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Animation and Game Development 

A student and professor are sitting next to each other working on an animation and game development project.

Animators create movies, bring video games to life, and develop apps. Pursue your passion for video games and computer-generated media by specializing in character animation, 2D/3D animation, gaming, visual effects, web design, or mobile applications.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Animation and Game Development 
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
Six semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
10.0304
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Ministry-approved program title: Interactive Media Development – Animation and Game Development

Your Story Starts Here

Every film or show that moved you, every game world you got lost in, every visual effect that made you pause and rewind, someone made that. This program is where you learn how.

Graduates of this program pursue careers in film, television, gaming, and other media industries. Potential career paths include 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, game development, visual effects and interactive media design.

Career opportunities extend beyond the entertainment sector. The demand for skilled 3D artists is increasing in fields such as architecture, museum technology, product design, healthcare visualization and simulation-based training.

You will finish your third year with confidence and connections to enter a competitive job market. You will also have the entrepreneurial and communication skills to freelance on your own terms, launch your own studio or pivot as the industry evolves.

Find your career

Graduates will find employment and contracts in roles such as:

  • 2D, 3D, and Stop-Motion Animator
  • Storyboard or Layout Artist
  • Game Developer or Designer
  • Visual Effects (VFX) Artist
  • Character Designer or Concept Artist
  • Compositor or Motion Graphics Designer
  • Environment or Background Artist
  • Picture Book/Graphic Novel Illustrator
  • UI/UX and Interactive Media Designer

Our grads get great jobs

Our graduates are working at some of the most respected studios and organizations in the industry. Here’s where they landed:

  • Head of Technical Operations, PIXOMONDO
  • Production Coordinator, Big Jump Entertainment
  • 3D Generalist / Concept Artist, Creatures Animation
  • Layout Artist, Guru Studio
  • Producer, Complex Games
  • Layout Artist, Spin VFX

Is it for you?

There’s no single type of person who thrives here — students come from artistic and technical backgrounds alike. What they share is a drive to create. If you recognize yourself in any of the following, you’re probably in the right place:

  • Strong artistic ability and visual storytelling skills
  • Creativity and a vivid imagination
  • Comfort with computers and digital tools
  • Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • A strong work ethic and willingness to learn

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Learn from industry-experienced faculty as you develop real-world skills across animation, game development, and visual effects production pipelines.

You will:
• Train using industry-standard tools such as Zbrush, Maya, Unreal Engine 5, Godot, Adobe Creative Cloud and more.
• Work in modern studios equipped with high-performance workstations and production software.
• Build hands-on experience through in-house individual and collaborative projects and through community-based, resume-building opportunities.
• Customize your learning through second-year group productions and third-year capstone projects.
• Develop your own animation, game, or visual effects project from concept to completion.
• Gain industry experience through a four-week internship placement.
• Be supported through a mentorship program with alumni.
• Be celebrated with a year-end showcase for industry, family and friends.
• Graduate with a professional portfolio that tells your story — and opens the door to your first chapter in the industry.

Courses

DIGP1014 Animation 1

This course provides students with an introduction to the terms and concepts of animation in general and the history of animation. Students explore the 3D environment (simple modelling, materials, textures, lighting, animation and rendering), the mathematical concepts involved in the creation of animation and the production process

DIGP1017 Audio/Video 1

Proper understanding of audio and video elements and their usage is an essential part of the digital production workflow, whether the end result is used in broadcast, web or gaming applications. This course provides students with a technical foundation in AV, which will be applied as they progress through the program. Subjects covered will include: image acquisition, image processing, media file formats, CODECs, basic video editing, audio acquisition and manipulation, and graphics production as they relate to the digital AV workflow.

COMM1057 Communications 1

Good communication abilities are essential, both in college and in business. Using a combination of lectures, exercises, group discussions and assignments, students in this course develop their written and verbal skills in order to express themselves with clarity and creativity.

DIGP1016 Digital Imagery

Adobe Photoshop is integral to all three years of Animation. The basics and beyond will be covered in Digital Imaging. There will be an emphasis on learning Photoshop tools vital to animation, compositing and web building.

