Diploma in Game Development & Technology

About the Course

Build your very own game!

Keen to be skilled in programming and computer logic to develop PC, mobile and console games?

Want to immerse yourself in cool technologies such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and prepare for hot roles in the gaming industry?

Discover how you can hone your technical and soft skills to succeed through this robust curriculum – curated by experienced game developers, for aspiring game developers.

The Diploma in Game Development & Technology is for you if you are curious about what runs under the hood in video games, and can’t wait to code and develop your own.

Benefits

Learn in-depth technical skills to develop and programme games.
Discover trends and be skilled in emerging technologies such as extended reality.
Develop games on the PlayStation® platform. NYP is the only educational institution in Southeast Asia that has authorised access to the development kits.
Learn with industry leaders like Ubisoft and Epic Games coming on board to co-teach you. Look forward to projects and internship programmes.
Learn multiple disciplines concurrently with an integrated learning approach. This makes you an agile professional who can work seamlessly across many sectors.
Earn industry certifications from our partners like Epic Games in addition to your diploma.

NYP Professional Competency Model (NYP-PCM) - its unique features

Industry Relevance

Endorsed by industry leaders like Ubisoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment, it is informed by real industry intelligence and needs.

Professional Accreditation

You gain additional industry certifications while you complete your diploma, putting you ahead of the pack.

Agile Response

The curriculum reacts dynamically and quickly to industry changes. You'll be equipped with the latest skills & knowledge.

Integrated Learning

Concurrently learn multiple disciplines.

Read More about NYP-PCM

Course Structure

The NYP Professional Competency Model for the Diploma in Game Development & Technology consists of:

32 Competency Units – Within each interdisciplinary Competency Unit, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion. Completing the Competency Units will also equip our students with eight Course Competencies.

Five Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You have to complete all five to graduate.
One Final Year Project (FYP).

One Internship Programme (ITP).

11 General Studies Modules (GSMs) – these modules allow you to explore other areas of interest beyond your chosen area of specialisation.

Students enrolled in Diploma in Game Development & Technology under the Professional Competency Model will have to complete 32 Competency Units (CmUs). Within each interdisciplinary CmU, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically, enabling students to fulfil specific worktasks upon completion.

Completing the CmUs will also equip our students with the six Course Competencies (CCs) below.

Game Front-End Development
Game Engine Application
Game Networking Development

Game Design
Game Level Design
Multiplatform Development

and two of the following three elective course competencies:

Extended Reality Development
User Interface and User Experience Development
Game Production

Students will also need to complete Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which can be in the form of an internship or project that mirror work situations where students can demonstrate their skills and competencies.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 1

Programming [60 hours]

Programming is an essential part of learning computer science by formulating realworld problems into computational algorithms. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in analysing a problem and solving it through design and coding. They will also be competent in testing and debugging their program. They will also be able to describe programming competency in the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Story through Audio & Visual [60 hours]

Storytelling is an important element in digital media. It serves to engage the intended audience by generating closeness, empathy and develop connections with them. Through this CU, learners will become competent in analysing, deconstructing and combining visual and audio elements in a story with a focus on the narrative flow. They will also be competent in communicating effectively with fellow learners to achieve common outcomes and deliver an effective presentation.

Concept Ideation [30 hours]

Ideation is to generate a large quantity of ideas that the conceptualisation team can then filter and select the best, most practical or most innovative ones in order to inspire new and better design solutions and products. Through this CU, learners will develop the competencies to perform effective brainstorming, sketching and visualisation. They will also be competent to develop, deliver and refine their concepts for a proposed product or service that is scalable in scope.

Object Oriented Programming [60 hours]

Object Oriented (OO) programming brings many benefits to a computer program such as providing a clear structure and facilitate code reusability for programmers. Through this CU, learners will be competent in applying OO concepts such as encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism into their software. They will be using the C++ language, a popular programming language used by many developers.

Principles of Game Design [30 hours]

The success of a game often lies in its game design. By applying various game design principles such as the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics framework, an entertaining interactive experience can be delivered to the players. Through this CU, learners will be competent to design effective and ethical gameplay, perform in-game analysis, and deliver a pitch for their game design.

Computer Graphics Modelling [60 hours]

Computer graphics is a discipline that uses images and colours to model various phenomena such as in the domain of computer aided design and computer games. To be able to create computer graphics, one must know how they are represented mathematically in the computer systems. In this CU, learners will develop competencies to perform trigonometry, geometry, matrix and vector operations onto computer graphics.

