Game Production in Simulation and Immersive Technology

Award Type

Diploma

Duration

18 months

Credits

90

Cost

Domestic Students: $53,250

Program Starts

Programs begin 4 times per year

*Bachelor’s Degree includes all diploma program time and costs.

Overview

The Game Production in Simulation and Immersive Technology Diploma builds on the complete Game Production curriculum, adding two specialized blocks focused on VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), XR (Extended Reality), and simulation design.

Students begin by mastering game design fundamentals, including hard surface modeling (vehicles, buildings, props), texturing, lighting, and look development. Using industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine and Maya, they create playable levels, interactive environments, and advanced modular assets. Key topics include real-time pipelines, game interactions, physics, FX, and environment management.

In the final two blocks, students advance their skills into immersive technologies. They design dynamic VR/AR simulations for gaming, military training, and medical applications, focusing on user interaction and real-world integration. Graduates complete the program with a professional portfolio showcasing immersive experiences and simulation-ready environments, prepared for careers in various industries.

Software Taught

  • Autodesk Maya
  • Unreal Engine
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Substance Painter
  • Nuke
  • Quixel Suite
  • ZBrush
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe After Effects

What You’ll Learn

  • Foundational Game Development: Asset creation, level design, and gameplay mechanics.
  • Immersive Simulations: VR/AR development for interactive training and games.
  • Dynamic Environments: Build engaging, realistic simulations for practical and entertainment applications.

Course Curriculum

  • DAVE 110 Visual Effects Foundations
  • DAVE 210 Digital Production
  • GAME 310 Level Design & Mechanics
  • GAME 405 Advanced Game Production
  • GPS 510 Introduction to Simulation
  • GPS 610 Advanced Simulation Development

DAVE 110 Fundamentals of Asset Creation & 3D Design img

Learn 3D modeling and digital sculpting techniques for feature films and video games. Students gain expertise in UV mapping, texturing, and integrating assets into real-time pipelines.

DAVE 310 Game Asset Creation & Immersive Techniques img

Master computer animation, including camera and vehicle animation, rigging, and character performance for film and gaming.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110

DAVE 210 3D Animation: The Art of Motion

Design playable game levels, refine gameplay mechanics, and focus on user experience.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210

Game 405 Real-Time Technologies & Studio Production

Work in team-based environments on large-scale projects that prepare students for industry workflows.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310

Explore VR/AR basics, simulation design principles, and create interactive training environments.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310, GAME 405

Build advanced VR/AR simulations and interactive systems for industries like military training and medical visualization.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310, GAME 405, GPS 510

Course Curriculum

DAVE 101 Digital Modeling and Sculpting img

Learn 3D modeling and digital sculpting techniques for feature films and video games. Students gain expertise in UV mapping, texturing, and integrating assets into real-time pipelines.

dave game generic

Master computer animation, including camera and vehicle animation, rigging, and character performance for film and gaming.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110

DAVE 302 Advanced Asset Creation & Look Development img

Design playable game levels, refine gameplay mechanics, and focus on user experience.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210

Game 402 Real Time Rendering & Emerging Technologies

Work in team-based environments on large-scale projects that prepare students for industry workflows.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310

Explore VR/AR basics, simulation design principles, and create interactive training environments.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310, GAME 405

Build advanced VR/AR simulations and interactive systems for industries like military training and medical visualization.

Prerequisite: DAVE 110, DAVE 210, GAME 310, GAME 405, GPS 510

Portfolio Highlights

  • VR/AR projects for training and interactive environments.
  • Simulations applied to gaming, military training, and healthcare.

Grad Spotlight

 “I started the Game Production program without any prior artistic abilities, and my career began shortly after.”

— Cheick Kamagate, Animator, The Last of Us Part II

Student achievements

DAVE School consistently produces skilled graduates who are uniquely prepared for industry positions.

See all

Student achievements

DAVE School consistently produces skilled graduates who are uniquely prepared for industry positions.

See all

Located on the backlot of Universal Studios, Florida, The DAVE School is an academic unit of NUC University. NUC University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).