills

You may prefer to work on your own, and the idea of working in a group can be a little intimidating. If you feel this way, don't worry, it's totally normal. Fortunately, this program is all about learning how to work in a team and communicate better with your peers. Improving your teamwork and leadership skills is crucial for your success, as it will help you learn how to network and develop relationships in the field.

The Game Development program at Ontario Tech does a fantastic job of teaching you how to develop those skills. Which will also help boost your people skills and confidence in the long run. If you're shy, that's ok; it'll get easier the more you actively participate in group projects and presentations.

5. Learn how to make amazing games

The most important skill you'll get out of the Game Development program at Ontario Tech is learning how to make video games. You'll go through the entire development process from start to finish and see what goes into making your idea a reality.

Over the course of the program, you'll be making 2D and 3D games and have the chance to work on several other projects beginning in your first semester. We also hold an annual GameCon event where our students showcase their games to the public. It's such a rewarding feeling to finally be able to show off what you've been working on throughout the year!

6. Examples of student work

Here's just a taste of what kinds of games our students have made:

• Roboat Racing — Third-year game
• Dodge Bomb — Second-year game
• Pulse — First-year game

These are only some of the possibilities in the Game Development program at our university! You'll have many opportunities to express your creativity through assignments, workshops, experiential learning, and much more.

Our program has many features that make it a wonderfully fulfilling experience. The lessons you learn in class and the knowledge you gain through hands-on learning will prepare you for a career in the field.