Key takeaways
- Game development and programming is a growing field with many lucrative career opportunities.
- You can pursue a game development degree at an associate, bachelor, or master’s level and opt for a PhD in a relevant field such as game design.
- A bachelor’s degree features courses in math, physics, computer science, programming, game design, AI programming, AR/VR, and others.
- With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue career specializations such as game programming, game production, game testing, and more.
- Colleges offering an on-campus game development degree include Pace University, University of Denver, Lamar University, and more.
- Online colleges for a game development program include Southern New Hampshire University, Full Sail University, and others. Refer to the guide for the full list.
- Jobs in game development include Game Quality Assurance Tester, Game Level Designer, Game Engine Developer, and more.
The gaming development industry is a growing field thanks to continuous technological advancements. Every person has a smartphone, tablet, or other form of digital technology on which they can play video games. With a degree in game development and programming, you can join a group of creative professionals creating immersive worlds for people of all ages to enjoy.
In this guide, we discuss in detail the degrees you can pursue for a career in game development, including program details, admission requirements, career opportunities, and more.
What is game development?
Game development is the process of creating games. It encompasses a wide range of operations from concept generation to designing and development elements and characters, creating the code, and even implementation, testing, and release. It is a lengthy process with multiple stages from developing game mechanics, to creating levels and bringing to life a concept through characters and interactive elements.
Aspiring game developers can either join a game development company, or they can embark on an independent journey, working on every stage of the game development process alone. However, for that, you must possess the complete array of skills required to bring a game to life.
Game developers need many skills from game design, and game programming to coding along with creativity, math, physics, and analytical skills. Thus, the recommended course of action for aspiring game developers is to enroll in a college degree.
A video game developer must also be able to
What degree do you need to be a game developer?
A college degree is the ideal starting point for aspiring game developers. Through formal education, students are not only able to learn the complete set of skills in one go but also get a chance to demonstrate their skills through experiential learning opportunities, internships, and group or personal projects.
Moreover, college programs are often taught by qualified industry professionals who not only bring knowledge but a ton of personal experience to the classroom. In game programming and development, industry experience matters a lot as it provides market insights into what consumers prefer.
There are multiple educational paths available for those aspiring to be a game developer. The ideal program is a bachelor’s game development degree. The program is available at several colleges and universities across the US, both on-campus and online. Additional options include pursuing a game design degree or pursuing game development as a major in computer science, software engineering, or other relevant field.
What does a game development degree entail?
A game programming and development degree features a multidisciplinary curriculum. Here, you will take courses in computer science, software engineering, design, creative writing, arts and humanities, and natural science. Through a game development degree, you will develop the following skills:
- Game design principles
- Programming languages
- Sound and lighting
- Character design
- Game level design
- Production and testing techniques
- Standards and trends in game programming
- Storyboarding
However, the skills developed largely depend on your choice of electives, your passion, and the program and level of education you pursue. At the bachelor level, you can choose either an associate or a bachelor’s program in game programming and development. Available advanced degrees in the field include a master’s or a PhD in game design, which is a subfield within game development.
Associate
Associate degrees are two-year programs featuring foundational courses in game development and programming. Through the curriculum, students gain the skills needed to pursue some entry-level roles in game development or continue their education by joining a bachelor’s program from 5th semester onwards.
Bachelor
A bachelor’s degree features a four-year curriculum for high school graduates and two years for associate degree holders with the required amount of transferable credits. The program features a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of game development. Through the program aspiring professionals not only develop the skills needed but also get a chance to build a portfolio through experiential learning opportunities.
Master
The duration of a master’s program varies depending on program type and pace of learning. Typically they last 1 to 3 years and feature an advanced curriculum enabling students to build niche-specific and managerial skills. It is ideal for those who want to advance their careers and become eligible for managerial-level positions.
PhD
Though a PhD in game development is currently not available, those with an interest in game design, which is a part of the game creation process, can pursue a doctoral degree in the field. The program lasts 3 to 5 years but can be extended up to 8. With a PhD, you can undertake research and pursue job opportunities in academia.
Bachelor’s degree in game development – program details
An increasing number of games are being released year on year and not all of them are well received or gain critical acclamation. If you really want to stand out in a market as fast-paced and skill-oriented as game development, the first step should be to develop the right skill set.
A bachelor’s degree in video game development and programming can equip aspiring professionals with the skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive and equally rewarding field. At the bachelor level, a bachelor of science in game development is the ideal degree to pursue. The program features a multidisciplinary curriculum with courses in natural sciences, computer science, programming, design, and more.
