IF YOU’RE DOWN TO
CREATE NEW WORLDS, STUDY AT SAE
Enter the arena and grapple your control pad. We’re here to cultivate the life you envision - creating games to get lost in for entertainment, excitement, escape or education, for the world to obsess over.
Advance into a successful career in gaming - you bring your vision, talent, and passion and we’ll hook
you up with the high-tech equipment, master gamers, industry connections, and creative environment to power up your skills.
Dream big, work hard, and soar - it’s time to start your career and play to win.
Tetris, Snake, Pacman. The most classic of video games played in arcades, gameboys, Nintendos, and even on your old flip phones. They were simple and yet fun - fun enough to spend hours on end playing them again and again just to beat your high score. It was thrilling. It has also drastically changed. Of course, gaming is still about fun and determination; but the gaming industry has upped the antethey’re more complex, not only in terms of the technology, but in their stories, characters, and capabilities.
MODE GOD
We’re no longer looking at dodgy pixels jolting across a screen. Games are now high-quality, immersive experiences where players are thrust into action within a whole new world. There’s more variety, and an ongoing evolution for games to become more life-like. This makes it an industry that thrives on creativity, agility, and adaptability.
SO, WHAT DOES A CAREER IN GAMING LOOK LIKE?
The gaming industry is a large field that involves the work of many. It requires the integration of incredible visuals, sound and story, in order for people to be 100% engaged with the game, and actively play it.
It’s important then, to start with the game designer and the game developers. The designers conceptualise the overall vision of the game - the storyline, characters, the activities that determine whether the players win or lose. Developers then jump in to bring these visions to life by programming the game.
Within these two roles, there are others that have more specialised niches like playtesters. The games industry also pulls from a rich collection of creatives, including story writers, graphic designers, animators, project managers, and audio engineers. It’s an industry rich in creative capabilities and opportunity.
Much of this has expanded even more thanks to the modern development of Virtual Reality (VR), which focuses on harnessing an immersive environment, and Augmented Reality (AR), which focuses on enhancing the realworld setting.
The gaming industry is one that is always at the forefront of change in this digital era. A thrilling career to be had - shaping its future and satisfying the continuing demand to experience worlds that stimulates the mind creatively, psychologically, and intellectually.
OWN YOUR
FUTURE
It’s a truly inspired feeling when your job is something you love doing - even more so when you’re crushing it. Getting a qualification in Game Development from SAE means having professionals guiding you for the duration of the study.
The internet may be jam-packed with information, but a YouTube degree can only get you so farlearning under gurus who know the landscape of the Australian gaming industry gives you a leg up that others lack.
Our hands-on classes will have you working on industry-based projects, collaborating with likeminded creatives, making industry connections and building a kickass portfolio, giving you a smooth ride from class to career-ready in no time.
SAE is the space where you transform from being someone with a bit of talent and a love of gaming, into a creative genius with the skills, confidence, experience, and industry connections to make moves in the industry.
SAE is the space where you transform from being someone with a bit of talent and a love of gaming, into a creative genius with the skills, confidence, experience, and industry connections to make moves in the industry.
You’ll also have access to the latest gadgets and a multiverse of software and technology to build games that’ll be a hit across dimensions.
From diplomas to postgraduate studies, SAE will have you creating will have you creating games at a higher level and gaining the all-important real-world insights. You’ll be taught with one-onone mentoring opportunities to become fluent in C++ and C# whilst learning advanced techniques and strategies to use the latest software like Unreal Engine, Unity3D, and Maya.
Immerse yourself in a creative environment where you can collaborate with students of different creative endeavours (think music producers, animators!) and create projects that you can add to a showstopping portfolio in every single class.
Pursuing a qualification in the gaming industry to fine-tune your talent for the working world and connect with the right people on the same frequency, and in this industry, CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING.
Discover the future of gaming, and learn what it takes to reboot yourself into a fulfilling career.
I really appreciated how my course at SAE not only started with the basics of game development, programming and design, but they were also able to immerse us into what the industry is like.
REGINA CARAMANCION BACHELOR OF GAME DEVELOPMENT SYDNEY
TALENTS TOP 5 MUST-HAVE
We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 critical know-hows for an games professional.
TECHNICAL GAME
Games need to match the technological and digital advancements of the world if they want to continue engaging the public. Mastering programming skills is a necessary foundation for your career in the gaming industry. The mastering of software is essential in both the designing and programming stages of game making - including Unity, Unreal Engine, and Maya. You’ll also need to show your proficiency in programming languages, such as C# and C++.
CREATIVE CONSOLE
Fantastical worlds, thrilling narratives, and addictive play are all born from imagination. Popular games craft spectacular and elaborate story worlds that are elevated with interesting characters, plot points or challenges that keep players wanting more. The sky is the limit with what you can create and don’t hold back. This is the industry where you can run wild with ideas, and defy gravity. Your creations need to stand out and captivate or run the risk of a permanent GAME OVER.
