ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
305 Harrison Street Armory Ste 405, Seattle, WA 981094623 seattle.aie.edu

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Organizations Filed Purposes: AIE trains students for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game development, and related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to build these industries.

The corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c) (3), including educational purposes. The purposes of this corporation shall include offering certificate programs in computer game development (both in 3D animation and programming), 3D animation for film, TV, visualization and associated industries. AIE - WA was formed to address the needs in the State of Washington for a well-rounded vocational education resulting in a Certificate/Advanced Diploma in game software design, production and 3D animation that apply to video game development, and also the need for the establishment of standards and practices in the fields of video game quality assurance and video game production.

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment - WA (AIE - WA) was founded in 2010 to provide world-class education in 3D animation, game programming, and digital visual effects. AIE - WA offers four certificate programs, including: 1. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Art & Animation (CIP Code 11.0803). 2. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Programming (CIP Code 11.0804). 3. Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - 3D Animation & VFX for Film (CIP Code 10.0304). 4. Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Design & Production (CIP Code 50.0411). The Advanced Diploma courses were developed to support industry needs, driven by extensive consultation with local and international game development studios and visual effects professionals. Each Advanced Diploma is a two-year full-time course, providing individual and team centric training in the processes of developing the competencies and skills necessary to gain employment with game and film studios, related industries, and the development of graduates' independent games. In academic year 2019-2020, AIE - WA had 3 cohorts attending for a total of 212 students of which 52 graduated in July 2019. Game artists design the environments, create the characters and craft the vehicles for the game. They can specialize in modeling, texturing, animation, and level design. Developing game art utilizes a dynamic medium that showcases creative ability. Students work with other artists and programmers to design and create their own unique entertainment experiences using cutting-edge game technology. Game programmers drive the game development process, creating the framework, functionality and interaction in the game. As the essential ingredient in the development process, game programmers are highly valued and in high demand. In contrast to Game Art, 3D Animation & VFX for Film students acquire skills necessary to develop exciting careers in game development, film, and TV. It is a practical course designed to give students top-tier technical training to work as 3D artists using the latest state-of-the-art technology. Game designers are the visionaries and evangelists for a game development project. They thrive on new ideas and are always thinking about how users will interact and enjoy the experience that they've created. A great game designer possesses a combination of technical knowledge, artistic skill and most importantly, the ability to communicate and understand people. Game designers spend significant amounts of time writing detailed documents specifying game mechanics, environments, playable characters and the game's nemesis. This detail extends right down to how a particular item might behave, be animated and sound.

During this fiscal year, AIE - WA continued its work with Seattle Public Schools, offering a Work Skill Center, which caters to juniors and seniors in the school district. The Skill Center was established to educate Seattle high school students in the subject of interactive media, including game art and design and game programming. Interactive media represents a wide variety of new and emerging interactive industries and sectors, including video games, animation, film making, and other creative 3D applications. Students use a hands-on approach and work in a studio setting, emulating a real-world work environment. Students learn to use industry standard software, work independently and in teams, and develop a portfolio for ongoing educational and career opportunities. Additionally, program graduates earn high school credit upon successful completion of the course.

During the academic year, AIE - WA continued to offer Summer Camps and Short Courses as an introduction to computer and digital technologies, and to advance the skills of those interested in a specific subject matter. Summer Camps are geared toward high school students entering grades 9 - 12, seeking knowledge in 3D Art and Animation and Game Programming. Short Courses promote school exposure to the community it serves, are an introduction to college level course, and are designed to support a more advanced student. As such, Summer Camps and Short Courses are essential to the school's purpose and mission as they are often the first contact students have with the school, its staff, and the industry.

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