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Designer
Study Guide
THIS COURSE
LEADS TO A CITY &
GUILDS ACCREDITED
QUALIFICATION
Designer
Preface
Welcome to Train2Game, a world first and totally unique way to start a career as a games development professional in
the fast-moving video games industry!
So why do people want to become professionals in this demanding field? Aside from the sheer excitement and sense of
achievement, one of the key reasons is that the games industry is now larger than the movie and music industries, despite
its humble beginnings as an enthusiasts pursuit. So big is the industry now, there is still a shortfall of experienced,
qualified people. So, not only is there a real motive to join this thriving business, there is also real opportunity!
Naturally games are fun, but making games is a serious business with excellent career progression. Train2Game provides
people with the opportunity to turn their passion for games into a very real vocation.
Having been conceived by the games industry itself, Train2Game courses provide students with the means to develop
a career in the most popular branches of game development. The courses offer an insight into the industry, as well as
advice to ensure students and their work stand out from the crowd and are taken seriously by potential employers at
interview.
Our modular approach to learning also makes excellent use of our varied course material, whether you wish to specialise
solely in a particular discipline, or gain a wider empathy with other roles. For example, all of our courses are supplied with
a Study Points allowance that you can spend as you wish on course modules from any of our courses, provided that you
acquire/study all of the compulsory modules in your chosen discipline.
This allows you, for example, to study all of the programming core modules, in addition to one or two from our art course
and maybe another from our game design course should you choose. Alternatively you could study the core programming
modules and then the optional programming modules that offer further insight into specific topics such as AI or multi-core
programming.
There are many ways to learn the skills necessary for a career in the games industry. A number of universities in the UK
present courses in games design, programming, art and animation. These courses are usually three years in duration and
result in a BA or BSc honours degree. The Open University also offers a series of computer science, art and animation
courses. Whilst the Open University courses are less focused on the specific needs of the games industry, they are
nonetheless relevant options for any potential student.
And of course there is Train2Game, which offers relevant and current games industry content. Each of these study
options offers a potential avenue into the games industry and each route has its own advantages. Career choice is a
significant decision, so students are encouraged to seek guidance from their careers advisors on the most appropriate
way forward in relation to their individual circumstances and life choices.
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Train2Game Overview
The Train2Game team has worked closely with leading games industry figures and training specialists to produce a
series of games industry specific training courses. A list of the course contributors can be found at the end of this booklet.
It has also been produced in collaboration with numerous working artists, designers, programmers and so forth. This
professional collaboration has generated a series of extremely high quality, industry relevant training courses that are
available to Train2Game students.
The vast blended learning experience provided by MIS the UKs most successful blended learning company together
with DR Studios proven and successful games industry track record gives the courses both technical superiority and
superb learning infrastructure such that Train2Game can offer highly effective blended learning opportunities that are
current, relevant and industry supported.
Train2Game has been created by the games industry for the games industry.
The courses offered by Train2Game have been designed to enable the student to learn industry-specific skills in a variety
of core disciplines; these are the same skills and techniques used by games development teams across the world today.
Train2Game has designed its courses to offer approachable and unintimidating content that is appealing to work through
and geared towards a progressive learning curve.
Studying at an average of 10-15 hours a week will see students complete their courses in approximately 18 to 24 months
depending on the module choices they make.
Train2Game courses are completely unique insofar as they use current games technology and development tools
throughout the course syllabus. Train2Game teaches games development in a highly focused way. From day one of the
course training syllabus, the student will be working towards building a skill-set that is relevant and, more importantly,
actually required by the UK development community.
Students of a Train2Game course do not need to have previous experience in design, programming, QA or art and
animation techniques, though of course any experience will stand them in good stead. They will however, depending
on their chosen course, need a good understanding of maths, an analytical and creative mind, and the ability to work
within complex technical software environments. Most crucially, the student needs to show a commitment and a passion
towards gaming.
As all Train2Game courses are home-based and use a proprietary website to interact with lecturers, course tutors,
submittal of assessments and receipt of course updates, a good PC and Internet connection are required by the student
T2G Designer
Modular Structure
Whichever course you choose, you will be credited with a quantity of
study points that can be used to acquire the modules that are of
most interest to you. The points allocation you receive will be
sufficient to study all of the modules on the course in its entirety.
