Technorati Profile
According to the University of Denver, the curriculum aims to teach a mesh of programming, design and art skills and involves:
"Interactive graphics/animation programming, game design, computer audio design, drawing, sculpture, color theory, narrative storytelling, and critical game studies."
NUS has yet to catch on to this trend, which is purported to be similar to trend in the establishment of film schools. Considering how late a programme in Theatre Studies was introducted in NUS, I wouldn't be that all surprised if the degree in game development got introduced together with XBox 1440 (or XBox 4). There is hope though, since SOC is already offering a grand total of one module in game development, CS4213. Since the titles of the major (by DU) and the module (by NUS) are the same, it makes me wonder how useful CS4213 actually is, short (12 weeks compared to 4 years) as it is.
George Lucas should do something about this. I imagine that he commands enough clout with the government by opening Lucasfilm Animation Singapore.
Link 2: ZDNet pulls off a reversal and writes about the top 10 peeves of tech support. Very true, even though I've never officially been tech support.
4. Being treated like a user by tech support from another company.
I dread problems that result in a call to the manufacturer’s tech support department. I will experiment, read manuals, Google the error message, and sacrifice chickens on the keyboard before I will call a tech support number for a problem I can’t resolve. My pride simply can’t handle answering the most basic questions: Have you checked that the printer is in fact plugged in and turned on? ARRRGGGH. Get me out of here. Please, please, please, put me straight through to your highest support level because I can guarantee that I have tried everything you are going to suggest at least three times. Oh wait, never mind, the power strip was turned off….
See see? Next time I call tech support, I will make sure I report my line of work/ profession so that I am not asked stupid questions like "Are you sure you are running Windows XP?" (<- Singnet), humility be damned.
No, my laptop is sitting on my desk and not running anywhere!
6 Comments
the wired
anon: I gave the IVLE a spin to look up the module. seems pretty packed to me. Also, I should have added that there is a level 3000 Computer Graphics module, so yeah, I can guess it doesn't achieve the same thing or even claim to.
But still, I think more modules are in line if S'pore is to better tap into the animation or gaming market. Considering how pragmatic NUS is, it should look into jumping on this bandwagon soon.
But gaming, much more than animation, requires knowledge of algos, networking, computer graphics, HCI, etc. So whereas CS/IS majors might lose out in some areas such as modelling and design, I think they would tend to have more knowledge in certain areas and so aren't decidely worse off.
I'll agree that Singapore needs her own talent in these areas, and I have no doubt that the govt and the unis are working on it. I remember reading about the IDA pumping in loads of money and NUS finally found a lecturer for CS4213 after a few sems =p , and Nickson Fong's (did I get the name right?) return to Singapore probably had a lot to do with the IDA as well.
However, I don't see NUS or NTU having a degree program on Game Design any time soon. It's too specific or narrow a course. So I guess you're quite right to say that will happen is that more modules will be added to allow students to choose their areas of specialisation.
the wired
That leaves the students from the CS track, including CM. Even then, they have very limited exposure to the field, as compared to the polytechnic students.
I remember reading an IDA article about developing the hi-tech animation and media sector, sometime in mid 2004. I think that was where the loads of money was mentioned. Then came the security initiative, which came with even more money. And that was roughly when I last heard of the previous drive :) But I must admit I didn't follow up on it.
If NUS can have a minor in technopreneurship, I don't think it's that fat-fetched to have deeper focus on game development. Gaming after all is a huge industry, and I've heard more than once that Singapore wants a larger piece of the pie.
I've always wondered why Nickson Fong (truly) returned.
Anyway, Nickson is back for basically 3 reasons ;
a) To setup an animation studio here in Singapore. Why Singapore ? It makes sense because more & more U.S movie studios are looking to outsource to cheaper locations in Asia. Hire 1 in U.S, you get maybe 4 to 8 in Asia depending on where you are located of course. So cost of manpower & operations is relatively cheaper. IP protection is also a great consideration as well. We can't beat the studios in China & India for outsourcing work but we have the talents to build a strong creative content.
b) As a filmmaker & director, he has always dreamt of making his own animated feature & production of his 1st animated feature film - "Kungfu Gecko" (working title), which will kick off latter in the year. I have seen the character developments and visuals & I must say that they are awesome. Can't show anything because its still under wraps.
c) As a Singaporean, he wants to make his country proud by producing an animated feature that is similar to Hollywood's quality like Shrek or Finding Nemo & put our country on the road map to be the leading country in Asia for digital animation. Forget visual effects because we are definitely years away from countries like Korea.
Still there are a lot of competition as everyone is in a race to be the 1st country to launch an animated feature that will rival that of Hollywood. Thailand is a country to watch out for .....
No lah, I am not his spokesman or publicist ..... just a friend who wants to clear some air.
Post a comment & I shall answer to my best ability.
Post a Comment
<< Home