The art of setting the rules of the game
The ETIC_Algarve Video Games Course is a technical training programme that prepares future professionals in the field of game development, combining creativity to set you on the path to a career in game creation. If you’re looking for a video games course or a course in game development that offers both technical and practical training, here you’ll learn how to develop complete multimedia entertainment projects, from the initial concept right through to the commercial launch of a game.
We bring industry experience into the course, with lecturers who are currently working in the field, to ensure that the training is up-to-date, rigorous and aligned with the real-world challenges of the sector. On this course, you will gain a solid foundation in game design and development, gaining an understanding of the entire production process and the various areas involved in the gaming industry.
In the Video Games Course, you will learn:
- Game development and video game production
- Fundamentals of game design, mechanics and dynamics
- Programming, art and animation for video games
- Interface design and user experience (UI/UX)
- Fundamentals of 3D and sound applied to games
- Understanding the video game market and its economic models.
This gaming industry training prepares you to work as a game designer, programmer, artist, or producer in the field of video games.
Upon completing this Technical Course in Video Games, you will have a 480-hour Curricular Internship, an essential step in applying the skills you have acquired and gaining practical experience in the job market.
And also, the opportunity to participate in a European ERASMUS+ mobility project, enjoying an enriching international experience through an internship.
Support for Trainees
Concern for the well-being of students is a constant priority, which is why ETIC_Algarve has been providing its community with various services that contribute to their personal and human growth.
Whether through support for entering the labour market, personal development, or financial support granted through the recent Training Grant, we offer trainees a variety of ways to facilitate and promote their growth.
Training Grant
Grant Luís Lobato
Personal development
2 Years
1,200 hours, including a 480-hour curricular internship
Classes from September to July
Monday to Friday, from 2pm to 5pm/6pm
Number of Trainees
Maximum 16
And after the course?
Erasmus+
Upon completion of this training, you will have the opportunity to participate in our ERASMUS+ European mobility project.
Career Opportunities
- Game Developer
- Game Artist
- Game Tester
- Programmer
- Producer
- 3D Artist
- Game/Level Designer
Specialisation Opportunities
After completing the first two years of this course, you will be able to specialise in the third year at ETIC_Algarve, on the Specialisation Courses
Games Design ou Games Development, onde vais obter uma Formação Especializada que te permitirá obter uma Certificação Internacional Britânica.
This third-year specialisation course is accredited by Teesside University, in Middlesbrough, England, and grants a qualification equivalent to the third year of the British higher education system (Level 6 – 120 ECTS*).
* CATS: Credit Acumulation and Transfer Scheme (Sistema de Acumulação e Transferência de Créditos)
Contents
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Game Design
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- History of Video Games
- Games Elements of Game Design Document
- From Pitching to GDD
- Feedback and Gameplay
- Game Mechanics
- Narrative
- Balancing
- Progression, Objectives, and Gameloop
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2D Art
-
- Visual culture and references
- Simple anatomy drawing and representation techniques
- Digital drawing application
- Concept Art
- Digital Art
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Introduction to C# in Unity
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- Introduction to programming in C# language
- Introduction to Unity
- Creation and transformation of elements/scenery
- Physics
- Audio integration
- Importing graphic content
- In-game FX (special effects)
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Intermediate Concepts of Unity and C#
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- Object-oriented programming
- Good programming practices in C#
- Basic concepts of AI
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Advanced Programming
-
- Events
- Design patterns
- Android development
- Web development
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Spriting and Animation
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- Principles of animation
- Adobe Animate CC and keyframe animation
- Animation software: Spriter
- Creating assets and sprites
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Design & Interface
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- Colour, typography and composition
- Principles of Aesthetics and Design
- UI – User Interface / UX – User Experience
- Adobe XD
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Project – Prototyping
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- Composition of a prototype
- Quality Assurance and Testing
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Production and Marketing
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- Production Methods
- Pitching to Different Audiences
- Pipeline
- Project Planning and Timeline
- Game Industry and Publishing
- Distribution Platforms (Steam, PSN, etc.)
- Monetising
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Project Management
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- Source Control
- Agile/Scrum Methodologies
- Game Development Pipeline
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3D
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- Introduction to Blender
- 3D Modelling and polygon control
- Textures and lighting
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3D II
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- Forward and inverse kinematics
- Weight painting and rigging
- 3D Animation
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Sound Design
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- Sampling and sound processing
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Unreal Engine
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- Introduction to Unreal: UI and Functionality
- Content Import
- Shaders and Lighting
- Basic Logic – Blueprints
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C++ Programming in Unreal Engine
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- Pure C++
- C++ in Unreal Engine
- Basic language logic
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Portfolio, Pitching and Entrepreneurship
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- Creation and development of an individual portfolio
- Communication and oral strategies
- The various audiences: publishers, studios, distributors, etc.
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Game Jam
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- Development of a video game in a limited time frame
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Workshops/Masterclass
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Final Project
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- Creation of cutscenes/trailers/videos for social media (Adobe After Effects CC)
- Development of a vertical slice in a group
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Multidisciplinary Projects Curricular Internship
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- 480-hour internship at a company in the field
Trainers
Resources and Equipment
- Room equipped with one computer per trainee, with a macOS or Windows environment
- Huion Kamvas and Wacom drawing tablets;
- Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset;
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Audition, After Effects, etc.; Spriter; Blender, Unity; Reaper; FM Mod, Unreal Engine, among others.
Portfolio
Values
Monthly Fees:
30 x 252,00€
+240€ Registration
24 x 315,00€
+180€ Registration
18 x 420,00€
+120€ Registration
Special discounts (cannot be combined):
-7,5%
save 567,00€
- Registration immediate payment due by 31/05
-5%
save 378,00€
- 18, 24 or 30 monthly instalments
- Registration immediate payment due by 31/07
-2,5%
save 189,00€
- 18, 24 or 30 monthly instalments
- Registration immediate payment due by 31/09
-10%
save 756,00€
- former trainees
- Immediate payment
-7,5%
save 567,00€
- former trainees
- 18, 24 or 30 monthly instalments
Other Conditions
Non-residents:
€120 registration fee + first instalment of 30% of the total course fee
Payable upon registration + 18 monthly instalments
Application Process
- Schedule a personal interview, please contact info@eticalgarve.com or call 289 823 359 / 960 309 550.
- Completion of application form (sent by e-mail after scheduling the interview)
- Attend the previously scheduled interview with the Director, at which you must present your portfolio, if you have one.
- Please wait for notification of the outcome of your application.
Applications are accepted between March and September, until the start of the academic year, and whilst places remain available on the courses.
Applications may be submitted once the admission requirements have been met, subject to payment of the application fee and the submission of:
- Curriculum / Biography
- 1 passport-type photograph, in digital format
- Qualifications certificate
- Applicant’s documents (ID card / Citizen Card + Taxpayer Card + Proof of address: electricity, water or telephone bill, or driving licence)
- Filling out and signing the registration form and training contract.
Are you interested?
Make a non-binding pre-registration.