DIGP1015 Game 1

This course introduces students to gaming and game creation through the creative and functional planning stages, then development, and finally play testing. Topics covered include preparing graphics for sprites and backgrounds, sound and creating interactivity, navigation and publishing to mobile devices

DIGP1019 Production Design 1

Production Design 1 introduces students to the foundational principles of visual storytelling and composition as they apply to animation and game development. Through an exploration of design elements such as colour, lighting, texture, character style and framing, students will learn to support and communicate a project’s concept visually. The course emphasizes conceptual sketching, perspective drawing (one-, two- and three-point), storyboarding, and the basics of human anatomy, while also fostering proficiency in both traditional and digital drawing tools. Historical and stylistic contexts for art direction in animation will also be examined. This studio-based course provides essential pre-visualization skills to support future creative work in the program.

DIGP1020 Project Management 1

This foundational course introduces students to the essential principles and practices of project management in the context of animation, visual effects and game production. Students explore industry-standard workflows, roles and planning tools to manage creative projects from concept through execution. Through hands-on activities and practical exercises, students develop key skills in scheduling, workflow planning, task tracking and team collaboration. Emphasis is placed on ethical standards, problem-solving and communication strategies that reflect real-world industry expectations. This course prepares students for more advanced project management work in future semesters.

DIGP1013 Web Authoring 1

This course provides the learner with an introduction to HTML and the web environment. It includes web design principles, browser and mobile compatibility, image formats, accessibility and other design parameters. Photoshop and other graphic creation tools will be introduced. Layout, content creation and CSS are major components of this course. Students will be able to create hand coded pages for the web at the end of this course.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

DIGP1022 Animation 2

This course will introduce character design principles and intermediate animation concepts such as rigging, skinning/weight painting and animation tracks. Intermediate animation techniques will be employed to create useful animations for game and film. Students will be introduced to the basics of creating virtual environments for games and animation. Rendering, layers, composition, post-rendering FXs and other basic postproduction techniques will be introduced. Students will use various animation platforms to achieve a final animated product. Prerequisite: DIGP 1014

COMM1058 Communications 2

In Communications 2, the emphasis is on visual communication. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of visual design and moving into theoretical concepts such as Gestalt principles and symbolism. Basic video editing concepts (i.e. compression of time/space, continuity, coverage, etc.) will also be introduced, including how editing is applied in cinematic storytelling and how it is used to persuade and manipulate audiences.

DIGP1023 Game 2

Using the Unreal Engine 4, this course focuses on 3D game creation. Students will create game levels and will learn and apply concepts of interactivity. Students will learn how to build, texture and light realistic game environments. Students will utilize visual scripting tools to enhance gameplay and to apply design tools and principles. Students will integrate 3D models and textures they create into game levels they produce.

DIGP1026 Production Design 2

Production Design 2 expands on visual storytelling and concept development for games and animation. Students will design complex storyboards, develop detailed character model sheets and explore sculpting through maquette creation. Emphasizing composition, colour theory and art history, the course guides students in crafting compelling pre-production artwork. Through hands-on projects, students will refine their ability to create immersive and visually engaging worlds for interactive media.

DIGP1024 Programming 1

This course will provide an introduction to programming basics and how they are used in the animation and game industry. To work in the animation/game industry an understanding of how programming works is very important. The course includes introductory programming, problem solving and logic. Pseudo code is used to give an understanding of logic and problem solving, and as a way to plan and execute programming tasks.

DIGP1027 Project Management 2

Project Management 2 equips students with the skills to effectively plan, track, and execute animation and game development projects from concept to completion. Through hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Trello, Premiere, Storyboarder and Maya, students will develop production schedules, create animatics with animation and sound, and manage workflow through bi-weekly project meetings. Emphasizing real-world production strategies, students will refine their time management, communication, and problem-solving skills while maintaining detailed work logs and iterating on their projects. By the end of the course, students will have produced a fully developed animatic and a 3D layout or Game Devlogs and game, demonstrating their ability to manage and execute a production pipeline efficiently. Prerequisite: DIGP 1020

