Master of Entertainment Arts & Engineering

Current Program Details

The MEAE was designed as a cohort model where students from four separate disciplines remain together throughout the entire two years of the program (fall and spring semesters only). Students are admitted into one of four possible tracks (Game Arts, Game Engineering, Game Production, or Technical Art) and take a series of courses focused on their specialty. Details about those tracks are found by following the links below.

In 2024, the Division of Games will add a fifth track: Game Design. Information about that track and how to apply for admission to it can be found here.

More Info

For more information on your current track curriculum, click on the correct link:

Game Arts Track Game Engineering Track Game Production Track Game Design Track Technical Art Track

EAE 6000 - Game Design I

Game design is at the core of the game development process. While the term “game designer” appears in various forms of game writing, design is frequently an eclectic and collaborative process. All MEAE students study game design, so that they may both have an opportunity to participate in the creative direction of games as well as better understand the design process.

This is the first of two seminars a student will take designed to educate students about how games are designed and produced. Design I is focused on a ludological approach to games, focusing on game mechanics, production processes, and game theory. Students will read works covering game history, ludology, as well as current practices in game development.

EAE 6XXX - Game Design II

Game Design II is the second seminar in which students study and design games as well as investigate the process of game creation. This requirement is met by taking one of a variety of courses offered and can focus on the final stages of game design and production, narrative approaches to games, user experiences, or ethics in games. Students will learn about critical perspectives, genre development, elements of game genres, traditions, and trajectories, as well as game post-production. Students will learn how to conduct and write a postmortem in addition to a game critique.

- Sample Design II electives:
  
  EAE 6010 – Virtual Worlds
  EAE 6015 – Paper Prototyping for Games
  EAE 6025 – Serious Games
  EAE 6030 – Experimental Gameplay
  EAE 6035 – Narrative in Game Design
  EAE 6900 (022) – User Experience

EAE 6100 - Rapid Prototyping

This class is the first course of four in the game projects sequence. This section focuses primarily on rapid prototyping. Students will work in teams to pitch, prototype, and present games over a maximum of four weeks, resulting in a better more refined game pitch and prototype. During each prototype sprint, students will work on a different team. Additionally, a different design, aesthetic, or technical directive will define each sprint. Design requirements may vary from creating educational games, to specific genres. Teams will be made up of at least one producer, artist, and engineer. Four or five games will be prototyped using a variety of game engines and techniques.

EAE 6110 - Game Projects I

Game Projects I begins the three course team-based major game project. Students will work in teams to pitch, prototype, and begin development of their master’s game project. Instructors will meet regularly with students to both offer advice and criticism as the game progresses.

EAE 6120 - Game Projects II

Students will work in teams to finish development of their master’s game project and submit it to contests of festivals should they see fit. Instructors meet regularly with students to both offer advice and criticism as the game progresses.

EAE 6130 - Game Projects III

Students will continue to work with their team to polish and publish their master’s game project, as well as fill out their individual portfolio projects. Instructors continue to meet regularly with students.