However, not many colleges offer a standalone degree in the field. Alternative options include pursuing game development as a major in a bachelor’s degree in computer science, or software engineering, or pursuing a relevant program such as a BS in Game Programming.
Game development degree program curriculum
A BS in Game Programming and Development features 120 to 135 credits, distributed between general education and major courses and electives. The exact program curriculum varies depending on the college and faculty expertise. However, in a bachelor of science program, the general education courses will include courses in math, physics, quantitative analysis, and calculus as the goal is to build technical and analytical skills essential for game development.
Additionally, students will undertake a variety of courses studying game design theory, practical applications and development, programming, scripting, storyboarding, the impact of AI on game development, and so much more.
Even though the names may vary, you can expect to take the following major-specific courses in a game development degree:
- Information Technology and Digital Games
- Video game design
- Digital Game Development
- Gameplay Systems Development
- Introduction to Scripting
- Foundation in Application Development
- Project Management in Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Gameplay Programming Concepts
- Programming for Game Engines
- Applied Game AI Concepts
Degree learning outcomes
A degree is a significant investment not just financially but also in terms of time and commitment. Before you enroll in a program, it is good practice to find the program learning outcomes and determine whether they align with your career aspirations or not. The learning outcomes for a game programming and development program can include:
- Being able to code in multiple programming languages
- Knowledge and ability to code in game engines
- Be able to integrate a variety of tools and techniques to create interactive gameplay mechanics.
- Solve complex logic problems.
- Be well-versed in 2D and 3D modeling, game AI, interface design, and more.
- Understand the applications of game design, development, testing, and implementation techniques during all stages of game development.
The program learning outcomes for a game programming and development degree are vast and largely dependent on a student’s personal preferences and choice of electives.
Specializations in game development
A game development degree equips students with a well-rounded skill set in all aspects of the game development process. However, job opportunities in video game development are diverse and include opportunities in design, programming, sound specialist, and more. During the course of your program, it is best to develop a sense of the specialization you want to pursue, build a relevant skill set, and build a portfolio.
Here are some specializations in game development that you can pursue.
Game Programming
This specialization is ideal for those who love to code. Here, you will learn to build operating systems, and game engines, and bring to life visuals and other mechanics to create interactive games. Courses in the field can include:
- Game Engine Programming
- Scripting for Games
- Computer Graphics Development
- Discrete Mathematics
If you want to pursue game programming as a career, focus on developing a portfolio showcasing your ability to code. Take on the responsibility of programming in as many group projects as possible to really hone your skills.
Game Design
For those with a creative knack and an interest in video games, this is the specialization for you. Game designers create the essence of the game and are responsible for designing gameplay mechanics, characters, levels, and everything else that enhances user experience. It is an important aspect of game development and is often what decides how a game fares in the market.
Aspiring game designers can also pursue a video game design and development degree. Some courses you can expect to take in this field include:
- Game Scripting for Designers
- Game Level Design
- Monetization Design and Strategies
- Game Deployment Strategies
Game Art
The job of a game artist is like that of an art director on the set of a film. They set the stage creating the mood, the lighting, and determining how everything will look. Game artists use a variety of techniques and digital tools to set an ambiance for the player. Courses you may take to pursue game art professionally include:
- Introduction to Digital Sculpting
- Environment Design
- 3-D Art and Design
- Introduction to Digital Imaging
Game Audio
Sound effects play an essential role in setting the tone of a scene and giving character to images on screen. A blast should sound like a blast, and a scream should sound piercing, or else the scene falls flat and takes out the enjoyment of playing. Game audio designers ensure that it doesn’t and to develop the skills as one, you need to take relevant courses such as:
- Game Audio Production with Wwise
- Sound Design
- Dialogue
- Audio and Music for Interactive Media
Game Production
A video game producer needs a well-rounded set of skills in video game development. They are in charge of overseeing the team of developers, including game designers, visual artists, audio specialists, programmers, and so on. You will need to build proficiencies in:
- Pre-production
- Pre-planning
- production/development
- Testing
- Launch
- Post-launch
- Prototyping
- Project Management
Game Testing
Those specializing in game testing literally test video games by playing them. They play the game to get a feel of the user experience, test out features, identify faults or irregularities, and provide suggestions for improvement if needed. They serve as quality assurance specialists before a product is launched into the market. Courses needed to specialize in game testing include:
- User Interface Testing
- Compatibility Testing
- Bug Reporting
- Fundamentals of Game Testing
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in game development vary by college, program type, and the applicant’s prior qualifications. The admission requirements for those applying after high school graduation will be as follows:
- Submission of completed college application form + a college application fee
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- High school transcripts – additional requirements can include minimum GPA and specific course requirements.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) – additional requirements can include minimum scores in specific subjects
- Recommendation letters – 2 to 3
- Personal essay
Applicants with an associate degree do not need to submit high school transcripts or SAT/ACT scores. Instead, they submit their associate degree transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal essay. Additional requirements for them include a specific number of transferable credits, usually 60, and can also include specific course requirements.