FOR REAL (TIME)
PASSION PLAY
Being an avid player yourself with a passion for gaming will serve you well in the industry, and a competitive industry at that. It’s your passion to play and love of the game that will be the driving force of your success in this world. Being immersed as a player will also get you within the community you’ll serve where you’ll continue your interest and learn what’s popular, what’s current, and what’s on the horizon.
91%
MUST-HAVE
ENTERS CHAT
Gaming is a multi-player industry. You need to know how to communicate your vision to the numerous departments of your team. At the end of the day, the story, visuals, engine, tools, and sound all have to work together harmoniously. This won’t happen if you’re unable to clearly express your ideas. It’s also important to remember that the people who play your game are just as important as those who programme it. You also need to listen and address their needs and opinions- doing so may improve the overall quality of your game and its reputation with the public.
CHOOSE YOUR PLAYER
Understanding the mind of your player is what separates a good game from a mindblowing one. Games design should always start with knowing what is the motivation of the user and drives them to keep playing again and again. Are you designing a game for the Achievers, Explorers, Socializers or Fighters? What type and how many rewards does the player need to satisfy their play but also maintain a level of challenge? These are the questions you’ll need to ask yourself as you design the next Hollow Knight.
of Australian households have a video game device of any kind.
(IGEA)
Digital games industry was worth $240 billion globally in 2020 and set to reach $294 billion in 2024.
2022 REPORT FROM IAB AUSTRALIA
TECH REVOLUTION
The future of work within any industry in the last century has primarily been about collaborating effectively with the constant evolution of technology.
With the right mix of passion, skills, talent and determination, you could be a creative pioneer within this age of technological singularity. Be the leading force of creative change in immersive game play.
Back in the day, the world was captivated by 2 coloured, 8-bit graphic games played on a prehistoric PC unit the size of your dad’s tool shed. That was a mere decades ago. These days we’re experiencing
REVOLUTION
immersive gameplay across a multitude of platforms, many that fit in the palm of our hands. Are there more advancements still to come in the arena of gaming? Our thirst for what’s new and the thrill of challenge mode says - yep, you bet.
Whilst we’re already accustomed to high-definition graphics, 4k resolution consoles, and virtual reality, the future of gaming will see us blurring the lines between the digital and the physical world even further.
Pokemon Go sent the globe on a thrilling adventure catching virtual creatures seemingly in front of our very eyes through Augmented Reality. This opens up so many possibilities with AR technology.
Imagine the worlds, characters, and challenges that can be experienced wearing AR glasses.
Perhaps AI creations could find themselves out of the hotseat and back in the game where hyper-realistic characters respond intuitively with you as a player. Combine that with Cloud Gaming and we’re talking worldwide multiplayer action jumping in to play and interact without having to download a thing.
What about brainwave technology? Does controlling a game where our minds are the joysticks sound impossible? Ol’ Bob and Betty playing tic tac toe on their IBM in the 50s could never have imagined VR games in arcades and homes today, so the sky is truly the limit.
NEXT
LEVEL
Managing a successful career means lifting your game in some key areas. Here’s our round-up.
PEOPLE SKILLS
One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face after graduating is getting your foot in the door. Studying at a University College carved out specifically for creatives will keep you connected with a legion of like-minded people and industry experts. Use your people skills to make those connections - the more people you know in your chosen field, the greater the opportunities.
Like many fields in the arts, a career in gaming is about networking - nurture your creative relationships because you never know what the future holds. A good impression will last you a lifetime in this industry.
KEEPING UP WITH THE TRENDS
Chances are you’re in this industry because you love it. Keeping up with what’s hot will come naturally. But when you’re deep into a role, hyper-focused on building a world and all that comes with it, you might forget to take a breather in the real world and see what’s going on around you. And it’s not just keeping up with the latest technology, keep ahead of what’s trending in a social sense. Is the collective world obsessed with beach volleyball? Or maybe the focus is finding love around the world? Whatever it is, you can make a game out of it and get players hooked into wanting more.
TIME MANAGEMENT
As a games developer, chances are you’ll be juggling multiple projects at once and in line with a release schedule. So, keeping your time-management skills tight is a game changer. Know your deadlines, stick to a plan, prioritise your tasks, set reminders and keep your work organised. Staying on track will boost productivity and even the quality of your games.
The key to turning your love of gaming into a long, fulfilling career lies in finding the perfect alignment between passion, talent, and skills mixed with a whole lot of persistence.
PERSISTENCE
Pushing to make your way into your career or designing worlds, maintaining innovation and keeping up with demands can get intense. You might have days where you feel you’ve hit the proverbial wall of creativity. In cases where you’re fighting to find your mojo, it pays to keep pushing through. Find inspiration through the world around you, other creatives, and music, believe in yourself and just keep going.
