Animation & Game Design Academy

Students who enroll in the North High Amination and Game Design Academy have a unique opportunity to experience state-of-the-art, professional-quality training in the fields of gaming animation, design and development.

3ds Max is the same software used in engineering companies to do plant layouts. Architectural companies also use this software to present walk-throughs of new buildings to clients, and companies like Pixar studios use Max to create animated movies like Shrek and Finding Nemo.

Course Offerings

Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of game and simulation development. This program is a four-year sequence of project-based courses oriented to game and simulation development that align relevant academic, employment, and workplace standards.

The content includes practical experiences in game/simulation conceptualization, design, storyboarding, development methodologies, audio/sound effects design and production, video/special effects design and production, and implementation issues.

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Student Samples

Career Opportunities

The main areas of focus within gaming design essentially come down to three: concept artists, 2D and 3D animators, and 2D texture artists. For gaming development, students can end up working as a games programmer, lead programmer AI programmer, engine programmer, or a tools programmer.

The days are gone when animation was a niche area with few openings. The proliferation of animation in all types of electronic media means opportunities are growing all the time. A good proportion of animators are freelance, however, relying on temporary contracts.

A fortunate few can end up working for elite companies such as Pixar. Competition for most jobs, however, will be strong and the number of design professionals interested in these positions usually exceeds the number of available openings. For this reason, students should experience working with programs like 3dsMax in high school, instead of waiting to start at the university level.

Trained modelers and animators sometimes enter at the bottom of the preverbal staff hierarchy, but hard work and perseverance can bring lucrative rewards, and on an accelerated timeframe. This is very much an area where students have to love what they do and, if they do, can become part of something special.

Looking For More?

For more information about the North High Animation & Game Design Academy, please contact Mr. Mederios .