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Here are five ways to prepare for these game-related courses at Birmingham City University.
Interrogate Your Gaming
To prepare for your degree, start by exploring the games you love on console, PC, or mobile. Think critically about what makes them engaging, from the core ideas behind their design to the mechanics, compulsion loops, and fun factors that keep players hooked. Research the tools and technologies used in game development, such as engines like Unity or Unreal, programming languages like C# or C++, and techniques for handling collisions, effects, and particle systems. Understanding these fundamentals will help you build a solid foundation for your studies.
Learn Industry-Standard Tools:
Gain hands-on experience with game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. Learn 3D modeling and animation software (e.g., Blender, Maya), as well as tools like Substance Painter and Houdini for creating assets. Programming students should also learn languages like C++ and Python.
These resources will help you get started:
Stay Updated on Industry Trends:
Follow gaming news, read articles, and play a variety of games to understand trends, technologies, and what makes games successful. Explore areas like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming.
Develop Key Skills:
Grab opportunities in your school or community to develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, as these are critical in game development. Refresh relevant academic skills like math (e.g., geometry, linear algebra) and programming logic to handle technical challenges effectively.
Get Ahead with Course Reading List
Finally, you could also get a head start at the course reading list. Try attaining and familiarising yourself with any of the following for your course:
By covering these areas, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in any of our courses and lay the foundation for a successful career in the gaming industry.