West Virginia University, through a partnership with Gatlin Education Services, offers online career training services for adults who want to attain skills for a career in Video Game Design and Development.

Computer Requirements
This course is currently compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.

Your computer should meet the following hardware and software requirements upon registration:

Hardware Requirements

• Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 98/2000/Millenium/XP
• Processor:  Pentium II+/AMD Athlon (750MHz or greater)
• System Memory:  256 MB+
• Video:  3D Hardware Accelerator w/128MB+ on-board memory DirectX 9.0/Open GL Compliant
• Disk:  1 GB+ uncompressed
• Sound:  DirectSound compliant sound card

Software Requirements

• Microsoft Visual C++6.0 or higher (.NET recommended)
• Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Software Development Kit
• Download at:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.asp

Materials
Gatlin Education Services will provide the required textbook, Physics for Game Developers, and Visual Studio software upon registration.

Background
Developing and managing the complex environments for games and related visualization applications is a challenging task, but with the right training and with professional guidance, the challenge becomes much less daunting.  Using a comprehensive and analytical approach to game engine architectures, this program offers students the opportunity to learn how to effectively implement game ideas.

Course Goal
The Video Game Design and Development program is an appropriate starting point for students who seek a professional career as a game developer.  It is also well-suited for enthusiastic amateurs and gamers looking to explore this exciting field as a recreational endeavor.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this online program are:

• To provide students with the core programming language skills necessary for game development.
• To provide students with a sufficient level of proficiency in the areas of mathematics common to almost all game projects.
• To provide students with a thorough understanding of the main concepts involved in real-time 3D graphics programming.

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offered for 500 hours.  The student can register at any time during the year.  Cost is $1,995 per student.  A certificate for course completion will be issued.

Prerequisite(s)

A reasonable familiarity with computers and a background in high school level mathematics is all that is assumed.  No prior game or graphics programming experience is necessary.

Overview/Subject Matter

1. C++ Programming for Game Developers I
2. C++ Programming for Game Developers II
3. Math Primer
4. Graphics Programming with DirectX 9 I
5. Game Mathematics
6. Graphics Programming with DirectX 9 II
7. Artificial Intelligence for Game Developers
8. Physics for Game Developers

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy
Any cancellation and refund request must be submitted in writing by the student to WVU Extended Learning. A $50 processing fee will be charged to the student for a cancellation requested before materials (books) are mailed to the student. If the student cancels within ten days after the materials are mailed to the student, then a $100 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within five days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. If the student cancels any time between eleven and thirty days after the materials ae mailed to the student, then a $300 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within 5 days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. No other refunds will be considered.