NO PROBLEMO
Game development is a lengthy process with so many different steps and people in between. Whilst mediating between the different worlds of design and programming, it’s highly likely that you’ll come across issues or disagreements. It’s also a given that after a game launch, users will hit you up with what’s wrong. Technical glitches, lags, addon demands, and the list might continue. Problems will creep up
in every project you take on, and no, you can’t ghost them. Chill. It’s all part of the biz. Just take a step back, regroup and work with your team to find the best solution. Even with bigger issues, there’s always a solution - take your time to crush every problem into bitesized steps and tackle them one at a time.
UP POWER
Dive into our courses that could lead you to your dream role, or even set you up for studying your next qualification like our Master of Creative Industries.
Unlock all levels for the ultimate career win
DIPLOMA OF GAME DEVELOPMENT
6 CORE UNITS
Stage 1 / Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
· Thinking About Games
· Game Scripting
· Game Mechanics and Dynamics
· Game Scripting 2
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Game Asset Production
· Game Studio 1
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF GAMES DEVELOPMENT 12-13 CORE UNITS
Depending on Diploma Completed
Stage 2 / Refine & Expand
Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry-standard practices.
· Thinking About Games
· Game Scripting
· Game Mechanics and Dynamics
· Game Scripting 2
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Game Asset Production
· Game Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Games Studio 2 (Games Design)
· Games Studio 2 (Games Programming)
· Cultural Perspectives
· Games Studio 3 (Games Design)
· Games Studio 3 (Games Programming)
BACHELOR OF GAMES DEVELOPMENT
18-19 CORE UNITS + 1 ELECTIVE
Depending on Diploma Completed
Stage 3 / Showcase
Execute a project of your own design which is of a high quality and externally published, with the knowledge to commercialise if you choose. You’ll also apply your skills through industry work-placement.
· Thinking About Games
· Game Scripting
· Game Mechanics and Dynamics
· Game Scripting 2
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Game Asset Production
· Game Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Games Studio 2 (Games Design)
· Games Studio 2 (Games Programming)
· Cultural Perspectives
· Games Studio 3 (Games Design)
· Games Studio 3 (Games Programming)
· Major Project Development
· Games Studio 4 (Games Design)
· Games Studio 4 (Games Programming)
· Work Integrated Learning
· Major Project Production
· Creative Business Development and Marketing
MASTER OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
9 CORE UNITS + 7 ELECTIVES
Stage 1 / Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries
The graduate certificate provides a foundation for learning and a pathway to the master’s program.
· Graduate Studio 1 - CIM400
· Creative Practice Research - CIM417
· Leadership and Collaboration in Creative Industries - CIM418
· Discipline - Elective 1
Stage 2 / Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
Choose to deepen your knowledge and skills within your existing discipline or complement this experience with cross-discipline electives.
· Discipline- Elective 2
· Discipline- Elective 3
· Graduate Studio 2- CIM401
· Critical Inquiry- CIM402
Stage 3 / Master of Creative Industries
Produce your planned capstone project and showcase your knowledge with applied learning.
· Discipline - Elective 4
· Research Design and Methods - CIM515
· Creative Industries Perspectives - CIM503
· Capstone Project - CIM516
BEGINS THIS IS WHERE YOUR CAREER
Our games development pathway takes you on a journey of practical exploration and self-discovery. At SAE, we’re determined to give you the practical experience we’re renowned for and help amp up your skills as you begin to make your mark in the industry.
When it comes to the creative world, understanding how the industry works, networking with fellow professionals, mastering your skills, and gaining hands-on experience is what will set you up for long-term success.
Diving into a career in games development may feel daunting as there’s so much to learn, but don’t let that deter you. With our digital expertise, longstanding industry connections, and expert mentors, SAE is here to ride along with you. We see you, we hear you, and we know how to support you.
Take your first step into our world of gaming and we’ll help you open doors that will change your life.
Ready to jump in and study games development? Sweet - here are your options.
There are NO ATAR MINIMUMS HERE
Our entry requirements are your determination and creative potential - we’ve got you covered for the rest.
All you need to show us to start your Diploma, Associate or Bachelor degree is one of the following requirements:
1. Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (your Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; OR
2. Completion of an Australian Diploma level qualification (for example a TAFE Diploma) or higher; OR
3. Experience-Based Entry – for applicants who do not meet the requirements of entry criteria 1 or 2 above.
There’s also study pathways, including credit transfers or recognition of prior learning.
So if you’re down to make your mark and master your creativity, your future starts here –ENROL NOW.
HOW TO ENROL
ANIMATION / AUDIO / COMPUTER SCIENCE / CREATIVE INDUSTRIES / DESIGN / FILM / GAMES / MUSIC / VFX & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION / Start your games career here SAE.EDU.AU/APPLY