Games Design and Development

Have you ever wondered how your favourite video games are developed? As a software developer and computer programmer, you'll help turn an idea into a playable video or computer game. With increasing opportunities in this growing industry, you'll gain the skills needed to work in both the international games industry and the information technology industry.

Through this major you'll learn about both the theory and practice of game design and development. You'll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools to create games for computer, mobile, video, and extended reality (XR) platforms. The major covers critical areas such as game mechanics, software development, user interfaces, XR, and gamification. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in industries ranging from video game production to simulation, visualisation, and XR applications.

In the final year of your degree, you'll take part in a professional practice project unit. This includes working in a team with other students and consulting with real clients from the industry to recommend, develop and implement new technologies to solve real-world problems.

3 reasons to study Games Software Design and Development at Murdoch

• Get access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, including dedicated XR labs such as the Mixed and Augmented Reality Studio (MaARS) and the Digital Immersive Lab (DIL), offering Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) capabilities. These facilities are a 24/7 workspace you can use for programming and software development, using high-end performance gaming workstations.

• Gain practical experience in the games design and development processes using industry-standard games development tools.

• Access great scholarships like the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Program.

What you'll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you'll learn:

• Games software design

• Games mechanics

• User interfaces and user experiences

• Games software development and production, and

• Augmented reality, Virtual reality and Mixed reality.

Your future career

Graduating with a major in Games Software Design and Development, you'll possess the skills required for a range of games careers in Australia and overseas.

Careers could include:

• Analyst Programmer

• Gameplay Programmer

• Game Designer

• Software and Apps Programmer

• Systems Analyst

• Web Developer

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

• Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
• ATAR results (if available)
• STAT results (if applicable)
• Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
• School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC

Recommended documents (if applicable)

1. Change of name documentation
2. Marriage certificate
3. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
   • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
   • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
2. Genuine Student (GS) documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
   • GS Form 2
   • Personal Statement (SOP)
   • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

1. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
2. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
3. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
4. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
5. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing