we are games we are visual fx we are hands-on we are specialists we are industry SPECIALIST EDUCATORS IN we are aie GAMES, ANIMATION & FILM VFX
academy of interactive entertainment seattle, washington
"AIE was the best choice I made when deciding my career AIE is a world leader in games path, the course structure and the connections I made there is what put me in the position for most of the jobs I've gotten. The teachers go above and beyond for their students!" and visual effects education.
Kellie Lautier AIE was established as a non-profit college in 1996 to offer college-level, accredited CHARACTER ARTIST, education that equips students with cutting-edge skills. Our mission is to train students SMG STUDIO (INDIE GAME STUDIO & CREATORS OF DEATH SQUARED) for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game development and related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to build these industries. As one of the first colleges in the world to offer specialized training for 3D animation and video game development, our graduates are working in the top studios internationally such as Bungie, ILM, Dreamworks Animation, Bioware, Weta Digital, Rockstar and many more renowned studios world-wide. “AIE gave me the opportunity to learn industry relevant skills Our teachers are a highly qualified team of industry veterans who’ve built their that made it possible for me to get a job in the industry. names creating the games you’ve played and the movies and film visual effects The teachers were fantastic and incredibly motivated” you’ve watched. It’s this experience that enables staff to link graduates with real work experiences and opportunities — if you’re awesome, the industry wants to know about it. Damien Lam LEAD MODELLER, Let our industry success build your industry success. SCANLINE VFX (OSCAR-WINNING VFX STUDIO)
WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT AIE?
Our students develop strong hands-on skills Our courses are highly specialized in games, and learn in simulated studio environments VFX and animation because our teachers so they are industry ready. come from industry.
“My time at AIE enabled me to create the career and company I imagined. The staff is always there to help out - so use it! We were able to use our time at AIE as a launch-pad for Collidalot and Grunka Munka Games. Thanks to AIE, I was able to make Our graduates have worked on the top Our profits are re-invested in our students the connections I needed and build the career I wanted.” and industry growth initiatives because games and films world-wide because we Andrew Ward help them create great work that we are not-for-profit. GAME PROGRAMMING ALUMNUS, showcases their talent. GRUNKA MUNKA GAMES & HARDSUIT LABS
We were one of the first educators world-wide to create and deliver game development qualifications. "What I enjoyed about AIE the most was being taught by We’ve been around since 1996! people that actually have industry experience. My teachers at AIE really helped me figure out the necessary paths and helped me be the best that I could be when I graduated."
Josh Van Zuylen Student work (front cover, L - R): "Kenta" by Janice Scott; “Follow You Cyborg” by SENIOR ENVIRONMENT ARTIST, Chrysa Kipourou; “Out of Gas” by Ivan Barbarich, Jesse Cohen, Jonathan Denny, CLOUD IMPERIUM GAMES (CREATORS OF STAR CITIZEN) Ghazal Saeid, Bryan Botterill, James Stewart, Andy Nguyen & Nathan Landman; “Kiara” by Jessica Murphy 2 3 we are your pathway into Demand and opportunity continue to grow for graduates as the fields of animation, simulation games, 3D & VFX and 3D design evolve.
3D Animation & VFX for Film Game Art & Animation Game Design & Production Game Programming
3D artists build the environments, Game artists build the worlds, Game designers are the visionaries Game programmers drive the characters and visual effects in the characters and levels for the games who thrive on new ideas and think development process, creating movies you love to watch. that you love to play. about how users will interact and the framework, functionality enjoy their game experience. and interactions in the game.
3D artists are visually creative Game artists are visually Game designers possess a Game programmers have an and have a passion for films creative and have a passion combination of technical knowledge, aptitude for logic, are creative and creating digital art. for making games. artistic skill and the ability to problem solvers and enjoy communicate to players. technical challenges.
