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PLAYING GAMES IN THE CLASSROOM - Radical Entertainment offers SFU students unique course in game design September 9, 2002 - - Radical Entertainment Inc., a leading developer of digital entertainment and gaming software, announced today that it has developed curriculum and is teaching the-only-one-of-its-kind undergraduate level course in video game design in Simon Fraser University’s computer science program. Over 20 students, including 3 women are registered in the fourth year class. Simon Fraser University is offering game development courses as part of its curriculum. In the gaming industry, the process of creating a video game, particularly the software engineering, is incredibly fast-paced and requires a combination of technical and artistic capability. The SFU course is aimed at students in their final year of the Computer Science program. The course simulates the challenges of building a game in the ‘real world’ and tests students ability to think creatively, develop unique content and meet strict deadlines. Radical Entertainment 's Neil Verheyde was part of the Radical team that developed the curriculum for University of Calgary where the course was first taught last fall. “We structured the course so students are on teams and plunged into the world of game development. In a very short time, they experience a condensed version of the entire development process from game design, to producing technical documentation and scheduling their group to meet milestones and a final game deliverable - - which mimics life at a game company,” notes Verheyde. By following this practical approach, students are learning how much of their computer science knowledge is exercised in creating a video game. With this course under their belts, they will have an edge in being able to showcase the design brief, technical documentation, and demo CD from the course, to prospective employers, many of whom are in Vancouver. “Very few other applicants will have this level of experience,” he added. Students will have created a playable PC-based game by the time the course is completed in early December. Verheyde and his counterparts at Radical will teach the course and grade the projects. Radical is currently exploring opportunities to offer the course in other local educational institutions across Canada. About Radical Entertainment Radical Entertainment is one of North America 's leading developers of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Radical creates top-selling entertainment products for the industry 's most powerful publishers, such as Fox Interactive, Microsoft and THQ. Recent high-grossing titles include Simpsons Road Rage, Independence Day, and Dark Summit. Committed to bringing creativity, imagination and passion to every aspect of business, the company maintains an in-house Research and Development team run by industry leaders in 3D graphics and real time technology. In 2001, Radical 's CEO was named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Media & Entertainment category and in 2000 Radical was recognized as one of Canada 's 50 Best Managed Private Companies. The company is a member of the BC Advanced Systems Institute, New Media BC, and the Association for Computer Machinery. For more information about Radical, visit the company 's web site at www.radical.ca. For additional information, contact: " |
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