Course Maps & Pathways

Game Art & Design 1 (GAD1)

Game Art & Design 1 (GAD1)

Welcome to Game Art & Design 1. In Semester 1, you will master 3D modeling and texturing in Blender, culminating in your Midterm Portfolio Prop. In Semester 2, you will transition into Unreal Engine 5, importing your assets, scripting mechanics with Blueprints, and building a fully playable Themed Parkour Platformer game.

Course Scope: 6 Units · 38 Modules & Assignments · 63 Standards Covered

Unit 1: 3D Space & Modeling Foundations

What you will learn: In this unit, you will learn to navigate 3D space in Blender, master object transforms, model complex forms from geometric primitives, diagnose and repair broken mesh topology, and create your first complete hero prop asset.
7 Modules · 17 Standards Covered

Module 1.1: Lab Setup, Conventions & Safety ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will configure your 3D project directories, understand naming conventions, and establish workstation safety.

Interface and Navigation

Code: BLND-101 · Blender UI layout, 3D viewport navigation, and toolbars

Lab Setup, Conventions & Safety

ID: lab-setup-and-conventions · Deliverable: Completed workstation setup checklist

Standards: 4.3 6.1 4.5 16.1 6.2 6.8

Module 1.2: Navigating 3D Space ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will practice orbit, pan, zoom, pivot modes, and coordinate systems in the 3D viewport.

Objects, Transforms, and Pivots

Code: BLND-102 · Translation, rotation, scale, origin points, and 3D cursor navigation

Navigating 3D Space

ID: navigating-3d-space · Deliverable: Tiny house script setup, snapping assembly & hinge pivots

Standards: 4.3 1.2 5.7

Module 1.3: Primitive Form Studies ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will block out recognizable prop silhouettes exclusively using transformed 3D geometric primitives.

Primitive Modeling

Code: BLND-103 · Cubes, cylinders, spheres, proportions, and silhouette clarity

Primitive Form Studies

ID: form-studies · Deliverable: 3-prop primitive composition render

Standards: GD.17.4 DGA.17.1 10.3

Module 1.4: Hard Surface Prop 1: Blockout ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will model a low-poly hard surface game prop using Blender Edit Mode tools and non-destructive modifiers.

Edit Mode Basics

Code: BLND-104 · Extrude, inset, bevel, loop cuts, and vertex merging

Modifiers Introduction

Code: BLND-105 · Mirror, subdivision surface, boolean, and solidify modifiers

Hard Surface Prop 1: Blockout

ID: hard-surface-prop · Deliverable: Completed blockout 3D mesh

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8 10.4

Module 1.5: Topology Fix Challenge ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will diagnose and fix broken mesh topology: non-manifold edges, N-gons, flipped normals, and shading artifacts.

Topology and Edge Flow

Code: BLND-201 · Quad flow, edge loops, poles, and eliminating shading errors

Topology Fix Challenge

ID: topology-fix-challenge · Deliverable: Clean repaired 3D mesh submission

Standards: GD.17.4 5.4 5.8

Module 1.6: Reference Board & Art Direction Study ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will gather orthographic views, material textures, and construction reference for your midterm prop.

Mood Boards and Reference

Code: DESN-111 · PureRef organization, primary/secondary forms, and material callouts

Reference Board & Art Direction Study

ID: reference-board · Deliverable: Reference board on your portfolio

Standards: 10.3 11.2 1.3

Module 1.7: Blender First Model: Hero Prop ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will model, apply scale, clean transforms, and export your first complete hero prop asset.

Primitive Modeling

Code: BLND-103 · Silhouette blockout, scaling, and proportions

Saving, Packing, and Exporting

Code: BLND-107 · Packing resources into .blend, FBX export scale and axes

Blender First Model: Hero Prop

ID: blender-first-model · Deliverable: .blend source file and exported FBX model

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8 10.4

Unit 1 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

BLND-106 Viewport Shading & Preview PROD-108 Asset Management & Naming

Unit 2: Materials, UVs & Texturing

What you will learn: In this unit, you will learn the complete 3D texturing pipeline: unwrapping UV seams without distortion, authoring PBR materials (roughness, metallic, normal), baking detail maps, and tracking asset licenses.
6 Modules · 10 Standards Covered

Module 2.1: UV Unwrapping Drill ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will mark seams, unwrap 3 hard-surface props, optimize texel density, and pack UV islands cleanly.

Code: BLND-204 · Seam placement, UV distortion grids, texel density, and packing efficiency

UV Unwrapping Drill

ID: uv-unwrap-drill · Deliverable: Clean UV layout screenshot with checker grid

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8

Module 2.2: PBR Material Set ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will author a physically based material using base color, roughness, metallic, and normal maps in the shader editor.