International students must also submit language proficiency test scores as proof of their ability to speak and understand the English language. This is an essential requirement as English is the primary communication language across all US colleges and universities.
Graduation requirements
To earn your bachelor’s degree, you must fulfill all program requirements. These include:
- Completion of required credit hours in each category, namely general education, major-specific, and electives.
- Students must complete a capstone project
- Completion of an internship
- Minimum GPA – The limit typically ranges between 2.0 and 2.5 but can be higher in some institutions.
Colleges offering a game development and programming degree
Aspiring game developers can pursue a bachelor’s degree in game programming, game development, game design and development, and more. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of colleges offering a game development or a related degree. The list also contains some industry-renowned programs such as the program Video Game Design and Development by Georgia Southern University.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Georgia Southern University | 89% | 49% | $5,610 in-state
$20,250 out-of-state |
| University of Arizona | 87% | 64% | $13,626 in-state
$41,095 out-of-state |
| Georgia State University | 67% | 54% | $8,478 in-state
$23,709 out-of-state |
| Pace University | 82.9% | 56.8% | $51,424 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 67% | 67% | $57,016 |
| University of Advancing Technology | 92% | 43% | $19,430 |
| Shawnee State University | 81% | 36% | $10,448 in-state
$16,928 out-of-state |
| Lamar University | 83% | 33% | $8,690 in-state
$18,482 out-of-state |
| DePaul University | 74% | 73.8% | $45,195 |
| University of Denver | 78% | 77% | $59,340 |
| Purdue University | 53% | 82% | $9,992 in-state
$28,794 out-of-state |
Is getting an online game development degree worth it?
Whether an online program is worth it or not depends on multiple factors. However, a survey by Statista revealed that 47% of students believe that online education offers higher value than a traditional program. Since COVID-19 an increasing number of students now prefer online education and there are many reasons why.
Advantages of online programs
Online programs offer convenience and flexibility like never before. College education is a significant investment in terms of time and finances. Many students take up part-time jobs alongside their degree. Here, an online program offers significant advantages.
Whether you are enrolled in a synchronous program, requiring real-time participation, or an asynchronous program not requiring real-time participation, not having to travel to and from campus saves a significant amount of time and money. Online learners can put the time saved to better use and pursue a job, their passion, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and so on.
Additionally, the overall cost of attending an online program is significantly lower than that of a traditional one. Distance learners have only tuition costs to consider and without transportation, accommodation, and additional utility costs, the overall cost of attendance comes down quite a bit.
Lastly, students are in charge of their learning pace. They learn time and schedule management, discipline, self-reliance, and other skills that can prove to be an asset in professional life.
Disadvantages of online programs
Before making a decision, it is important to consider all aspects including the cons of attending an online program. One major disadvantage is the lack of social interaction which can be isolating for some students and depression-inducing.
Some people also argue that time management and self-motivation are innate qualities rather than skills that can be learned. So, students who are not naturally good time managers or motivated will find an online learning program quite challenging and stressful.
Moreover, online learners cannot rely on support from campus facilities or access campus resources. They will have to deal with the majority of challenges themselves.
Colleges offering a video game programming and development degree online
Here is a list of colleges offering an online video game development degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Full Sail University | 100% | 43% | $26,417 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 96% | 39% | $16,450 |
| Walsh University | 73% | 61% | $34,595 |
| Champlain College | 56% | 66% | $45,550 |
| University at Albany | 68% | 63% | $10,408 in-state
$28,998 out-of-state |
Game development jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree
With a game development degree, the most obvious career choice is to become a game developer. The tasks and responsibilities of a game developer include:
- Developing new ideas for games
- Bringing designs to life through code
- Prototyping and refining the gameplay
- Collaborate with different teams including design, programming, production, and testing
- Monitor game performance on multiple platforms
- Review the code and make revisions to improve performance
The average game developer salary as per Glassdoor is $91,391 per annum. Do keep in mind this figure is derived by taking an average of all salary listings on the platform for game developer job postings regardless of seniority level. The salary offered to entry-level professionals will vary.