All of our courses comprise a number of core modules that
must be studied in order to fully qualify in that particular
discipline, in addition to further optional modules offering
specialisations within that same field.
There are even enough study points* for you to also choose
selected modules from ANY other Train2Game courses,
subject to the prerequisites shown on the module header
having been studied and passed. This enables you to widen the
scope of your knowledge base and become more specialist in
disciplines that are of specific interest to you.
* Our QA Tester course includes sufficient points for all modules within that course only.
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Study Methods
In order to get the most from the courses, it is vital that you set some rules and objectives for yourself. Even more
important is that you observe them!
What, when and how you study are all interrelated, and it is important that you set consistent guidelines for yourself in
these key areas:
The What
The what relates to the module choices you make: all courses comprise a series of core and optional modules. You
only need study the core modules in order to gain your diploma, but you receive sufficient points* to study further
optional modules, and even some modules from other courses.
You are urged to use every last point you have of your allowance in order to squeeze in as much benefit from the
courses as you can. Just as importantly, it helps to have an idea of the kind of areas of development you wish
to focus on.
For example, if you want to become a programmer looking after visuals and networking, it will be a good idea to study
the core programming modules, the optional networking module, and a module or two from the art course. Likewise if
you wish to become an artist specialising in Unity, you could study all of the art modules and still have enough study
points left over to study the Unity module from the Designer course.
Because our courses are so flexible, you are urged to download the plans-of-courses for each of them, in order to
determine the flow of modules most appropriate to the career path you wish to follow. Even if you have some spare
study points leftover, its worth identifying other paths your career might take and then studying for a plan B too.
* Our QA Tester course includes sufficient points for all modules within the course only.
T2G Designer
Weekly review; it is important to monitor your progress in order to review your time management practices, and
amend them if necessary.
Learn to prioritise your assignments; schedule out the bigger tasks so as not to leave them all to the end of a
module.
When time issues make you think you do not have time for the next task, reschedule a smaller task so that you
can still progress in a shorter study period.
Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your studying is finished; schedule your study period as a
part of your everyday life!
Meeting Challenges
Solve problems; train yourself to be a problem solver and think of them as an opportunity to progress, not
something to be afraid of.
Studying can be stressful, be mindful of this. Take a break, set realistic goals, and finish a task, no matter how
small, to help build confidence.
Find your own study place. This can be a dedicated room or a kitchen table, but whilst you are using it to study
get in to the mindset that it is your classroom, your study area.
Learn to identify distractions that cause you to stop studying and isolate them.
Use free time to extend your study periods (waiting at a bus stop, in a queue, walking to work or school), prepare
study/flash cards to help you.
Review your previous lessons material and notes at the start of every study period.
Practice, practice and then practice some more. You need to put into practice what you are learning, find
opportunities to do this in your everyday life.
If a problem appears too large, put it aside and let it sit awhile. The answer may just come to you if you relax a
little and move on to a different task.
Most problems have many solutions, try thinking about alternative answers.
To fail can be valuable if you learn from your failures, so do not be afraid to push your own limits.
Ask others. If it is a problem for you, others may have solved it before, but also try to understand why theirs is a
good solution, so you learn from it.
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Accredited by TIGA.
Includes all of the necessary software applications and tools necessary for course completion
Features the Student World Internet support structure that is available 24 hours a day.
Provides tutor support available on the phone, by email or webmail, 7 days a week.
Utilises leading industry professionals as guest lecturers who make regular web presentations.
Maintains an international job placement programme for its graduates using specialist games industry
recruitment.
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Modularity
All our courses feature a flexible module-based structure to enhance your learning! You can select and combine modules
to cover the exact mix of skills you wish to develop. Even better, all of the modules on this course are available to all other
course disciplines we cover, and all of the modules from those courses are also available to this course, subject to some
simple conditions outlined below (the study points allowance and prerequisites topics).
The only condition is that some modules are marked core and have to be studied on their primary course, e.g. core
Developer modules have to be studied by anyone taking the Developer course, but are otherwise optional for other course
choices such as Designer.