Interactive Storytelling Project (WIU) [80 hours]

Developing a compelling interactive storytelling requires a combination of good storytelling and good coding. In this WIU, learners will demonstrate their competency in creating a story for a given theme. They will then create an interactive storytelling software program based on their written story. Learners will also demonstrate their competency in testing and debugging their program to ensure that the program’s story flow and interactivity are coherent with the story that they wish to convey. They will also be competent in contributing positively to their team to ensure successful completion of the project.

Computing Systems [30 hours]

In today’s market, applications and games are developed for various platforms. It is important for a programmer to have a sound understanding of the computer system that they are developing for. In this CU, learners will become competent in analysing the various computer architecture and networking of the different entertainment platforms in the market and how they affect their software development.

Computer Graphics Programming [60 hours]

Computer graphics in game are implemented via software program. As such, a quality computer graphics code can ensure that the game looks as good as it possible can. Through this CU, the learners will develop competencies in rendering computer graphics using the latest graphics packages and tools. They will also be competent in applying rendering techniques and algorithms associated with computer graphics to a wide range of applications.

Data Structures & Algorithms [60 hours]

With the increased complexity and data volume of gaming applications, appropriate data structures and efficient algorithms are essential to the quality of the gaming applications. Through this CU, learners will develop competencies in implementing linear data structures, such as arrays, linked lists and stacks/queues and use them to optimise their programs or solve computing problems. They will also develop competency in writing algorithms for searching and sorting and implementing binary trees and standard template library.

Forces and Motion Programming [30 hours]

True to life forces and motion simulation make games more realistic and engaging. This is done by coding physics equations such as Kinematics and Newton Laws into the software program. Through this CU, learners will develop competencies in applying these laws to create a 2D simulation program that utilises forces and motion.

Database & Server Networking [60 hours]

Modern games have online features such as storing of players’ progression online for ease of retrieval or being device independent. Database and server networking are used for such purposes. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in creating and optimising databases by designing databases based on the requirements of the game. They will also become competent in setting up servers for their game.

Game Project Management [30 hours]

Project resources such as time and manpower are often scarce. As such, it is important to maximise the productivity and efficiency of the project by applying good project management techniques. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies to manage the various project resources and work collaboratively in game production teams to deliver quality products.

Gamification Techniques [30 hours]

Gamification is the application of game design and mechanics to motivate and encourage audience engagements. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in applying game design concepts and mechanisms such as risks and rewards to non-gaming applications, with the goal to make them more attractive, fun to use, and user friendly.

Computer Graphics Simulation Project (WIU) [80 hours]

In a simulation project, it usually involves rendering of the computer graphics and its associated movements within the simulation program. This project combines computer graphics simulation with physics simulation to achieve this. In this WIU, learners will develop competency in combining both the rendering and physics aspects of computer models to create simulations. They will be competent in creating object oriented programs using relevant data structures and algorithms for this simulation project. They will also be competent to work collaboratively in a team to deliver the simulation project.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 2

2D Game Engine Application [60 hours]

Many modern video games are built using commercially available or open source game engines. Specifically for 2D games, they are most often light-weight and does not require advanced hardware to run. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in utilising the various game engine features to develop a 2D game for optimised performance. They will also be competent in writing appropriate software scripts to build customised features that are not provided by the game engine.

Game Audio Programming [30 hours]

Audio is an integral part of games immersion. From the game background music to the game play sound effects, software program is responsible to play the relevant audio at the correct timing. In this CU, learners will develop competencies to integrate audio with gameplay. They will learn to port audio assets into the selected game development environment. They will also become competent to implement gameplay events triggering sound effects.

Gameplay Programming [60 hours]

All games will require some form of gameplay mechanics. These mechanics such as character movement, physics modelling, collision detection, path finding and execution, main event loop and Artificial Intelligence will need to be translated into software program. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies to program the character movements, physics modelling, collision detection, path finding and execution, main event loop and AI into a game.

Game Physics Programming [60 hours]

Detection of collision or line of sight in games require the application of physics principles. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in coding realistic movements in a discrete time simulation program using kinematics and dynamics equations. They will also become competent in implementing various collision detection methods such as ray-casting or line-circle and line-line intersection for game mechanics.

Web Development [30 hours]

Many games in the market are created to be played through web browsers to reach a wider audience across various platforms. Through this CU, learners will develop the competency in creating interactive webpages in accordance to design specifications.