• Character Animator • 3D Modeler • Game Designer • Game Engine Programmer • Technical Director • Texture Artist • System Designer • AI Programmer • VFX Artist • Level Designer • Narrative Designer • Gameplay Programmer • Compositor • Technical Artist • UI Designer • Software Engineer
A GREAT PLACE TO A GREAT PLACE TO GET STARTED INTRODUCTORY COURSES INTRODUCTORY COURSES INTRODUCTORY COURSES INTRODUCTORY COURSES GET STARTED
A list of short courses are on page 14 A list of short courses are on page 14 A list of short courses are on page 14 A list of short courses are on page 14 or online at aie.edu/intro or online at aie.edu/intro or online at aie.edu/intro or online at aie.edu/intro
START YOUR START YOUR CAREER HERE PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM CAREER HERE
Advanced Diploma of Advanced Diploma of Advanced Diploma of Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media Professional Game Development Professional Game Development Professional Game Development Specializing in 3D Animation & Visual FX Specializing in Game Art & Animation Specializing in Game Design & Production Specializing in Game Programming 1800 clock hours / 2 year program 1800 clock hours / 2 year program 1800 clock hours / 2 year program 1800 clock hours / 2 year program
More information can be found on page 6 More information can be found on page 8 More information can be found on page 10 More information can be found on page 12 or online at aie.edu/3danimation or online at aie.edu/gameart or online at aie.edu/gamedesign or online at aie.edu/gameprog
4 5 we are 3D animation & VFX for film
CIP CODE: 10.0304 Create photorealistic animation and visual effects for film and TV. The 3D Animation & Visual FX program is a practical program, designed by industry to give you the best technical training to work as a 3D artist in the film and animation industry using the same tools and technology used by top visual effects studios.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ACCREDITATION
› Develop skills in 3D modeling, texturing, UVW unwrapping, rigging, Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media animation, lighting, using cameras, rendering and compositing. Specializing in 3D Animation & Visual FX › Work in team-led structures emulating real-world industry This two-year, full-time program has been workplaces. approved by the Council on Occupational › Learn advanced high polygon modeling, realistic lighting, Education and the US Department texturing and advanced realistic character animation. of Education. The CIP program code is 10.0304. › Learn to organize and plan large productions. › Learn to articulate and present your ideas to peers. SOFTWARE SKILLS › Get experience in tools for production and management. › Learn advanced compositing techniques such as › Maya — 3D modeling, rigging, animating, rotoscoping, chroma keying and camera tracking. lighting and rendering › Learn how to use 4k cameras to film background plates. › ZBrush — High-detail sculpting and texturing › Adobe Photoshop — Concept art and texture maps MAJOR SCREEN PROJECTS AND SHOWREEL › Nuke and 3D Equalizer — Compositing and match-moving Complete two major projects including polished visual effects › DaVinci Resolve — Video editing shots, and a short film produced under studio conditions. › Renderman — Rendering These will supply impressive footage for your graduate showreel, demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of animation production, › Deadline — Render farm management from animatics to asset modeling, VFX compositing to › Substance Suite — High detail materials post-production. and texturing AIE students have won awards at short film and animation festivals around the world for their final film projects.
Student work: "The Last Stand" by AIE Melbourne's Class of 2019 "Dragon Magic" by Duncan Bean, Liam Gatley, Kristina Demar, Kim Truong and Daniel Hailey.
6 aie.edu/3danimation 7 we are game art & animation
CIP CODE: 11.0803 Create 3D environments and characters for game worlds. Game Artists work in specialist areas such as 3D modeling, texturing, animation, rigging, shader development and lighting. Working with other artists, programmers and designers you will be creating unique entertainment experiences using cutting-edge game technology.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ACCREDITATION
› Develop skills in 3D modeling, texturing, UV unwrapping, Advanced Diploma of Professional Game rigging, animation, lighting and using cameras. Development Specializing in Game Art & › Concept, model and animate characters, build realistic and Animation stylized environments and props and develop animation This two-year, full-time program has been techniques which bring your characters to life. approved by the Council on Occupational › Take advantage of the latest techniques, skills and software Education and the US Department required to build high quality artwork within game engines of Education. The CIP program code is as well as new emerging technologies. 10.0303. › Develop advanced modeling, texturing and animation skills for real time development. SOFTWARE SKILLS › Prepare a professional game art portfolio. › Maya — 3D Modeling, rigging, animating, › Work as part of a multi disciplined team to create a game project lighting and rendering from concept to completion, ready for game expos or market. › ZBrush — High-detail sculpting and texturing › Adobe Photoshop — Concept art and MAJOR GAME PROJECT texture maps › Unreal Engine and Unity — Collaborate with game design and game programming students Game development to create an innovative original game. The training environment › Substance Suite — High detail materials reflects the real-world production cycle of a development studio, and texturing covering the entire process from pitching the game idea to writing game design documents, evaluating technical › Marmoset Toolbag — Look development, requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, light and render pipelines delivering commercial-quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis. AIE students have successfully showcased their finished game projects at major expos including PAX as well as receiving many awards and critical acclaim from industry press.
Student work: "Koru" by Sam Elmohamed, Natalie Pranic, Dante Gregory, David Bautista and Ryan Clarke. "English Cafe" by Ivy Cheng.
8 aie.edu/gameart 9 we are game design & production
CIP CODE: 50.0411 Be the visionary and evangelist for a game development project. Explore how audiences interact with games. Combine technical and creative knowledge, artistic skill and the ability to communicate with, and understand people to create and deliver engaging gameplay experiences.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ACCREDITATION
› Learn the roles of a game designer and producer and Advanced Diploma of Professional Game understand industry terminology. Development Specializing in Game Design › Develop skills in designing gameplay systems and mechanics & Production and the creation of industry quality game documentation. This two-year, full-time program has been › Work on visualizing ideas and project prototyping best practices approved by the Council on Occupational to create a range of different game types and genres across Education and the US Department multiple platforms. of Education. The CIP program code is 50.0411. › Learn the fundamentals of 3D content creation and game programming. › Design game levels, create user interfaces and craft gameplay SOFTWARE SKILLS experiences. › Unity, Unreal Engine, GameMaker, Twine — › Develop skills in testing and quality assurance. Game engine and development frameworks › Explore the psychology of games, market research and analysis, › Maya — 3D game asset creation and thinking and decision-making processes. › Perforce or Git — Collaborative version › Manage and coordinate game projects using agile production control tools. methodologies. › Adobe Photoshop — Visualization › Develop teamwork and communication skills, presentation skills and how to pitch a project. › Visual Studio — Programming tools › Build an extensive portfolio of games you’ve designed and › Microsoft Office Package produced, functional prototypes and documented design concepts expressed in visual and written form.
MAJOR GAME PROJECT
Collaborate with game art and game programming students to create an innovative original game. The training environment reflects the real-world production cycle of a development studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea to writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, delivering commercial-quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis. AIE students have successfully showcased their finished game projects at major expos including PAX as well as receiving many awards and critical acclaim from industry press.
Student work: "Overthrone" by Ali El Saleh, Edward Lu, Ryan Dempsey, Howard Strutt, Sebastian Calero and Brad Johnston. "StormRend: Realm in Ruin" by Christopher Poermandya, Dale Giroud-Grumley, Henry Boadle, Joel Kaplan, YeonKyung "Lucy" Kim, Dexter Prapun, Tony Le and Muhammad "Gabe" Ghalib.
