Pre-junior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is a critical step toward specialization and professional development. At this stage, students are no longer just learning the fundamentals—they are refining their skills, developing industry-ready projects, and preparing for co-op applications. This year is about team collaboration, portfolio-building, and deepening expertise in game design, programming, or art.
Core Classes
As coursework becomes more advanced, students focus on game production pipelines, optimization techniques, and industry standards. Some key classes include:
Game Development Foundations (GMAP345): This course introduces students to the computer game design process. Students also learn how the individual skills of modeling, animation, scripting, interface design and storytelling are coordinated to produce interactive media experiences.
Advanced Game Design and Production (GMAP395): This course will step through the various modules of game engines, enabling students to gain access to real-time shaders and materials, particle systems and animation techniques.
Advanced Portfolio (GMAP246): This course focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework.
GMAP Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of GDAP that they want to pursue after graduation.
Skills You’ll Develop
This year is all about polishing skills and applying them to real-world projects:
- Advanced Gameplay Systems: Designing and implementing AI behavior, combat mechanics, and complex interactions
- Optimized 3D Art & Animation: Creating high-quality assets for real-time performance
- Multiplayer & Networking: Understanding online play, matchmaking, and real-time data sync
- Portfolio Development & Industry Prep: Project refinement for co-op and job readiness
Projects & Challenges
With an increased focus on team-based development, students work on projects that mimic real-world production cycles:
- Fully Playable Game Prototype: Custom mechanics, AI systems, and visual polish
- Expansive 3D Level Design: Story-driven, interactive environments
- Multiplayer Game Project: Networking features for real-time multiplayer
- Portfolio & Demo Reel Creation: Polished assets showcasing technical/artistic skills
A major challenge this year is finding a specialization—whether in design, programming, art, technical development, or UX/UI for games.
Tips for Success
- Apply early for co-op: The most competitive positions are filled early.
- Develop a standout portfolio: Prioritize quality over quantity with refined case studies.
- Collaborate like a pro: Use Agile, version control (Git), and project management tools effectively.
- Network with professionals: Attend game dev events and connect with the industry.
Looking Ahead
Pre-junior year is all about preparing for professional experience. Junior-year co-op placements will allow students to work in real game studios, apply their skills in production settings, and gain valuable industry insights. The next step? Putting those skills to the test in the real world.