Provided that you at least study the core modules for your own course, you will be able to undertake the final exams for
that course. If you wish, you can go on to study any optional modules before or after these exams up to your study points
allowance for this course (shown clearly in the coming pages).
Study Points Allowance
The cost of this course includes the study points allowance shown overleaf for you to spend on modules as you choose.
There are sufficient points to cover all core and optional modules on this course, with enough left over to study a few
selected modules from any of our other courses.
Unused study points cannot be refunded.
All modules have a clearly-defined points value associated with them, these are the values to deduct from your allowance.
Prerequisites
To help you decide which extra modules to study, modules are all marked with prerequisites shown in red, amber or
green. Green means open to all courses, amber means there are recommended prerequisites and red means there are
compulsory prerequisites.
In order to see the full range of modules, you will need to download course plans for any other course(s) that interest you.
Subject to prerequisites being met (and having sufficient study points), you can choose any core or optional modules
from other courses, but remember you must study the core modules from this course as a minimum.
Final Grades
Please be aware that your final grade/qualification will in no way be affected by your choice of additional modules; the
core modules for your own course will be sufficient to allow you to qualify (subject to a final exam).
Any additional modules you study are purely to enhance and maximise your own learning experience and help you
pursue your chosen career path.
T2G Designer
620
440
550
All modules have a cost associated with them; you must deduct these
costs from your initial allowance shown above.
Any unused points after you have studied the core modules may be spent
on this course or any of our others as you wish, or even not at all.
40 Points
Prerequisites: None
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40 Points
Prerequisites: None
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30 Points
Prerequisites: None
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40 Points
Prerequisites: None
Lesson 2 MMOGs
Design considerations for Massively Multiplayer
Pay to play and free to play
Lesson 4 Choices
Avoiding getting stuck, critical path
Landmarks, sub-goals
Navigable areas, player choices
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40 Points
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40 Points
Lesson 3 Structure
Level separation
Level order
The components of a level
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40 Points
Prerequisites: None
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40 Points
Prerequisites: None
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40 Points
Lesson 2 Consistency
Story bible
Script
Flowchart
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50 Points
Prerequisites: None
Lesson 3 Storytelling
Storytelling
Character development
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40 Points
Prerequisites: None
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Prerequisites: None
Lesson 3 Analytics
Analytics
Important metrics such as DAU and ARPU
Improving player retention
Prerequisites: None
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Prerequisites: None
Lesson 1 GameSalad
Introduction and overview
Benefits and drawbacks
Comparison and walkthrough
Lesson 2 Stencyl
Introduction and overview
Benefits and drawbacks
Comparison and walkthrough
Lesson 3 GameMaker
Introduction and overview
Benefits and drawbacks
Comparison and walkthrough
Lesson 4 Unreal/UDK
Introduction and overview
Benefits and drawbacks
Comparison and walkthrough
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Prerequisites: None
Lesson 1 Building a CV
CV writing tips
Covering letters
Portfolios
Lesson 3 Interviews
Interview tips
Likely questions
Follow-up
Role
Module Choices*
Pts
Used
Pts
Spare
470
150
520
100
Junior Designer
Des Core
D15
UI Designer
Des Core
A2
Technical Designer
Des Core
D12-15
550
70
Game Designer/Developer
Des Core
P2-4
590
30
A7
The table above should help to guide you through the possible module choices that you may wish to pursue, however if
you need further assistance in choosing any compatible modules to absorb your points allowance please call your tutor
team who will be pleased to offer advice and guidance.
*This is only one such path to illustrate how you might use your study points
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Guarantee
When the College receives the student assessment it is double-checked by highly trained tutors in order to maintain
College standards.
The corrected work is returned to the student. It is because Train2Games quality standards are so rigorously maintained
that it is able to support its training with a guarantee of success.
Your Guarantee
With Train2Games vast industry expertise combined with
TIGAs accreditation and exam advisory board we are
confident that you will enjoy the best possible chance of
success with your chosen course.
By fully engaging with the study material you are assured
of a new skill-set and will successfully achieve a valuable
qualification. In the event that you do not achieve the
marks required to pass you will be given the opportunity
to re-sit your exams and revisit marked assignments at no
extra cost for as long as you continue to fully commit to
the course.
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Notes
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Notes
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