DIGP1021 Web Authoring 2

This course provides an introduction to web authoring software applications. Using Adobe Creative Suite will be the major component of the course. Subjects include search engine optimization and using CSS for style, positioning and proper page layout. Web design principles are emphasized. Rich media content, responsive design and mobile content creation are introduced and the use of scripts is explored. Prerequisite: DIGP 1013

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

DIGP2001 Animation 3

Using various animation platforms, students will explore intermediate animation techniques such as expressions, advanced materials and shader techniques, surface and FX shaders, advanced texture mapping (UV mapping, 3D painting) and intermediate lighting (light matching, light shaders, radiosity, HDRI). Advanced camera techniques (camera matching, match moving, camera shaders) will also be considered. Students will be introduced to FX animation, physics, hard and soft body dynamics, collisions, hair cloth and particles. Emphasis will be put on creating animation cycles for use in game engines. Students will use pose thumbnails, in between drawings, arcs, and video referencing to generate natural and dynamic animations. Prerequisite: DIGP 1022

DIGP2003 Audio/ Video 2

This course covers advanced AV topics including online editing, advanced character generation and motion graphics, and audio editing, mixing techniques and sound design. Students will be encouraged to use concepts and software in this course to create material for their personal portfolios and other projects. Prerequisite: DIGP 1017

DIGP2005 Digital Compositing

Digital compositing is the layering of images from various sources and formats to create a finished image. This course will use timeline-based and node-based compositing software to demonstrate various compositing techniques, including basic layering and compositing, colour and alpha keying, advanced matte extraction, media matching (noise, camera match/moving, film grain and colour lighting/matching), image-based operations, (filtration, colour-correction, morphing/warping, etc.).

DIGP2002 Game 3

This course uses Unreal Engine 4 to apply game design principles and to create interactive environments. The course emphasizes game content creation using Maya and Photoshop. Models are created and animated in Maya which are then incorporated in Game Levels the students produce. Scripting and game design concepts such as physics, UVs, normal maps, particles, triggers and artificial intelligence will also form important elements of the course. The course includes discussions on game design and what makes games successful. Other concepts include game textures, lighting, weapons and testing. Prerequisite: DIGP 1023

DIGP2013 New Media Production 1

This course emphasizes project planning and the production pipeline for a year long group project. Students will plan, storyboard, template and budget a major project. The projects developed this term will be completed in Winter session. In this course adherence to timelines, professional conduct, quality of work, meetings, communication and deadlines are crucial. Students use all concepts learned to date and apply them to their group project.

DIGP2006 Production Design 3

Students advance their production design skills for animation and game development, focusing on sophisticated art direction in both 2D and 3D environments. The course emphasizes the creation of cohesive visual styles and immersive virtual worlds through character design, asset development, colour theory and environmental storytelling. Learners will generate concept art, storyboards, maquettes and texture callouts while drawing from historical and industry influences. Collaborative projects and critique sessions support professional communication, teamwork and the iterative design process. By term’s end, students will produce comprehensive visual development packages for short films or games that showcase their mastery of design principles, anatomy, mood and worldbuilding.

DIGP2004 Programming 2

Students will learn advanced scripting for game applications and animation. Students will use Python to understand programming principles. Students will incorporate models and scripts created in Maya to create functioning animations. Students will apply concepts to create code which will control in-game elements and create animation sequences. Prerequisite: DIGP 1024

DIGP2000 Web Authoring 3

Students will create rich media content for the web. This course will cover drawing, basic animation, importing, exporting, audio, video, interactive navigation and content creation. Students learn the fundamentals of good web design using interactive media content. This course also includes information on file compression, vector graphics, symbols, libraries and ActionScript.

