EECS 494 : Game Design and Development

EECS 494 is the University of Michigan’s premiere game-development course.

From medical care, marketing, and simulation to artistic expression, education, and entertainment, the techniques and technologies that power modern digital games are having an $150B+ impact on many aspects of our modern world.

EECS 494 empowers students with the knowledge and experience to…

Implement small-to-medium sized digital games and interactive experiences using industry-standard techniques and technology.
Game Engines (Unity), Design Patterns, Shaders and Basic Graphics Programming, etc.
Design purposeful, engaging user experiences.
Interesting Decisions, Player Guidance, “Juice”, Positive / Negative Feedback Loops, MDA, etc.
Practice non-engineering disciplines at a basic level in the creation of well-rounded products.
Art Styles, Artistic Intent, Audio, Marketing, etc
Carry out user testing and analysis of user feedback.
Iterative Design Process, Weekly Playtesting (project 3), Bias Reduction Techniques, Analytics, etc.
Work efficiently in teams of 2-5 using agile production methods and software.
Project Management Software (JIRA), Sprints, Iterative Design Process, Version Control, etc.
Exhibit / market substantial software products to large crowds (before public / commercial release).
Public Development Blogs, Marketing Trailers, Booth Design, Portfolio Design, etc.

Students will end the course with at least three significant, interactive game projects in their public portfolios.