2D Level Design [30 hours]

Design of worlds, levels, missions and quests within the 2D game universe, is important to provide an engaging user experience. Players will lose interest if the level progression is made too difficult while making it too simple will result in lower players’ satisfaction. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies in designing game worlds, levels, missions and quests based on level design principles, asset preparation, and playability assessments for a 2D game.

3D Level Design [30 hours]

Unlike 2D games, 3D games have an added dimension of depth. This leads to additional considerations such as character movements in the 3D world when designing 3D game levels. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies in creating spatial environments, along with the controls and camera systems needed to navigate in the 3D game environment.

2D Game Project (WIU) [80 hours]

Developing 2D games requires competencies in game design, programming and art. In this WIU, learners will become competent in developing a complete 2D game by designing a game with the given theme. They will then implement this game design utilising their gameplay, audio, physics programming and 2D game engine competencies. They may also have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow digital game art and design learners to provide the art assets.

3D Game Engine Application [60 hours]

Many modern video games are built using commercially available or open source game engines. A 3D game engine will include handling of 3D graphics, physics and player/ camera control among other things. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in utilising the 3D features of game engine to develop a 3D game. They will also be competent in writing software scripts to build customised features that are not provided by the game engine.

Shader Optimisation [60 hours]

Modern games use the Central Processing Unit (CPU) to process the requirements of games. Some of these processes from the CPU can be offloaded to the Graphics Processor Unit via shading language to improve performance for a more realistic rendering. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies to access the graphics Application Programming Interface directly using high level shading language for the improvement of performance and quality of graphics in game applications.

Game Artificial Intelligence Programming [60 hours]

Artificial intelligence (AI) in games allows for a more interactive gameplay by making the non-playable characters respond dynamically to the player’s actions. These dynamic actions are implemented through various software design and algorithms. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in using state machine design pattern and path finding to implement AI in games. They will also be competent in using neural network design to implement a binary decision game.

Mobile Game Programming [60 hours]

Mobile games form a huge market in the gaming industry. Despite the popularity of game engines, for performance considerations, many developers are still developing their games directly using the mobile platforms’ given development kits. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in developing and deploying their games onto mobile platform by considering the various programming strategies pertinent to developments on mobile devices.

Multiplayer Game Programming [60 hours]

Computer games that are multiplayer enabled tend to have a longer shelf life and higher re-playability value. This is because different players bring a varied playing dynamism to the game and thus promote re-playability. In this CU, learners will develop competency in creating games with multiplayer functionality. They will also be competent in utilising techniques such as multi-threaded socket programming and dead reckoning as a means to solve common network related issues.

Cloud Computing [30 hours]

Cloud backend services are increasingly utilised in game development as a substitute for physical servers. The data stored on cloud services allows for players around the world to join the same game and as such promotes collaboration. In this CU, learners will develop competency to make use of cloud computing in social and multiplayer games.

3D Game Project (WIU) [80 hours]

3D games development requires a different consideration given the added complexity in adding one more dimension as compared to 2D. In this WIU, learners will demonstrate their competency in developing a complete 3D game by designing a game with the given theme, paying particular attention to optimisation of 3D graphics and physics needed for a 3D game. They may also have the opportunity to collaborate with digital game art and design learners to provide the art assets.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 3

Internship Programme (WIU) [480 hours/960 hours]

In this 12-week/24-week internship program, learners may be assigned to work in Interactive & Digital Media companies. They may intern in overseas companies if such opportunities arise. By participating in the actual project development life cycle, learners will experience current industry practices and the work environment. They will also put into practice the technical and management skills learned during the course of study.

Final Year Project (WIU) [480 hours]

This 12-week/24-week WIU requires learners to integrate and consolidate the principles and applicable skills learnt throughout the course. Learners will be tasked to complete different types of projects, which may involve working in collaboration with industry partners. Learners are expected to present their work at various points throughout the development cycle and will be given feedback on their performance.

Specialisation Project (WIU) [150 hours]

This WIU provides learners with an opportunity to work on a self-initiated or client based project that adds value to their portfolio in at least one of the areas from the digital media domain. Through this WIU, learners will synthesize both knowledge and skills learnt throughout the course and deploy different learning approaches for acquiring new knowledge and skills as required by the project. They will also communicate clearly their project ideas, project progress and final product delivery through various pitches, progress updates and milestone presentations. Learners will also build their personal branding for future job applications.

Game Console Development [30 hours]

Each console platform will have its unique development pipeline. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies of creating applications for the given console, taking into consideration the architecture of the given console.

