Students in the Durham College Animation and Game Development programs learned first-hand about the gaming industry recently from international game publisher Ubisoft.
Students in Durham College's Animation - Digital Production and Game Development programs impressed representatives of the world's fourth largest game publisher, Ubisoft, while attending a stop on the company's Cross Canada Recruitment Tour.
Held on November 22 at the Cineplex Odeon theatre in Oshawa, the event provided Durham College students with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about game development from a leading international developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products. It was also a chance for the students to impress as they presented an incredible exhibition of work that left a strong impression on Ubisoft officials.
"This was an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about the profession from a leading publisher and game developer and to showcase that they have the skills and talents to meet the needs of today's gaming industry," said John Goodwin, a professor in the Durham College schools of Design and Communication Arts. "Our students learn with the latest industry technology and software and graduate with the market-ready skills needed to be employed. Their presentations reinforced the great work of our exceptional faculty and the sage advice and years of experience we share with our students."
A casual lecture environment with video and presentation visuals provided students with a look at how the company creates games, from inception to the completed product, the types of applicants Ubisoft is interested in, advice for industry job searches and an open forum for questions.
"Wow. I thought the presentation was one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities that's truly and utterly amazing," said Michelle Trahan, a first-year Game Development program student. "The company is so well organized and talented, it's no wonder they're ranked so high in the industry. As a student it meant a lot to me being able to see them, speak with them and learn more about how the industry works, and how they function as a company. It was an excellent presentation indeed, and I thank everyone who made it possible."
Ubisoft is touring Canada in an effort to recruit more than 1,000 new employees. Its Oshawa stop also provided the Animation students with opportunities for interviews and to show-off their portfolios.
Durham College's three-year advanced diploma Animation program was established five years ago and currently has more than 100 students enrolled throughout the three years. The three-year Game Development program was created two years ago and is one of only two advanced diploma programs in games offered in Ontario.