Game Design and Development
The game design industry is the fastest revenue-growing entertainment medium and has created many new job disciplines. In this project-based course, students will create innovative games through the application of animation, audio, graphic design, programming, and writing skills. Students will utilize problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. They will analyze, design, prototype, and critique interactive games. This course also explores career opportunities across multiple industries, including the entertainment and educational arenas. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 113131 | Training and Development Managers | No |
| 252031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | No |
| 271011 | Art Directors | No |
| 131082 | Project Management Specialists | No |
| 273042 | Technical Writers | No |
| 151253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | No |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| A/V Technology & Film |
|
| Journalism & Broadcasting |
|
| Telecommunications |
|
| Visual Arts |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Administration & Administrative Support |
|
| Professional Support Services |
|
| Teaching/Training |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Information Support & Services |
|
| Network Systems |
|
| Programming & Software Development |
|
| Web & Digital Communications |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology |
|