Game Story Creation [30 hours]

A well-placed plot and enduring characters in a game helps to create an engaging game narrative. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies of crafting a story that is suitable for a given game by applying narrative techniques.

Choose 4 out of the 6 CmUs below

User Interface & User Experience Design [30 hours]

User interface is omnipresent in all software applications including computer games. When the interface is poorly designed, a good game concept can be reduced to a frustrating user experience. In this CU, learners will develop competencies in designing suitable user interface for the given gaming platform. They will also become competent in conceptualising, enhancing the users' interactions and engagement with the game by integrating elements of interaction design, information architecture, information design, visual interface design, user assistance design and user-centred design.

User Interface Programming [30 hours]

A well designed user interface (UI) requires careful implementation by the programmer. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies in writing codes to implement the functionalities of specific UI elements to support the user's interaction with games.

Extended Reality User Experience Design [30 hours]

Extended Reality can truly immerse a player into the game play. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies in conceiving content designs and creating immersive experiences to be delivered using immersive media.

Extended Reality Application Development [30 hours]

Extended Reality (XR) developers are in increasing demand as applications of the technology begin to become popular. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies to develop XR applications with the help of related tools such as game engine.

Creative Producing [30 hours]

Sustaining the creative business requires careful planning and maintaining of production budgets. Learners will develop competency in production budgeting and articulating the different processes for fundraising to support the production. They will also develop competency in making decisions when utilising resources located in different parts of the world to suit their budget and production needs.

Business for Digital Media Industry [30 hours]

Starting a business involves developing ideas and materialising them. In this CU, learners will develop the competencies of polishing a product idea to attract interest from stakeholders as well as how to raise start-up funds to get their business started. It will also equip learners with the competency of understanding intellectual properties matters for their business. Digital media entrepreneurs will also be invited to share their experiences.

Five Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You are required to complete all five Competency Canvases to graduate.

The following list reflects the Competency Units and Work-Integration Units mapped under each Competency Canvas.

Interactive Storytelling

Concept Ideation
Programming
Story through Audio & Visual
Interactive Storytelling Project (WIU)

Computer Graphics Simulation

Computer Graphics Modelling
Computer Graphics Programming
Data Structures & Algorithms
Forces & Motion Programming
Object-Oriented Programming
Computer Graphics Simulation Project (WIU)

2D Game Development

2D Game Engine Application
2D Level Design
Game Audio Programming
Gameplay Programming
Game Physics Programming
2D Game Project (WIU)

3D Game Development

3D Game Engine Application
3D Level Design
Game Artificial Intelligence Programming
Shader Optimisation
3D Game Project (WIU)

User Interface and User Experience or Extended Reality Specialisation

Business for Digital Media Industry
Creative Producing
Extended Reality Application Development
Extended Reality User Experience Design
User Interface Programming
User Interface & User Experience Design
Specialisation Project (WIU)

Collaboration with Industry Partners

Why Our Partners are On Board

Darryl LongManaging Director, Ubisoft Singapore and Ubisoft Philippines"The Professional Competency Model adopted by NYP is responsive and well-adapted to our needs in AAA game development. To keep up with our multidisciplinary, highly collaborative and fast-evolving video game industry, students need a curriculum that is strong in the core fundamentals and goes beyond teaching skills. Creating blockbuster AAA games requires creativity, critical thinking and teamwork – big picture thinking that should be instilled in our next generation of talent as early as possible.

We’re delighted to see that NYP has designed a model that closely reflects the way our competitive industry works and moves students toward building core competencies rather than rote learning subjects that can quickly become outdated. We remain committed to partnering with NYP to assist in shaping our future leaders and contributing back to the video games industry."

Joyce LawHead of Business Development SAPAC, Unity Technologies"NYP, alongside Unity, has developed a Centre of Excellence with the vision of providing students a strong foundation in game development and game engine application. We are delighted to see that NYP has enhanced its teaching pedagogy with the Professional Competency Model, allowing students more time to apply academic learning into practical work. The experience would in time give students better insights into the industry, providing them with the understanding and knowledge to enter the digital media industry."

Raymond WongDirector, Koei Tecmo Singapore"This is already a very strong course with solid foundations. With the enhanced pedagogy, we will expect to see graduates emerging with more flexibility and depth in their skill sets.

The most important segment will be graduates developing the capability to constantly learn. The games industry is moving very fast with 10% growth every year. We expect innovation and new ideas to be the constant. This course will prepare them very well for entry into the industry, and for subsequent career progression."

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