<p>My S is interested in Computer Game Design and Development, mainly from a CS perspective. He's been looking for rigorous CS programs that offer a concentration or other similar opportunity in game design. </p>
<p>Although we live in the US, he is a Canadian Citizen and thus considering Waterloo as a top CS program, with a top co-op program. But it doesn't look like they offer any courses/minor/concentration in game design, which is a negative for him. Is there anything interesting going on there in the area of computer game design? I see that there's a club. Any good co-ops with game design companies available? Mom and Dad went there (CS and EE) so we know it's a great school, but wonder what it offers for someone who is serious about games. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I don’t believe there’s anything specifically geared for game design. I do have some suggestions if your S is still interested in Waterloo.</p>
<p>There’s a program called Bachelor of Indepedent Studies ([Independent</a> Studies | University of Waterloo](<a href=“Programs | Arts”>http://is.uwaterloo.ca/program.htm)). You essentially design your own curriculum, approach an advisor and pursue your own research study. It might be a fit for your S if he’s willing to look into getting into Waterloo’s CS courses but also trying to fit in independent projects/courses geared towards game design. Maybe do a double-major in CS and Indepedent Studies (and get an advisor who’s into game design)? I heard the program is pretty flexible so though you might not be in co-op formally, that doesn’t mean you can’t intern at various game studios around the country (EA in Montreal for example). </p>
<p>There’s also the Digital Arts Communication program ([Faculty</a> of Arts | University of Waterloo](<a href=“Ideas and actions | Arts”>Ideas and actions | Arts)) which have some courses that relate to media production (there’s even some on creating games/multimedia). However, this seems to be geared towards the media side of things and not CS-heavy. </p>
<p>And if he’s interested at all, there’s a lab that researches videogames - someone told me they just started though I’m pretty sure it’s this lab ([Digital</a> Game Studies](<a href=“http://criticalmedia.uwaterloo.ca/crimelab/?page_id=169]Digital”>http://criticalmedia.uwaterloo.ca/crimelab/?page_id=169)).</p>