Top 10 Game design colleges around the World

The gaming industry has exploded in recent years, with millions of people around the world enjoying video games on a daily basis. With this growth, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can create innovative games that captivate and engage players. To meet this demand, colleges around the world have started offering programs in game development, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this exciting field. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 colleges for game development around the world.

The Ranking is based on our internal assessment of the courses.

The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, Texas, USA

The Guildhall is widely regarded as one of the best game development programs in the world, offering a Master of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development degree. This program covers everything from game design to programming and production, providing students with a comprehensive education in game development.

Course Details

SMU Guildhall offers a comprehensive Master’s Degree and Graduate Certificate in Digital Game Development, specifically designed for students who want to actively participate in the game development industry as designers or artists.

In collaboration with the Guildhall, the Division of Art offers a B.F.A. degree in Art that aligns with the art creation and design focuses in the Master’s Degree program at the Guildhall. This program provides a robust B.F.A. education and a deep exploration of digital game development essentials through the Master of Interactive Technology curriculum.

The B.F.A./M.I.T. program is structured to equip students with substantial studio art education and a clear curriculum that prepares them for advanced, specialized study of art creation, game creation, and simulation at SMU Guildhall.

Students can apply for admission to the Guildhall in the fall of their senior year. Admitted students spend seven terms at the Meadows School and their final term at the Guildhall located at SMU’s Plano campus. The first two modules of Guildhall courses (18 credit hours) complete the B.F.A. by substituting for ASAG 5310, ASAG 5315, and up to 12 credit hours of Advanced Art Studies. The student then has the option to apply to the Master’s program, which requires three additional terms and one summer term to complete the M.I.T. degree.

University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, California, USA

The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media & Games degree, which focuses on the creation of interactive media, including video games. The program is taught by experienced industry professionals and provides students with hands-on experience in game development.

Course Details

USC offers both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Undergraduate

  1. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art:
  • A four-year program offered by the School of Cinematic Arts
  • Combines liberal arts background with specialization in the field of game art
  • Areas of concentration: character animation, environmental design, etc.
  1. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interactive Design:
  • A four-year program offered by the School of Cinematic Arts
  • Combines liberal arts background with specialization in the field of game development and interactive design
  • Study framework based on the games industry
  1. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Themed Entertainment:
  • A four-year program offered by the School of Cinematic Arts
  • Combines liberal arts background with specialization in the field of Themed Entertainment
  • Study framework based on the Themed Entertainment Industry.

Graduate

  1. Master of Arts in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games, and Health)
  • A program that focuses on designing and evaluating interactive entertainment-based applications in areas such as neuroscience, public health, and medicine.
  • Offered as a traditional or progressive master’s degree.
  • Degree Requirements: View External Site
  1. Master of Science in Game Design and Development
  • A two-year program that requires 38 units of coursework, including 18 required courses, 16 electives, and a capstone requirement.
  • Degree Requirements: View External Site
  1. Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media & Games
  • A program that fosters a supportive and entrepreneurial community for students exploring all forms of game and interactive design.
  • Emphasis on both experimental and commercial game design.
  • Degree Requirements: View External Site
  1. Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media (Games and Health)
  • An emphasis for already admitted MFA students focused on designing and evaluating interactive entertainment-based applications in areas such as neuroscience, public health, and medicine.
  • Degree Requirements: View External Site

National Film and Television School – Beaconsfield, UK

The National Film and Television School in the UK offers a Masters in Games Design and Development, which covers everything from game mechanics to storytelling and art direction. This program provides students with a comprehensive education in game design and development.

Course Details

The “Games Innovation” program at NFTS institution provides students with a unique learning experience by allowing them to create complete games through collaboration with students from various departments such as composers, sound designers, marketing, and distribution.

Our program offers access to high-spec gaming systems and tools, giving students the opportunity to work on both individual and group projects, allowing for experimentation and innovation. The program also provides opportunities for students to develop industry connections through events and visits from professionals and experts in the video game industry.

In our program, students will have the opportunity to develop creative and technical skills in game design, coding, art, animation, production, audio, and interface while working alongside film, television, and animation practitioners. Our environment actively encourages collaboration across our production studios to enhance students’ learning experience.

During the first year, students will complete a series of set projects, both individually and in groups, while learning core game development disciplines such as design, art, animation, coding, and production. The coursework covers subjects like 3D modeling/animation, game programming (C#/Unity), game design, character creation, producing, and project management.

In the second year, students will work with students from other departments to design, develop, and market their Final Major Project. Our program strives to equip students with the practical skills and creative knowledge necessary to design and build games from inception to delivery, as well as provide opportunities for experimentation with evolving technologies and techniques. Our goal is to develop the creative leadership necessary for students to become leading innovators and practitioners in the industry.

