Game Development
3-Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Thank you for applying to the Game Development program at Durham College. My name is Matthew Grabinsky. I am the
coordinator and a professor in Durham College’s Game Development program.
Our program focuses on art and design. Student’s train in the disciplines of pre-production, modeling, texturing, animation, lighting,
level and game design for both 3D and 2D development. Core applications and game engines serve as a backbone for this dynamic
and comprehensive curriculum, delivered with attention to hands-on training. Comprehensive skills are supported by traditional art
training in various mediums to help develop and visualize concepts.
Profile and portfolio requirements
In addition to the Durham College academic requirements, admission to the Game Development program includes the submission
of a Personal Profile as well as a Portfolio of Artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow you to show us you’re drawing and
creative ability.
If you have not had formal art training
Please do not worry; many of our incoming students each year have not had studio classes. We understand that applicants have
varying skill levels and we have designed the portfolio to uncover your artistic potential in the areas of drawing and creativity.
Portfolio Information Sessions
To assist you in compiling the best portfolio possible, we invite you to attend one of four portfolio information sessions. The goal of
the sessions is to take the mystery out of how to put a portfolio together and to build your confidence. There is no need to preregister. For session dates and times, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/portfolio.
Fall Open House
On Saturday, November 16th Durham College will be hosting our Fall Open House. This event will give you the opportunity to meet
with faculty, view the Game Development labs, tour the campus and attend admission and financial aid information sessions.
Please note: many applicants who attend the Fall Open House and/or a portfolio information session are successful in
obtaining admission to the program.
What goes into my personal profile and portfolio and how do I submit?
Submitting your profile and portfolio is easy! Portfolio requirements are outlined on page 6 of this document. Options for submitting
your personal profile and portfolio can be found on page 2.
After we receive your portfolio and profile we may invite you to an interview session. If you cannot make it to our campus, we can
arrange to chat some other way, such as Skype, chat, phone or e-mail. If you’ve visited with faculty at the Fall Open House or have
been to one of our portfolio information sessions, you will not need to attend an interview.
We will begin taking portfolios and profiles as of November 1, 2013 and reviewing them as soon as they come in. All complete
application packages received before February 1, 2014 will receive equal consideration. If there are any spaces left after that date
they will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Questions regarding admission-related issues should be directed to Sue Hawkins, Admissions and Recruitment Officer, at
905.721.2000 ext. 6587 or by email at [email protected].
Wishing you the best of luck with your application.
Matthew Grabinsky
Game Development, Program Coordinator & Professor
Page 1 of 6
Game Development (GDEV) – Process for Entry to program September 2014
To complete admission requirements, program applicants will successfully complete and submit the following:
Section 1. Portfolio of Artwork – as described
Section 2. Personal Profile – a list of questions to be completed by the applicant
1. Drop off in person or mail a printed portfolio to: (Don’t forget to include your name on the application).
Durham College
School of Media, Art & Design, Room C237
Attention: Game Development
2000 Simcoe St N
Oshawa ON L1H 7K4
~OR~
2. Email: (Electronic Portfolios will only be received by email that contain applicants last name and student ID#)

PDF document; or

Link to a webpage
To: Matthew Grabinsky, the Game Development Program Coordinator & Professor [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the large volume of portfolio submissions, portfolios that do not meet the format as outlined below will not be accepted. Successful
attendance at an interview session and submission of your portfolio and profile does not guarantee admission. Unfortunately due to the high
volume of applicants, feedback cannot be provided.
In accordance with Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31, this is to advise you that the personal information on this form is collected under the legal authority of
the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 and may be used and/or disclosed for administrative, statistical and/or research purposes of the College and/or the ministries and agencies of the Government
of Ontario and the Government of Canada, including but not limited to, tabulating and reporting data on Key Performance Indicators (graduation rate, graduate employment, graduate satisfaction and employer satisfaction).
If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information by the College, please contact the Freedom of Information Coordinator, Director, Human Rights and Benefits, 2000 Simcoe
Street North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, 905.721.2000, extension 2223.
Page 2 of 6
APPLICANT NAME
PROGRAM: Game Development
SECTION 1: PERSONAL PROFILE
1
2
3
4
STUDENT NUMBER 1 0 0 __ __ __ __ __ __
Education: When did / will you graduate from high school?
School
Year
Have you been enrolled in a post-secondary school program? Provide details
Institution
Date From
Date To
Type of Course (field, length)
Arts Courses (drama, fine art, film, music, creative writing, etc)
Include high school, post-secondary, evening/weekend, continuing studies, etc
Course
Date From Date To
Institution
Duties, likes and dislikes regarding the experiences.
How much experience do you have working with computers? Describe, in point form, how much time you spend on the computer,
which software you use, and the kinds of things that you like to do with it.
Page 3 of 6
5
6
Work Experience
Employer
Date From
Date To
Position(s)
Duties, likes and dislikes regarding the experiences.
Extracurricular Activities, Hobbies & Interests
(include any and all activities, such as stage painting, art camps, drama, music, movies, drawing, reading, web sites, games, etc.)
Activity
Date From Date To
Institution/Group/Club (if any) Duties, likes and dislikes regarding the experiences.
Page 4 of 6
7
What job role(s) in the game industry currently interest you? List two studios currently looking to fill this position.
Page 5 of 6
APPLICANT NAME
SECTION 2: PORTFOLIO OF ARTWORK
NUMBER
1 0 0 __ __ __ __ __ __
Your portfolio should show your current level of proficiency in drawing and visual arts.
Please hand draw the following;
a) Draw a realistic or stylized portrait of your favorite comic book hero or villain
b) An observational/real-life drawing of a human hand
c) A perspective drawing of your kitchen or bedroom
Please submit two (2) of the following digital work;
a) Two creative pieces of art created on a computer using any software (Photoshop, Corel Draw, etc) and please print out on paper
Please submit two (2) of the following traditional art;
a) Two digital prints or photocopied examples of your best work, which can be from any medium, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.
Do not include originals – the portfolio will not be returned.
All submissions must be your own work. Any submission that contains plagiarized work, copied either manually or electronically, will be
disqualified and you will be refused consideration.
Do not include works of pre-existing characters, such as Disney, Looney Tunes, anime or manga characters.
Any submission that contains inappropriate or offensive content will be refused consideration.
Ensure that your name and student number are on your portfolio cover and each of the pieces.
No larger than 8.5 x 11
2013 Game Development – Durham College – Student Reels
http://vimeo.com/64948489
AND our Facebook group
GAME DEVELOPMENT @ DURHAM COLLEGE
http://www.facebook.com/groups/2511987790/
Page 6 of 6