10 aie.edu/gamedesign 11 we are game programming
CIP CODE: 11.0804 Drive the development process and bring games to life. Game Programmers drive the game development process; creating the framework, functionality and interactions in the game. Regarded as the essential ingredient in the development process, game programmers are highly valued and continually in demand.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ACCREDITATION
› Gain advanced game programming skills. Advanced Diploma of Professional › Learn languages and technologies used heavily by the game Game Development Specializing in Game industry, including C++, C#, OpenGL, game engines and version Programming control systems. This two-year, full-time program has been › Develop math, problem-solving, and practical programming approved by the Council on Occupational proficiency. Education and the US Department of Education. The CIP program code is › Learn real-time application development skills that can take 11.0804. you into any area of programming and simulation. › Choose to develop across multiple platforms including PC, VR and AR Platforms and mobile. SOFTWARE SKILLS › Learn specific algorithms and technologies used in game › Visual Studio — Programming in C++ and C#. development and build on core language skills. › OpenGL — Low-level computer graphics › Learn more advanced development techniques and how programming. to develop using industry standard game engines. › Game Engines — Unity and Unreal Engine. › Gain experience in 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, networking, physics and collision, profiling, and managing medium to › Perforce or Git — Collaborative version large-scale software projects. control tools. › Open-Source Libraries — Public code-bases commonly used throughout industry. MAJOR GAME PROJECT
Collaborate with game art and game design students to create an innovative original game. The training environment reflects the real- world production cycle of a development studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea to writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, delivering commercial-quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis. AIE students have successfully showcased their finished game projects at major expos including PAX as well as receiving many awards and critical acclaim from industry press.
Student work: "Roll Out" by Bradley Reimer, Phillip Houth and Reuben Bignell.
12 aie.edu/gameprog 13 we are hands on
Our introductory courses are a great way to start learning interactive entertainment skills.
These introductory courses are an excellent option for students who are in high school, any adult who wants to study part-time, or anyone who just wants to get a taste for what a career in games and film might be like. These courses are also a great way to build a portfolio to apply for AIE's full-time college programs.
INTRODUCTION TO INTRODUCTION TO INTRODUCTION TO 3D ANIMATION GAME DESIGN GAME PROGRAMMING
void ProceduralGenerationApplication::draw() { // clear the screen for this frame glClear(GL_COLOR_BUFFER_BIT | GL_DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT);
// bind shader m_shader->bind();
// bind the projection * view matrix (no world for now) int matUniform = m_shader->getUniform(“ProjectionView- Model”); glUniformMatrix4fv(matUniform, 1, GL_FALSE, &m_cam- era->getProjectionView()[0][0]);
int texUniform = m_shader->getUniform(“noiseTexture”); glUniform1i(texUniform, 0);
glActiveTexture(GL_TEXTURE0); glBindTexture(GL_TEXTURE_2D, m_perlinTexture);
int minMaxHeight = m_shader->getUniform(“minMax- Height”); glUniform2f(minMaxHeight, m_minMaxHeight.x, m_minMax- Height.y);
//
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN WHAT YOU WILL LEARN WHAT YOU WILL LEARN › Get a comprehensive › Learn how to define and › Learn how to create 3D understanding of the creative develop game mechanics. games using the Unity potential of 3D animation game engine. › Develop game design software used in games, documentation. › Get an introduction to film and visual effects. industry standard tools › Rapid prototype gameplay. › Learn the fundamentals of and techniques for game 3D animation including › Create interactive development. modeling, texturing, environments. › Learn C# to script game animation, lighting, rendering › Process feedback to refine interactions. and environment design. game design. › Design and program DURATION gameplay mechanics. DURATION › See website for details. DURATION › See website for details. › See website for details. SOFTWARE SOFTWARE › Unity engine SOFTWARE › Autodesk Maya › Unity engine › Visual Studio
aie.edu/3Dintro aie.edu/gamedesignintro aie.edu/gameprogintro
Student work (L - R) : "Dumatis" by James Patarozzi, "Jeremy" by Brooke Collins, "Suck It" by Claire Worsman, 14 Alexander Annetta, Ben Hart, Megan Leach, Zachary Rae, Cameron Rogers & Dylan Smith. "Gunpunk" by Kyle Ryan, 15 Ashley Sewell, Daniel Bain, Percival Relucio Jr & Twinkle Taylor. "Orbitor" by Dale Ward & Duncan Henderson. aie seattle community During class and outside of class, AIE provides many opportunities for students to build lasting friendships and quality connections.