Texturing and PBR Maps

Code: BLND-205 · Principled BSDF, roughness values, metallic binary rule, and normal channels

PBR Material Set

ID: pbr-texture-set · Deliverable: Shader node graph and material preview render

Standards: AV.17.1 GD.17.4

Module 2.3: Texture Painting & Detail Pass ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will bake high-to-low poly normal maps and paint edge wear, dirt gradients, and surface damage.

Baking Normal Maps

Code: BLND-206 · Bake cages, ray distance, normal projection, and texture painting tools

Texture Painting & Detail Pass

ID: texture-detail-pass · Deliverable: Baked normal map and hand-painted texture renders

Standards: AV.17.1 10.4

Module 2.4: Asset License & Attribution Log ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will build your sourcing log to track Creative Commons, CC0, and royalty-free asset licenses.

Licenses: CC, Royalty-Free, Commercial

Code: LAW-105 · Creative Commons tiers, public domain assets, and marketplace EULAs

Asset License & Attribution Log

ID: asset-license-log · Deliverable: Maintained asset licensing spreadsheet

Standards: 14.5 11.3 11.6

Module 2.5: Peer Critique: Material Realism ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will evaluate peers' texturing work on material believability, roughness accuracy, and UV distortion.

The Critique Process

Code: DESN-114 · Technical art critique criteria, offering actionable feedback

Peer Critique: Material Realism

ID: model-critique · Deliverable: Peer review feedback notes & revision log

Standards: 5.2 8.4 10.5

Module 2.6: Prop Modeling Set ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will build and texture a cohesive 3-piece environment prop collection.

Hard Surface Modeling

Code: BLND-202 · Weighted normals, support loops, and bevel modifier workflows

Sculpting Introduction

Code: BLND-203 · Dyntopo, clay strips brush, and edge scraping for damage

Prop Modeling Set

ID: prop-modeling-set · Deliverable: 3-piece textured 3D prop collection

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8 10.7

Unit 2 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

DESN-105 Color Theory Basics DESN-106 Color Modes & Spaces

Unit 3: Lighting, Rendering & the Prop Midterm

What you will learn: In this unit, you will master lighting rigs and camera framing, build your premier Midterm Hero Prop from concept sketch to final render, and lay out an industry-standard portfolio breakdown sheet.
5 Modules · 15 Standards Covered

Module 3.1: Three-Point Lighting Study ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will configure key, fill, and rim lighting setups to highlight form, separation, and mood in Blender.

Lighting in Blender

Code: BLND-207 · Point, sun, spot, area lights, color temperature, and HDRI maps

Three-Point Lighting Study

ID: lighting-study · Deliverable: 3-point lighting comparison render sheet

Standards: AV.17.1

Module 3.2: Camera & Composition for Presentation ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will set focal lengths, depth of field, and hero camera angles for your 3D presentation render.

Cameras and Rendering

Code: BLND-208 · 50mm vs 85mm lenses, sensor size, f-stop depth of field

Composition and Focal Point

Code: DESN-107 · Hero shots, turntable framing, and negative space

Camera & Composition for Presentation

ID: camera-composition · Deliverable: 3-angle hero composition renders

Standards: 15.6 AV.17.3

Module 3.3: MIDTERM: Portfolio Prop, Concept to Render MIDTERM CAPSTONE

You will create a fully realized portfolio hero prop: concept sketch through modeling, UVs, textures, and final lighting render.

Game-Ready Export

Code: BLND-211 · Applied transforms, single UV channel, and FBX export presets

Poly Budget and LODs

Code: BLND-212 · Polygon limits, draw calls, and silhouette optimization

MIDTERM: Portfolio Prop, Concept to Render

ID: midterm-portfolio-prop · Deliverable: Master midterm 3D prop artifact

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8 AV.17.1 10.4 10.7 15.9 3.8

Module 3.4: Render, Export & Presentation Sheet ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will lay out a 1080p model breakdown sheet with beauty render, wireframe view, and texture passes.

Documenting Your Work

Code: CAREER-105 · Portfolio breakdown layouts, wireframe overlays, and callout labels

Render, Export & Presentation Sheet

ID: render-presentation-sheet · Deliverable: 1080p breakdown sheet on your portfolio

Standards: 15.9 4.5 2.6

Module 3.5: Midterm Critique & Reflection ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will participate in the midterm showcase critique and write your technical pipeline reflection.

Iteration and Revision

Code: DESN-115 · Processing feedback, revision priorities, and project postmortems

Midterm Critique & Reflection

ID: midterm-critique · Deliverable: Written midterm reflection on your portfolio

Standards: 5.2 5.3 10.5 8.4

Unit 3 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

MEDIA-105 Shot Types and Framing

Unit 4: Unreal Foundations & the Asset Pipeline

What you will learn: In this unit, you will enter Unreal Engine 5. You will import your Blender props, build engine materials, illuminate scenes with Lumen lighting, and script your first interactive Blueprint actor.
5 Modules · 12 Standards Covered

Module 4.1: Engine Orientation & Project Structure ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will set up your Unreal Engine project, learn viewport navigation, and create organized folder structures.

