Digital Entertainment Technology

Check out this promo video for DET featuring Austin Graham, created by senior DET major Cannon Spears:

Check out this promo for ACU’s DET program, featuring Katey Bluel, created by senior DET major Ivan Righi:

Watch this inspiring video created by 2015 DET graduate, Tim Holt:

During his senior year in high school, Austin narrowed down his college search to the schools that had progressive IT Departments. ACU stood out to him because the program felt open-ended. It made him feel like he could take the major and go where he wanted to go with it. He also visited the school and loved how welcoming the atmosphere was to him. With these two observations, Austin decided to join the ACU family.

Originally, Austin was focused on the graphic side, but quickly realized he also enjoyed the programming aspects of IT. Through ACU’s DET major, he is now able to combine both of these passions into one major. The DET club allows him to take school projects that he was working on and excited about to a whole new level.  According to Austin, “You can have an idea and make it real, because of DET”.

Austin is currently debating whether he wants to follow the programming route or if he wants to go towards the more creative side of his education. Ideally, he would like to use both of these in his future career.  His advice to people looking into the department: “If programming is not your thing, it is okay. If you are more towards the creative side, you have a place here. Not everyone can be programmers. We need artists and creative people too!”

Something that Austin loves about this department is truly having his voice being heard, no matter what year he is in school. He really enjoys when professors call him out in class to share his thoughts and ideas. It has helped him not only become a leader in the department but also feel confident in his abilities because his professors truly believe in him. As he advances into higher level classes, he is excited to learn more about programming and the excitement that comes along with that.

He also noted that, “It is not just playing games here. Rather, it is a lot of hard work that is both rewarding and fun”. No matter how old you are or what year you are in high school or college, start practicing and thinking up ideas now. Even if those ideas seem small or irrelevant to what you are currently learning, everyone has to start somewhere. He says that it is also very helpful to come into the department already having ideas to work on in classrooms and for club. “It’s easy to get started once you are here, because you have all the resources that you need right in front of you.”

Going for a campus visit is about to get much easier thanks to the upcoming Virtual Campus program. The DET Club is creating something new for the ACU campus.  Basically, people will be able to view and tour the buildings and grounds without having to be physically present at ACU. There will be interactive games which will use the campus as the map. Many people will be able to enjoy the campus whether they live here or not. This is important for prospective students because they will be able to see what campus life is like before being here. One of these tools will be a fun game that allows the user to create their own dorm room.

Only one or two other colleges have virtual campuses, but the plan is for this one to be completely different than all the others. The gaming aspect of it will make the program unique. Katey Bluel, DET Club PR Director said she is, “especially excited for mini games and the inside jokes that ACU people would understand.” She also noted their desire to make these games very user friendly.

A demo of the program is planned to be launched in two years. The officers noted that there is a lot of work to do yet, but the process is part of the fun. This is big project for the club and they are excited about it. DET Club President, Justin Foley, said “This is something to showcase our skills to future club employees.” Not only is this an exciting venture, but also something that will help students build an outstanding résumé.

Another great aspect about this project is that absolutely anyone can get involved. No matter what your major, you can help! The DET students are learning this new type of programing too. They would love to see more people get involved from the beginning and start learning more about this system. DET Club Vice President Austin Graham said, “This is the first time that we’ve done something this big. Anyone who wants to join – can.”

Join the DET Club social media pages to stay updated on the progress of the Virtual Campus!

FACEBOOK: DET Club

INSTAGRAM: @DET_acu

Digital Entertainment is very excited about a current project using the Oculus Rift.

Last Fall the department acquired an Oculus Rift for development purposes.  This spring we have been exploring the use of the Oculus Rift as a technology for storytelling in film.  Our first short film is in production.  We hope to have a sample available for viewing later this semester.

We have had a great year thus far creating special effects for film.

Here is a small sampling of student projects:

Tekkan Battle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQUFW6YioUQ

Hockey Magic: http://youtu.be/lAVJZYym7nY

Lessons: http://youtu.be/JEDU0cnx9CQ

The Reporter: http://youtu.be/041VEwFLXvQ

Polo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij0JXaCMNp0

These are short demonstrations of students learning special effects.

More samples coming soon!

ACU DET Club will again be hosting the Global Game Jam this January, 24-26 in the Mabee Business Building on the ACU campus.  Plan to bring your “A” game!

The second day of Global Game Jam is drawing to a close. Most of the participants have filed out for the evening, but there are a few stragglers hanging around and working hard. The pizza is being consumed at a monumental pace and our cookie supply has been refilled.

The projects are due to be turned in tomorrow at 3:00 pm. We’re all feeling really optimistic about everything that we’re producing here and as soon as we’ve uploaded our projects to the GGJ website, we’ll post screenshots and summaries here on the blog.

Again, we’d like to thank Corona Labs for sponsoring (and feeding) us throughout this process over this weekend!