Design and build worlds, and develop critical thinking.
The role of a game designer is to create gameplay and visualizing the rules and parameters on which the game world must exist. To do so, a game designer must be sensitive and aware of the characteristics that take place within the confines of the virtual environment. A game designer is aware of the outcomes of decisions, be they are technical or philosophical in nature. This is achieved through critical thinking, analysis of the content and its purpose. The game designer's skills, be they technical or artistic in nature, has at its core, verbal, written and visual communication. This would also give avenues for employment to non-Art and non-Engineering students within the game and simulation industries.
The Game Design minor is designed to present students with a professional game studio environment. This will provide an avenue for students who have an interest in the game/simulation development environment to explore that industry as well as identify where their particular aptitudes might be applicable. The curriculum is designed to be approachable from multiple disciplines thus allowing students to create a unique meaningful learning experience. Students who are already enrolled in the game and simulation programs will be able to explore to greater depths other complementary fields of study without requiring multiple majors.