University students can now learn game design anywhere, at their own pace, from some of the world’s best game developers. KnowledgeOne, Ubisoft and Concordia University are joining forces to bring the expertise of the video game development studio to campuses around the world.
Designed as a video game, Game Creators’ Odyssey is an online course that takes students through the development process of video games. The course is based on Ubisoft’s know-how as one of the leaders of the gaming industry. It offers a hands-on approach to game design that allows students to learn from a game developer’s perspective.
“At Concordia, we are always looking at ways to expand and improve learning,” says Concordia Interim President Graham Carr. “Game Creators’ Odyssey is a great illustration of the innovation and creativity both Ubisoft and Concordia are known for.”
A learning journey
“Game Creators’ Odyssey is based on the expertise we have acquired at Ubisoft over the past 30 years, and internal training for our developers around the world,” says Olivier Palmieri, game director at Ubisoft Montreal.
“It is a great pleasure to adapt this training for universities and share our knowledge in video game development with the next generation of creators.”
Game Creators’ Odyssey takes students through the story of Nagato, a shinobi warrior-ninja in feudal Japan who’s on a quest to discover his true calling and craft his legacy. The hero’s story evolves with the students’ own learning journey. Just like Nagato, students practice their skills and challenge their knowledge. They earn experience points allowing them to unlock further content and level-up in the leaderboard.
‘Striking visuals and exclusive content’
Students learn game design theory by examining concrete examples and analyzing games created by Ubisoft. They also access insider insights through industry tips and exclusive interviews with the company’s game developers.
Students have to create their own game concept and share their design on the platform in order to complete the course.
“This is a unique online course with striking visuals and exclusive content,” says Robert Beauchemin, President and CEO of KnowledgeOne. “Through our partnership with Ubisoft, we created a gamified elearning experience that provides fundamental competencies and allows them to move seamlessly within the industry.”
The course is split into two acts, each divided into chapters and missions. Act 1, called “Rational Game Design”, looks at the ways games are made and shows students how innovative game mechanics are created.
Act 2, called “Rational Level Design”, teaches students how to create immersive game worlds and engaging gaming experiences. When completed, each act comes with a course certificate from Ubisoft and the university offering the course.
Game Creators’ Odyssey Act 1 is available in English and French and already offered to students through several universities. Act 2 will be available in the spring of 2020 in both languages.
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