With AIE conveniently located inside Seattle Center, it is a natural hub for all things creative, all year round. There are a multitude of events for artists and the tech-savvy alike to enjoy and collaborate. Whether it be through Game Jams or a Dungeons & Dragons club, AIE students have plenty of opportunities to participate in the events that best suit their interests.
Advisory Committees Industry Speakers Our Advisory Committees consist of industry Held throughout the year, AIE hosts guest professionals who are dedicated to their speaker events that provides top-tier craft and have decades of experience. These informative sessions for our students. These industry experts lend AIE their knowledge, guest speaker events can be anything from leadership, and activism to improve the workshops, in-depth lectures, specialized future of their respective fields. Our Advisory lessons and Q&A’s from industry professionals. Committee members come from a variety of backgrounds, including software development iFEST (Unity, Microsoft), AAA studios (DreamWorks, Indie Games Festival Valve, ArenaNet, Wizards of the Coast) and successful local developers (Pixel Dash, Digital AIE hosts the popular indie game showcase Twin Studios, Tantrum, King Crow Studios iFEST at Seattle Center each spring. The and Jetstreame). Thanks to our committee all-day event features the independent games, members, students learn cutting-edge VR simulations, and tabletop games created curriculum in a studio-modeled classroom by smaller teams and studios from across taught by top-tier experts. the Pacific Northwest. AIE students not only have a chance to show their own work but also to interact closely with the indie side The Industry Standard Promise of the industry. Community is important to AIE, as it has helped build what we know as the video game and VFX PAX West industries as they are today. AIE expects the best PAX West is a 4-day event of gaming, industry from our students, and the college responds by panels, and networking. AIE attends PAX every going above and beyond, creating networking year, showcasing several major student projects opportunities for our students both online and at their booth, along with a student art gallery offline. These events are AIE’s promise to give and live Cintiq demos. back in supporting the future of the VFX and video game industries. In addition to PAX West and iFEST, AIE offers an array of opportunities to students at several industry events such as: GDC, Train Jam, Seattle Film Festival, Global Game Jam, Emerald City Comic Con, Geek Girl Con, and many more.
16 17 we are industry AIE graduates work at the top studios worldwide.
Game Projects Film Projects › Elden Ring › Marvel's Avengers Series › Gears of War 5 › John Wick Series › Baldur's Gate 3 › Men In Black: International › Conan Chop Chop › Jumanji Series › Tiki Trials › Crazy Rich Asians › Magic: The Gathering Arena › The LEGO Movie Series › Far Cry 5 › Peter Rabbit › World of Tanks › Alien: Covenant › Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel › Thor: Ragnarok › Batman: Arkham Series › Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse › Rise of the Tomb Raider › Spider-Man: Homecoming › Gears of War 4 › Doctor Strange › Injustice 2 › Antman and the Wasp › Watch Dogs 2 › Aquaman › The Walking Dead: A New Frontier › Black Panther › Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD › Logan › Batman: The Telltale Series › Pacific Rim Uprising › Rugby League Live 3 › Deadpool › Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege › Beauty and the Beast › Tom Clancy’s The Division › Mad Max: Fury Road › Dead Space › Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2 › Armello › Justice League › Submerged › Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them › Death Squared › Avatar › Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles › Jurassic World › Tahira: Echoes of the Astral Empire › 300 › Dragon Age: Inquisition › Terminator: Salvation › Jetpack Joyride › The Harry Potter Series › Fruit Ninja › Happy Feet 1 & 2 › Bioshock Series › The Lord of the Rings Trilogy › Grand Theft Auto IV › The Hobbit Trilogy › Grand Theft Auto V › Iron Man › Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel › The Wolverine › Guitar Hero › Man of Steel › Puzzle Quest › The Great Gatsby › Battlefield 4 › The Divergent Series › The Legend of Spyro › Gravity › Call of Duty Series › SpongeBob SquarePants › Need for Speed Series › Ted › L.A. Noire › The Hunger Games Series aie.edu/graduates getting started
APPLY ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW ACCEPTANCE ENROLLMENT INTERVIEW
Complete Once you Meet us at your After your Once accepted, an online have applied, interview and interview, we’ll you will receive application form you can schedule show us your let you know if a letter or at aie.edu/apply an interview portfolio of you are accepted email with an Provide High School at a time that art, design or or discuss admissions offer Diploma or GED suits you. programming alternative and enrollment Certificate or Applicants can do work. pathways. instructions. College Diploma. their interview in Current High School person or via phone Seniors provide or virtual meetings. latest transcripts.