Interface and Navigation

Code: UE-101 · Viewport controls, outliner, details panel, and content browser

Project Setup and Folder Structure

Code: UE-102 · Blueprints, Maps, Materials, Meshes, and Textures directories

Engine Orientation & Project Structure

ID: engine-orientation · Deliverable: Initialized UE5 project template

Standards: 4.3 4.4 4.5

Module 4.2: Import Your Prop: Blender to Unreal ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will export your Blender midterm prop and import it into Unreal with proper scale, collision, and pivot alignment.

Importing Assets

Code: UE-104 · Static mesh import settings, generate collision, and material slots

Import Your Prop: Blender to Unreal

ID: import-your-asset · Deliverable: In-engine screenshot with collision wireframe

Standards: GD.17.4 4.5 16.6

Module 4.3: Materials & Lighting in Engine ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will build material instances in Unreal Engine and configure Lumen dynamic global illumination.

Materials Basics

Code: UE-105 · Material graphs, texture samplers, and scalar/vector parameters

Lighting Basics

Code: UE-106 · Directional light, sky atmosphere, skylight, and exponential fog

Materials & Lighting in Engine

ID: engine-materials-lighting · Deliverable: Lit in-engine showcase render

Standards: AV.17.1 GD.17.4

Module 4.4: First Blueprint: Interactive Door ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will construct an interactive door Blueprint actor that opens smoothly when the player enters its trigger volume.

Blueprint Fundamentals

Code: UE-201 · Actor components, event graph, timelines, and SetRelativeRotation

First Blueprint: Interactive Door

ID: interactive-door · Deliverable: Interactive door Blueprint demo clip

Standards: GD.17.6 GD.20.3 1.2

Module 4.5: Game Design Fundamentals Study ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will dissect the core gameplay loops, reward structures, and player motivations in established games.

Code: GAME-101 · Rules, victory conditions, agency, obstacles, and player feedback

Code: GAME-102 · Action → Feedback → Reward loop, pacing, and retention

Game Design Fundamentals Study

ID: game-fundamentals-study · Deliverable: Core loop breakdown diagram

Standards: GD.17.1 GD.17.2 1.4

Unit 4 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

UE-103 Placing & Transforming Actors GAME-103 Genres & Player Profiles GAME-104 Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics

Unit 5: Level Design & Blueprint Basics

What you will learn: In this unit, you will build level greybox blockouts from 2D plans, apply visual player guidance techniques, build hazards and trigger volumes, script UI HUDs, and conduct peer playtest sessions.
6 Modules · 11 Standards Covered

Module 5.1: Greybox a Level from a Floor Plan ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will translate a 2D floor plan into a 3D playable greybox level in Unreal Engine.

Level Blockout Workflow

Code: UE-206 · Modeling mode primitives, metric scale metrics, and sightlines

Level Design Basics

Code: GAME-105 · Sightlines, choke points, verticality, and pacing

Greybox a Level from a Floor Plan

ID: blockout-level · Deliverable: Playable greybox level map

Standards: GD.17.6 GD.18.4 10.3

Module 5.2: Player Guidance & Affordance Pass ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will use lighting contrast, color coding, and leading geometry to guide player navigation naturally.

Player Guidance and Affordance

Code: GAME-106 · Breadcrumbing, leading lines, visual landmarks, and affordance

Player Guidance & Affordance Pass

ID: guidance-affordance-pass · Deliverable: Player pathing walkthrough video

Standards: GD.17.8 GD.18.5 12.4

Module 5.3: Movement, Collision & Triggers ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will build bounce pads, hazard trigger volumes, and kill planes using collision channels.

Input and Character Movement

Code: UE-203 · Enhanced input system, jump height, air control, and velocity

Collision and Triggers

Code: UE-204 · Overlap vs Block, Object Channels, and custom collision bounds

Movement, Collision & Triggers

ID: movement-collision-triggers · Deliverable: Interactive trigger mechanic Blueprint

Standards: GD.17.6 GD.17.7

Module 5.4: HUD & Basic UI ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will design an in-game HUD widget showing timer countdown, collectible counts, and screen reticle.

UI Widgets and HUD

Code: UE-205 · UMG Designer, canvas anchors, text binding, and progress bars

UX and UI Principles

Code: GAME-108 · Diegetic vs non-diegetic UI, readability, and player focus

ID: hud-and-ui · Deliverable: Functional HUD widget gameplay video

Standards: GD.18.7 GD.17.8

Module 5.5: Peer Playtest Round 1 ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will host playtest sessions on your greybox level, record player metrics, and identify difficulty spikes.