Here are some additional job opportunities you can pursue with a video game development and programming degree.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Systems Designer | $94,780 |
| Gameplay Engineer | $113,371 |
| AI Programmer | $103,932 |
| Technical Game Designer | $100,360 |
| QA Tester | $62,088 |
| Unity Developer | $80,484 |
| AR/VR Developer | $110,909 |
| Game Reviewer | $57,734 |
Game development industry overview and hiring trends
The video game industry is a billion-dollar industry and is growing at an exponential rate. In 2024 alone, the worldwide gaming market generated USD 455 billion in revenue, of which the mobile gaming market generated USD 98.7 billion as per reports by Statista. Chinese and US companies are leading the tech gaming industry with Chinese company Tencent leading the mobile and online gaming industry.
Here are the largest gaming companies worldwide per market share.
- Nintendo – USD 65.01 billion
- Electronic Arts – USD 42.78 billion
- Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. – USD 32.59 billion
- Roblox Corporation – USD 32.4 billion
- Square Enix Holding Group – USD 4.97 billion
- Embracer Group – USD 3.61 billion
Despite these massive numbers, the gaming industry is currently undergoing a crisis. As inflation rises and economic turmoil gets heavier, game prices are going up and the number of consumers willing to pay full price for a game is decreasing. Yet, the global gaming industry continues to strive as the demand for new and interactive games is there and so is the opportunity to introduce something new as digital technologies are continuously evolving.
Hiring trends in the industry
Employment trends in the web and digital industry, including game development are changing. Previously, employers gave precedence to skills over educational qualifications. However, in recent years we have seen mass layoffs in the technical industry as employers now seek qualified professionals with a range of technical skills and professional competencies crucial for success in the field.
Occupations in the computer and IT industry now require at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles in the field and this is also true for game development jobs. Additionally, applicants must possess technical skills such as programming, 2D and 3D modeling, digital design, character design, Proficiency in game engines such as Unity, and more.
Moreover, even fresh graduates must possess a portfolio as a demonstrated skill set to be able to secure jobs. Additional professional certifications are also becoming a must in the game development industry as they ensure professionals are up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about game programming and development
Game development is fast becoming a popular program as the demand for skilled and creative professionals in the field grows. Here, you will find answers to the most popular questions about a game development program.
How to become a game developer?
To become a game developer, the first step should be to determine which career specialization you want to pursue in the field. Once you have an idea of the career direction you want to take, the next step is to select a college offering a bachelor’s degree in game programming and development. During the course of the program, you will focus on developing niche-specific skills in the career direction you want to pursue.
Skills you will need to develop include:
- Programming skills
- Design skills
- Animation
- Scriptwriting
- Communication
- Testing and Debugging
Some steps you can do to build skills include undertaking job roles related to your career aspiration in group projects or personal projects. You can also pursue additional game development courses and certifications to enhance your eligibility.
Do you need a degree to be a game developer?
For the majority of game development jobs, you need a bachelor’s degree and the relevant skill set. As we mentioned earlier, the hiring trends in game programming and development are changing and an increasing number of employers seek applicants with the right qualifications and skills. However, you can still get some entry-level or technical support jobs without a degree provided you have the relevant skill set.
Is a game development degree worth it?
A game programming and development degree equips students with a wide range of technical and professional skills, making them eligible for a variety of jobs in the field. The skills you will develop in a game development program are high in demand across multiple fields and the career paths it leads to are high-paying.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Computer and IT professionals, including software developers, Quality Assurance Testers, and Digital Designers is to grow by over 15%. The high demand, ability to build transferable skills, and lucrative career opportunities are what make a game programming and development degree worth pursuing.
What jobs can you get with a game development degree?
The jobs you can pursue with a relevant degree in the field are vast and varied. You can go into software development, game development, game programming, game design, game quality assurance testing, and more. To find a complete list of job opportunities and salary information, refer to the available jobs section above.
Become a sought-after professional with a game development degree!
A bachelor’s degree in game development equips you with skills that are high in demand. After graduation, you can pursue jobs in game development and programming, or use those skills to seek jobs in other fields. With the knowledge gained, you can easily pursue career paths in digital design, software development, and so on.
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