Aaron Wilson outlines his mastery journey timeline through the Full Sail game production program. His end goal is to be knowledgeable in game production processes and trends and have at least one game title on his resume upon graduating. The timeline details his goals and strategies for each course, including self-study topics. He plans to create a game prototype, strengthen his skills, and network with industry professionals and mentors to achieve his career goals.

1. Aaron Wilson
Mastery Journey Timeline

2. My End Goal
To be as knowledgeable as I can on all the processes and
trends of the game production industry. I would like to be
proficient at my skill as a 3D artist, and enhance my skills as
a leader and a project manager. I would like to have at least
one game title on my resume by the time I leave Full Sail.

3. Mastery 0415
Goal outcome: When this class is completed I should understand
exactly what it means to be a master of my craft. I should understand
the methods and perspectives of what todays industry masters are
using, and how I can use that to create my own.
Strategy:
Develop a plan to maximize the potential development of my skills in my degree
program
Create a strong network with my peers
Read course material
Connect with industry professionals
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Planning
resources

4. Project and Team Management 0515
Goal outcome: Once I finish this class I should be able to effectively
manage a team to success. I should understand what the best
positions are for the right people. I will know how to motivate my team,
and how to manage on a budget.
Strategy:
Develop a basic understanding of managing a team to
success
Practice budgeting a program
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Project Management Simplified
Lynda.com- Project Management Fundamentals

5. Game Design 0615
Goal outcome: I will understand the entire development process of the
creation of all elements that shape a video game. I should learn about
the history and future of video games.
Strategy:
Create a game concept that I will use for the remaining courses in the program
Develop an in-depth understanding of where the game industry is going
Use Full Sails Game Project Web Portal to get an idea of what previous students
have done for their game projects. and use this as inspiration.
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Thinking like a game designer Part 1&2
Ebscohost- Game Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics. (Article)

6. Methods and the User Experience 0715
Goal outcome: I should understand exactly what makes a video game
successful by knowing how to create the best player experience via
the gameplay, design and art within a game.
Strategy:
Research what makes an engaging/ addictive game
Implement the strategies I have learned into my Game Design concept
Self-study topic:
Ebscohost- Game Design to Measure Reflexes and Attention Based on
Biofeedback Multi-Sensor Interaction.

7. Research in Team Dynamics
0815
Goal outcome: I should be able to get the best performance out of my
team I will know the best methods of motivating for performance as a
team. I will be able to take the role as a team leader and I will know
how to lead them in the right direction.
Strategy:
I will continue to work in a team environment with my classmates, and will
personally evaluate the performance and motivation of the team on my own.
I will interview one of my available connections and ask them for their experience
in team managing and dynamics.
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Understanding team dynamics

8. Game Production Tools 0915
Goal outcome: I will understand what tools I will need to collect and
analyze data based on how my team is doing during production of a
video game. I will also have understood the tools to track bugs and
installer issues and what to do to fix them.
Strategy:
Develop a greater understanding of my workflow and document progress using the
new tools I will be exposed to.
Self-study topic:
Microsoft: Project 2013 Plain &
Simple (Safari Books Online)
Image Resource:
http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/office-and-productivity-applications/9780735672888

9. Prototyping and Content Creation 1015
Goal outcome: By the end of this course I should have a prototype of
my personal game design. I will have a good understanding of visual
and audio assets and I will know a bit of scripting as well.
Strategy:
Create a prototype version of my game
Sharpen my knowledge of Python programming language
Self-study topic:
Introduction to Game Design,
Prototyping, and Development (Safari
Books Online)
Image Resource:
http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/programming/game-programming/9780133439571

10. Quality Assurance 1115
Goal outcome: To understand how to test your game is probably one
of the most important steps in making a game. Once I complete this
course I will know what methods I can use to effectively test a game
for the best potential quality.
Strategy:
Develop an effective test plan within the course
Create an account with gamecrareerguide.com and practice doing personal play
testing for other student games that have already been made.
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Quality Assurance
EbscoHost- Five Models of Players’ Rule Behavior for Game Balance

11. Asset Management 1215
Goal outcome: In the production of a game there are very many
assets that are created. Once I am finished with Asset Management I
will understand how to organize and place these assets within a game
by following a storyboard in order to follow a specific theme.
Strategy:
Research the different types of assets that are required for games including
models, animation, textures, audio, and programming.
Self-study topic:
Digital Asset Management (Safari
Books Online)
Image Resource:
http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/library-and-information-science/9780240519241

12. Game Usability and Testing 0116
Goal outcome: Why create a game if its not going to work at all? I will
understand the core principles of usability of a video game. I will have
tested commercial products
Strategy:
Research testing methods for games including surveys and “think aloud”
Self-study topic:
Game Testing All in One (Safari
Books Online)
Game Usability (Safari Books
Online)
Image Resource:
http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/programming/game-programming/1592003737
http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/programming/game-programming/9780123744470

13. Game Project Practicum 0216
Goal outcome: By the end of this course I will have made progress on
my personal game project and I will have developed a better general
understanding of the things that I have learned so far in the program.
Strategy:
Catch up on my personal game project using all of the knowledge and strategies
that I have learned from the previous classes.
Interview an industry professional in my field with my new knowledge of the game
industry, and discuss their progress and experience in their field.
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Designing the game

14. Production Research Capstone 0316
Goal outcome: I will complete the program with a portfolio filled with
the content of my capstone experience. I will have a ready “game
conference” style presentation of my final produce from the Game
Design Masters Degree program.
Strategy:
By this time I should have some job opportunities lined up for me once I graduate
I will practice my presentation with other peers and probably indynomicon in
Orlando with my new game.
Self-study topic:
Lynda.com- Presenting tips

15. Mentor Characteristics
Knowledgeable
Attentive to detail
Organized
Conscientious
Motivated
Keen

16. Industry Professionals
Gibbs Rainock
(Senior Game Designer)
Kevin A. Bargeron (Game
Designer at RED Interactive
Agency)
Colleen Nachtrieb (UX/UI Game
Designer)
Jose Perez III (Senior Game
Designer Blizzard Entertainment)
Clay Kisko (Lead Game Designer
at Glu Mobile)
Dylan Papp (3D artist/Game
designer at WingHelm
productions)
grainock@yahoo.com 801-721-6687
kabargeron@gmail.com 801-784-0310
[http://www.illusiondigital.com/]
Nachtrieb.art@gmail.com
[http://www.seasidecorgi.com/#!contact_us/
clyc]
joseperez3rd@gmail.com 425-891-5971
[http://www.seasidecorgi.com/#!contact_us/
clyc]
Ckisko@Gmail.com 732-684-6468
[http://www.claykisko.com/]
papptimus.prime@gmail.com 224-730-2225

17. Industry clubs and
Organizations
Gamasutra.com
Game Career Guide.com
Ten thousand hours (facebook group)
Hangout Hub (facebook group)
Level Up! (facebook group)
Video Game Art and Design (facebook group)
Game Developers (Linkedin)
Game Producers (Linkedin)

18. Companies to follow
Sony
NaughtyDog
Playstation
Infinity Ward
CCP North America
EA Tiburon
Rockstar
Ubisoft
Riot Games
Blizzard Entertaint
Bungie
Valve

19. Full Sail Clubs:
Full Sail University Networking (Facebook Group)
Veterans Student Union
IGDA
LAN Club