Playtesting Methods

Code: GAME-204 · Observational playtesting, asking effective questions, and bug logging

Peer Playtest Round 1

ID: peer-playtest · Deliverable: Playtest report and revision task list

Standards: GD.18.6 5.1 8.4

Module 5.6: First Blueprint Logic ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will program Blueprint flow control: branch conditions, integer counters, delays, and custom events.

Variables and Flow Control

Code: UE-202 · Branch, Sequence, ForEachLoop, and variable data types

First Blueprint Logic

ID: first-blueprint · Deliverable: Blueprint node graph screenshot & gameplay demo

Standards: GD.17.6 GD.20.3

Unit 5 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

GAME-203 Game Feel & Feedback

Unit 6: The Themed Parkour Level (Final)

What you will learn: In this final unit, you will build and ship your Themed Parkour Level across 4 weeks of production. You will pitch your theme, write a mini GDD, integrate at least 2 original 3D props, optimize performance, package a Windows executable, and present at the class showcase.
8 Modules · 21 Standards Covered

Module 6.1: Theme Pitch & Level Plan ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will pitch your parkour level's visual theme, mechanical hook, and layout plan.

Pitching a Concept

Code: PROD-105 · Theme articulation, gameplay progression, and concept moodboards

Theme Pitch & Level Plan

ID: theme-pitch · Deliverable: Pitch slide deck and level blueprint sketch

Standards: GD.17.2 13.2 16.4 10.2

Module 6.2: Mini Game Design Document ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will write a 2-page Mini GDD scoping mechanics, asset lists, hazard types, and win conditions.

The Game Design Document

Code: PROD-201 · GDD structure, mechanic specs, asset manifests, and scope limits

Mini Game Design Document

ID: mini-gdd · Deliverable: 2-page mini GDD document

Standards: GD.18.2 16.4 2.5

Module 6.3: Optional: Solo Vertical Slice Extension OPTIONAL EXTENSION

You can build custom puzzle mechanics, branching speedrun routes, or custom UI animations.

Rapid Prototyping

Code: GAME-208 · Rapid prototype loops, throwaway code, and mechanics testing

Solo Vertical Slice Extension

ID: solo-vertical-slice · Deliverable: Extended gameplay mechanics demo

Standards: GD.18.3 10.6 10.7

Module 6.4: FINAL: Build the Themed Parkour Level (4 Weeks) FINAL CAPSTONE

You will build, polish, and package a complete 3-minute themed parkour platformer level.

Templates and Movement Tuning

Code: UE-211 · Character movement tuning, jump buffers, coyote time, and air control

Worldbuilding & Environmental Storytelling

Code: GAME-205 · Set dressing, narrative prop placement, and environment clues

FINAL: Build the Themed Parkour Level

ID: final-parkour-level · Deliverable: Packaged game build and playthrough video

Standards: GD.17.6 GD.18.4 GD.18.5 GD.17.7 10.7 GD.20.2

Module 6.5: Custom Asset Requirement (2 Props Minimum) ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will model, unwrap, and texture at least 2 original 3D props to feature prominently in your final level.

Modular Kit Building

Code: BLND-302 · Grid snapping, modular pivot placement, and trim sheets

Custom Asset Requirement (2 Props)

ID: custom-props-requirement · Deliverable: Custom prop render breakdown

Standards: GD.17.4 AV.17.8

Module 6.6: Optimization & Packaging Pass ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will profile draw calls, resolve packaging errors, and package a standalone Windows .exe build.

Packaging a Build

Code: UE-209 · Packaging configuration, cooking content, and standalone build creation

Performance and Profiling

Code: UE-210 · `stat fps`, GPU profiling, shader complexity, and draw calls

Optimization & Packaging Pass

ID: optimization-packaging · Deliverable: Packaged zip build upload

Standards: GD.18.8 15.9

Module 6.7: Game Careers Exploration ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will research game industry specializations: 3D environment artist, technical designer, and level artist.

Game Industry Roles Map

Code: CAREER-201 · Indie vs AAA studio pipelines, salaries, and demo reels

Game Careers Exploration

ID: industry-roles-report · Deliverable: Game studio career report

Standards: GD.19.1 GD.19.2 GD.19.4 3.1

Module 6.8: Final Showcase & Portfolio Update CAPSTONE SHOWCASE

You will showcase your game live to the class and publish your project case study on your portfolio.

Esports Careers

Code: CAREER-202 · Tournament ops, broadcast production, and community management

Cross-Sector Careers for Game Skills

Code: CAREER-203 · Simulation, automotive visualization, and virtual reality

Final Showcase & Portfolio Update

ID: final-showcase · Deliverable: Published portfolio project page

Standards: 2.3 3.8 5.3

Unit 6 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

UE-207 Landscape & Environment UE-208 Audio in Engine GAME-109 Accessibility in Games

Game Art & Design 2 (GAD2)