Interview AIE admission interviews are relaxed and informal. This is your chance to ask questions and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and potential to complete the program to a high standard. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour the campus and see our students in action. Common questions discussed in the interview relate to teamwork, educational history, what you want to gain from the program and your long-term career aspirations. During the interview you’ll also need to show examples of your work from your portfolio (see below) and we will let you know if you need to submit further materials.
Portfolio Requirements 3D Animation & VFX for Film and Game Art & Animation We’re looking for evidence of your creative ability. If you have explored 3D animation, visual effects and/or game art, provide the best examples of your work. If you have a strong interest in the area, but do not have previous experience, use your portfolio to demonstrate your ability to imagine and realize a creative piece of work in media that you are more familiar with.
Game Programming Portfolios should include actual code samples as well as compiled working applications. Good grades in math, physics, information technology, and other computer-related classes are useful indicators of an aptitude to learn how to program and may be used in lieu of a portfolio for individuals with no previous experience.
Game Design & Production Designers and Producers are responsible for documentation in order to communicate their ideas along with managing projects and staff. A quality portfolio will include at least two writing samples that demonstrate thoughtful analysis of the game development world. This could include Game Design Documents, Modification Plans, Game Analyses, or other similar types of documents. We would also expect that you have a game project to demonstrate, be it a video game in an engine such as Unity or Unreal, a board or card game, or another created project. We don’t expect a polished product, we’re looking for cohesive systems, thought toward player interaction, and a notion of “Where would you take this next?”.
20 aie.edu/apply 21 AIE's Mission Statement aie.edu/mission
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) trains students for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game development and related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to build these industries.
Tuition Fees aie.edu/fees
Please check aie.edu/fees for program tuition fees. Please note: › Financial aid is available for eligible students. › Students may be eligible for a payment plan, which allows tuition to be paid via installments. Contact us for more information. › AIE's enrollment fee of $100 is applied towards the tuition.
FAQ aie.edu/faq
Is the Academy of Interactive Entertainment Does AIE accept FAFSA? (AIE) a college? Yes! The Federal school code for Yes! AIE is a Vocational Technical College. AIE Seattle is 042236. Is AIE accredited? Does AIE accept VA Benefits? Yes! Academy of Interactive Entertainment Yes! Many benefits are available to advance is accredited by the Council on Occupational the education and skills of Veterans and Education. council.org Service members. For more information, visit: va.gov/education Do you have scholarships? Still have more questions? Yes! Please check aie.edu/scholarships for more information. Visit our full FAQ at aie.edu/faq or contact us using the details on the back cover of this viewbook.
Non-discrimination Policy aie.edu/ndp
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors. As such, AIE does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admissions, policies, scholarships, loans and any other programs or activities administered by AIE based on, but not limited to, the following: class, sex, gender identification/ expression, sexual identification, nation, religion, race, color, creed, ethnic origin, veteran/military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, education, age, domestic/marital status, and any other perceived differences. AIE encourages individuals from all backgrounds to be themselves and feel welcome at our campuses and at AIE sponsored events.
Student work (this page): "Gungineer VR" by Jonathan Coleman, Braydon Keegan, Rhiannon Thomas and Jacob Burley. Back cover: "Crabby McCrabface" by Joe Largent 22 23 academy of interactive entertainment seattle, washington Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison Street, Suite 405, Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 428 6350 (206) 428 6354 [email protected] SPECIALIST EDUCATORS IN GAMES, ANIMATION & FILM VFX