Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development

Degree Level 1

Students will be exposed to the fundamental knowledge, practices, terminologies and workflows of the game development industry ranging from game art, game design and game technology (programming). In this first year, students will also acquire the basic technical skills in video games depending on their chosen area of specialisation. They will also develop personal and organisational skills, as well as nurture creativity and innovation.

Common Modules

• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
• Principles of Game Art
• Principles of Game Design
• Principles of Game Technology
• Game Development Fundamentals
• Game Development Team Project 1

Specialised Modules - Game Art Track

• Texturing Essentials
• Introduction to 3D Modelling
• Art Fundamentals

Specialised Modules - Game Technology Track

• Introduction to C++ Programming
• Mathematics for Games
• Data Structures and Algorithms

Degree Level 2

In-depth technical skills, understanding of pipelines and workflows will be introduced here. Students will also be trained to work in groups simulating a studio project environment with the task of producing a workable video game concept and product. Nurturing their creativity and innovation as well as independent learning is emphasised to prepare them for the workplace.

Common Modules

• Innovation Process
• Research Methods for Computing and Technology
• Game Business and Publishing
• Game Development Team Project 2
• Game Development Team Project 3

Specialised Modules - Game Art Track

• Visual Ideation and Concept Art for Games
• 3D Modelling for Games
• 3D Workflow and Design
• Advanced 3D Modelling for Games
• Introduction to Gameplay Animation
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Specialised Modules - Game Technology Track

• Applied Mechanics and Progressive Game Engines
• Advanced C++
• Requirements Engineering
• Game Optimization and Performance
• Performant Rendering with C++
•  

Internship (16 Weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Degree Level 3

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to extend their familiarity in the field of game development and to refine their personal and professional development. Students will move further into advanced techniques in their chosen area of specialisation. A final year project requires them to investigate and develop their portfolio, and they will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to combine technical knowledge, teamwork, critical thinking and analytical skills to produce a game development prototype. They will also be given an opportunity to take electives that will expand their skillsets to technical arts, technical design or even game design.

Common Modules

• Venture Building
• Project Management
• Investigations Module
• Game Development Final Year Project

Specialised Modules - Game Art Track

• Advanced Gameplay Animation
• World Building

Specialised Modules - Game Technology Track

• Advanced Game Engine Application
• Graphics and Shader Programming

Elective Modules (Choose 2)

• Character Development and Storytelling for Games
• Game World Creation
• Game Level Design
• UX/UI for Games
• Artificial Intelligence for Games
• Mobile Game Development

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.) 

Game Development @ APU

Game Development is the processes, techniques, theories and practices related to the creation of predominantly digital games but can also extend to non-digital games as well as game-based applications. It is a process that involves a combination of multi-disciplinary sets of knowledge and skills ranging from programming to psychology; and from artistic flair to business acumen. The game development process may involve just a single individual or a team of people working for a large development studio.

Game Development is a fusion of three major disciplines, namely Game Technology, Game Art and Game Design. The industry can also be expanded to a broad umbrella of serious games, educational games and table-top games.

Our Success Stories, Our Pride in the Computer Games industry.

Wan Hazmer - Ex-Lead Game Designer of Final Fantasy XV, Square Enix and Founder, CEO and Game Director at Metronomik Sdn Bhd

Years before joining SQUARE ENIX Tokyo in 2010, Hazmer was a student in APIIT. He became a programmer in an advertising agency, then moved on to lecturing in APU while creating indie games on the side. In 2008, he took the great leap to Tokyo to join the Japanese game industry. After working on FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 as a Game Designer, he now brings life to the exotic locales of FINAL FANTASY XV as Lead Game Designer of the Culture Team, mixing the real and fantastic to achieve new levels of immersive gameplay.

In December 2017, with aims to contribute to the Malaysian gaming industry scene, Hazmer returned to Malaysia and founded Metronomik Sdn Bhd. With his contribution, we anticipate the formation of a new realm of games development within the country.

Jussi Pekka Tuomi - Developer of Flail Rider and Super Flail Rider

Jussi graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development at APU. When he was a full-time student from Finland, Jussi is also the Developer of Flail Rider, a game inspired by his Ludum Dare project. To date, the game has been downloaded for more than 2 million copies on App Store and Google Play. In January 2017, Jussi participated the Taipei Game Show, in which he demonstrated his creation to over 400,000 computer games enthusiasts.

APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme

Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

Double Your Advantage

• APU's partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK enables students to be awarded Dual Awards - separate degree certificates from each institution – and enhances not just teaching and learning experiences, but also career prospects.
• Upon graduation, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts: 1 from APU, Malaysia and 1 from DMU, UK.
• Both degrees are recognised locally & internationally.
• The APU-DMU Dual Degree Programmes are offered under an approved collaboration in accordance with the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education as published by the United Kingdom Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).