DIGP2008 Animation 4

Using various 3D animation software platforms, students will explore advanced character modelling and animation techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on creating photorealistic characters in ZBrush and Maya as well as facial animation and lip-synch. Students will learn to produce motion capture files using MOCAP and integrate them into Maya and Unreal Engine 4 using Motion Builder. Emphasis will be placed on developing industry ready character animation skills. Other topics include creating character, model, texture and animation content for games. Students will use content produced in this course for the Unreal game levels created in relative courses. Prerequisite: DIGP 2001

DIGP2014 Character Design 1

Character Design 1 will introduce students to the principles of 3D character design for game and film. Students will explore how characters that elicit emotional audience responses and appeal are created. Students will explore concepts such as comparative vertebrate anatomy and posture, facial analysis (including anatomy), personality, emotion, environment, societal influences and age. Students will advance their practical knowledge of maquette sculpting, 3D scanning, box modelling, retopo and texture maps. Students will learn advanced acting skills and character analysis from observation and research. Students will explore the entire process of creating a character from concept (research, thumbnails, turn-arounds, sculpture, rigging, video references/Mocap and animation) to final product.

DIGP2009 Game 4

In this course students design a game from the ground up and document the design. Everything from idea to concept art, characters, level design, story, and supporting game development documents to researching the game market and game testing. Other topics include game engines, game genre types, storytelling and interface design. Students will understand how to test games, give feedback and use feedback to enhance game products. As part of the development process the Unreal engine will be used to emphasize certain design principles.

DIGP2011 New Media Production 2

This course emphasizes a team approach to project planning. Students learn to plan, storyboard, template and create a major project. The group project developed last term will be completed this term. In this course adherence to timelines, professional conduct, quality of work, meetings, communication and deadlines are emphasized. Project completion, production workflow and presentation are major components of the final mark. In this course students will use all the concepts learned to date and apply them to their group work. Prerequisite: DIGP 2001 or DIGP 2006 or DIGP 2002 or DIGP 2013

DIGP2012 Production Design 4

Production Design 4 builds on foundational design principles, emphasizing advanced character development, worldbuilding and comparative anatomy for animation and game production. Students will refine their ability to translate concepts into dynamic visuals through traditional and digital drawing techniques, mastering proportion, gesture and design fundamentals. The course focuses on creating thorough character model sheets, environmental assets and original creatures through research-based anatomical studies. With hands-on assignments, students will develop a diverse portfolio showcasing their ability to adapt to various artistic styles and production needs, preparing them for industry-level concept development.

DIGP2007 Web Authoring 4

This course will move into more advanced programming using Javascript. Students will create rich media content for the web and mobile applications building interactive titles and controlling complex animations. This course will cover drawing, basic to advanced animation techniques, including rigging with IK Bones and advanced rigging in Adobe Animate, lip-syncing, exporting for various applications, audio, video, interactive navigation and content creation. Students learn the fundamentals of web design and how to apply interactive media content. Prerequisite: DIGP 2000

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

DIGP3001 Animation 5

In Animation 5, students will create advanced portfolio pieces that demonstrate their mastery of character design, architectural/mechanical, modelling, VFX, lighting and animation. Students will be able create industry-ready work for use in game or feature film and produce several highly finished, photorealistic, animated pieces for use in their final projects and their demo reels. Prerequisite: DIGP 2008

COMM3003 Communications 3

In this course, students learn the latest methods and best practices on how to establish and nurture business relationships. They will learn what is expected in the industry and how to get an edge on the competition through research exercises and the building of collateral. Students will learn job search techniques and create materials needed to land employment upon graduation. Students will develop a new media portfolio designed to assist in their internships and eventual job placement. The portfolios will demonstrate their understanding of all elements of the program.

DIGP3003 Independent Production 1

This course will emphasize individual approach to project planning. Students will plan, storyboard, template and price out a major project. The project developed this term will be a personal portfolio piece. In this course, students will use all concepts learned to date and commence work on a video game for Unreal Engine 4, website or a short animated film. Prerequisite: DIGP 2011

DIGP3005 Production Design 5

Using the techniques learned in previous Production Design courses, students act as art directors for their final projects. A collaborative approach will be used in this course to generate a final project for the student’s choice of an animation; a video game with original material; a live action/special effects piece; or three fully functioning websites with e-commerce capabilities. The student will focus on developing the look and feel for this project.

