Program areas at AIE
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment - WA (AIE - WA) was founded in 2010 to provide world-class education in 3D animation, game programming, and digital visual effects. AIE - WA offers four certificate programs, including: 1. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Art & Animation (CIP Code 11.0803). 2. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Programming (CIP Code 11.0804). 3. Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - 3D Animation & VFX for Film (CIP Code 10.0304). 4. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Design & Production (CIP Code 50.0411). The Advanced Diploma courses were developed to support industry needs, driven by extensive consultation with local and international game development studios and visual effects professionals. Each Advanced Diploma is a two-year full-time course, providing individual and team centric training in the processes of developing the competencies and skills necessary to gain employment with game and film studios, related industries, and the development of graduates' independent games. In academic year 2022-2023, AIE - WA had 3 cohorts attending for a total of 133 students of which 49 graduated in July 2023. Game artists design the environments, create the characters and craft the vehicles for the game. They can specialize in modeling, texturing, animation, and level design. Developing game art utilizes a dynamic medium that showcases creative ability. Students work with other artists and programmers to design and create their own unique entertainment experiences using cutting-edge game technology. Game programmers drive the game development process, creating the framework, functionality and interaction in the game. As the essential ingredient in the development process, game programmers are highly valued and in high demand. In contrast to Game Art, 3D Animation & VFX for Film students acquire skills necessary to develop exciting careers in game development, film, and TV. It is a practical course designed to give students top-tier technical training to work as 3D artists using the latest state-of-the-art technology. Game designers are the visionaries and evangelists for a game development project. They thrive on new ideas and are always thinking about how users will interact and enjoy the experience that they've created. A great game designer possesses a combination of technical knowledge, artistic skill and most importantly, the ability to communicate and understand people. Game designers spend significant amounts of time writing detailed documents specifying game mechanics, environments, playable characters and the game's nemesis. This detail extends right down to how a particular item might behave, be animated and sound.
During this fiscal year, AIE - WA continued its work with Seattle Public Schools, offering a Work Skill Center, which caters to juniors and seniors in the school district. The Skill Center was established to educate Seattle high school students in the subject of interactive media, including game art and design and game programming. Interactive media represents a wide variety of new and emerging interactive industries and sectors, including video games, animation, film making, and other creative 3D applications. Students use a hands-on approach and work in a studio setting, emulating a real-world work environment. Students learn to use industry standard software, work independently and in teams, and develop a portfolio for ongoing educational and career opportunities. Additionally, program graduates earn high school credit upon successful completion of the course.