DIGP3011 Animation Master

Animation Master has an emphasis on creating professional, production-ready content for film and video game. This course allows the specializing student to learn highly advanced camera, lighting, shading and rendering techniques. Emphasis will be placed on integrating CGI elements into live action backgrounds using camera tracking and advanced compositing techniques. Students will learn advanced facial animation techniques as well, as advanced rigging, muscle control, anatomy, advanced motion capture and advanced character animation. Emphasis is placed on acting and performance, in order to create highly evocative and realistic character animations. Co-requisite: DIGP 3003

DIGP3012 Game Master

This course helps students to better understand the game industry in which they are seeking employment. Students participate in advanced discussions of the game studio environment and the game production pipeline from concept to design, model and art creation, level building, compiling and marketing the finished product. The course will cover moral, ethical and psychological aspects of games and game play. Much of the course will focus on the students’ major productions, providing them with directed content and one-on-one consultation. Co-requisite: DIGP 3003

DIGP3013 Web Master

Building on an intermediate knowledge of web development, students are encouraged to move into an advanced path in web development. As a result of exploring/researching current web trends and through consultation, students will be expected to present a proposal for a project focusing on a specific web technology or system. This will be manifested through presentations and a project. Some possible avenues of discovery include, but are not limited to, content management systems, e-commerce and security systems, social networking software, rich media content delivery and management, Flex and mobile content delivery. Co-requisite: DIGP 3003

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

DIGP3017 Character Design 2

In Character Design 2 students will create believable characters for next-generation game engines and animated films. Building on earlier courses, Character Design 2 masters the study and development of characters from concept to completion. Students intensively hone their skills in character design, acting, character motivation and visual storytelling through repeated performance. There is a strong emphasis on production-quality animation for film and game.

WKPL3006 Field Placement

This four-week field placement is intended to provide the student with direct work experience within the student’s area of specialization. This 140-hour placement will allow students to gain specific experience and to be integrated in a work team.

PROF3003 Field Placement Preparation

Communications 3 focuses on career development within the animation and game industries. Students will refine their ability to present and defend visual concepts, develop personal branding strategies and engage in industry-standard communication practices. Through hands-on projects – including a brand manual, independent project grant proposal and a crowd-funding proposal – students will enhance their ability to communicate ideas effectively, network professionally and prepare for industry opportunities.

DIGP3009 Independent Production 2

Independent Production 2 is a culminating course in which students apply their accumulated skills to produce a high-quality, industry-ready new media project. Emphasizing professional production management, students will develop and execute their final projects while adhering to deadlines, design specifications and pre-production plans. Through milestone meetings, presentations and constructive feedback, students will refine their work, ensuring their final output meets both technical and creative standards. In addition to hands-on production, students will enhance their organizational, problem-solving and communication skills – critical competencies for careers in animation, game development and interactive media. This course prepares students for the professional landscape by fostering independence and accountability in a real-world production environment. Prerequisite: DIGP 3003, DIGP 3001, DIGP 3005, ( DIGP 3011 or DIGP 3012 or DIGP 3013 ) Co-requisite: DIGP 3007

DIGP3007 New Media Production 3

Students use all the skills they have acquired to complete a final new-media-based project. Aspects of this course will focus on design and art direction for the student's major individual project for their demo reel as well as a self-promotional website. The ultimate goal is to conceive and produce a consistent visual presentation to support their demo reel. The other component of this course will focus on the production process to create the major project and the promotional materials including timelines and adherence to production schedules. Prerequisite: DIGP 3003, DIGP 3001, DIGP 3005, ( DIGP 3011 or DIGP 3012 or DIGP 3013 ) Co-requisite: DIGP 3009

*Courses subject to change.

Two students are working on an animated related project at a table. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

 

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Communications technology, IT and computer literacy, media arts, fine arts, presentation techniques. 

 

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

 

Additional requirements

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)* 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26 
  • Total: $4,317.34 

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

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Further study

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

York University’s Consecutive Bachelor of Education in Technological Education

Eligible Animation diploma graduates have the opportunity to enter York University’s Consecutive Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Technological Education program. 

Study abroad

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

Autodesk certification

Students are eligible to take the Autodesk certification exams at Loyalist College. Completing these industry-recognized credentials enables students to highlight that they have the in-demand skills employers are seeking. 

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