IT University of Copenhagen – Copenhagen, Denmark

The IT University of Copenhagen offers a Master in IT (Games) degree, which focuses on the technical aspects of game development. This program is designed for students with a strong background in programming and an interest in the development of computer games.

Course Details

The MSc in Games program is a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of playfulness and create the future of games. This program offers a solid foundation in creative, technical, social, and analytical competencies that are essential to making playful experiences of tomorrow.

By learning the complex creative process of game production and how professional development teams work together, students will be equipped to make a significant impact in any project that involves game technology or playful design elements. The MSc in Games is a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge, teaching students how computer games are made, how they convey meaning, and how they shape our social interactions and communities.

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading games researchers, explore cutting-edge technologies, and become experts in realizing creative projects through interdisciplinary teamwork. They will also learn to use design methods, technical experimentation, analytical tools, critical thinking, and scientific research to drive innovation.

NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences – Breda, Netherlands

NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interaction degree, which focuses on the design and development of games and interactive media. The program provides students with hands-on experience in game development, as well as a strong foundation in game design and programming.

Course Details

The Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interaction degree program at NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences is a unique and innovative program that focuses on the design and development of games and interactive media. This degree program provides students with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of game design, as well as a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological impacts of games and interactive media.

Students in this program will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, both individually and in interdisciplinary teams, with support from experienced faculty and industry professionals. The program covers a range of topics, including game design, 3D modeling and animation, game programming, and project management, preparing students for a variety of careers in the gaming industry.

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills, as well as their analytical and critical thinking skills, through hands-on learning and real-world projects. They will also have access to high-spec gaming systems and tools, giving them the opportunity to experiment and innovate.

In addition to coursework and projects, students in the Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interaction program will also have the opportunity to develop industry connections through events and visits from professionals and experts. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the ever-evolving and rapidly growing gaming industry, with a focus on creating innovative and impactful games and interactive media experiences.

University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

The University of Utah offers a Bachelor of Science in games, which focuses on game development and other forms of digital media. This program provides students with a strong foundation in game design, programming, and production.

Course Details

The Bachelor of Science in Games (BSG) degree at Utah is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the professional gaming industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization. The program is aimed at preparing students to excel in an ever-evolving and complex industry. The BSG degree provides students with a solid foundation in mathematics and computational skills, in-depth knowledge of the design and production of digital playable experiences, and specialized options to prepare them for technical supervision, tool development, and overall game design. This degree is relevant for students who want to work on entertainment software, games-based learning environments for K-12 students, professional task-training tools, serious games for health, and scientific collaboration or other projects addressing important societal needs.

Course Duration: 4 years

DigiPen Institute of Technology – Redmond, Washington, USA

DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college that specializes in game development, offering a range of programs in the field, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation. This program provides students with a comprehensive education in game development and programming.

Course Details

  • BA in Game Design: This interdisciplinary degree combines coursework in game design theory, social sciences, and the humanities. Students learn the skills necessary to craft engaging and meaningful experiences for all types of games, applications, and other interactive media.
  • BS in Computer Science and Game Design: This degree prepares students for a career as a hybrid engineer and designer, equipped with both computer programming and game design skills. This makes them a versatile asset on any professional development team.
  • BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation: This rigorous flagship degree program from DigiPen provides a foundation in the math and computer science of games and graphical simulations, making it an excellent choice for aspiring game and software developers.

Abertay University – Dundee, Scotland, UK

Abertay University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Games Development, which provides students with a comprehensive education in game development. The program covers everything from game design

Course Details

This program focuses on developing your skills in various aspects of game development, such as programming, artificial intelligence, network programming, and interface design. You will learn how to use industry-standard game engines and technologies, ensuring you are well-equipped for a career in the creative industries sector.

The program has a unique blend of industry and academic expertise, which is constantly evolving to keep up with the ever-changing games industry. This means you will receive the best education and training available in this field.

Upon graduation, you will have the confidence and skills needed to succeed in one of the most demanding industries in the world. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to work closely with local and global games industries, as well as collaborate with other games-related courses, such as art, media, and audio.

In 2020, the course received a 95% Overall Student Satisfaction rating in the National Student Survey. Additionally, the program and the university it is offered by have received several accolades, such as being named the UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, and being ranked among the top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction with Teaching, Course and Feedback by the Guardian Good University Guide 2021, among others.

Full Sail University- Florida, USA

Full Sail University offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design degree that focuses on the design, development, and production of interactive digital media, including video games and virtual reality experiences. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects and develop their skills in collaboration and communication. Additionally, Full Sail University has a strong focus on industry-standard technology, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as game designers and developers.

Course Details

The Bachelor of Science in Game Design program is designed to give you the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a professional game development environment. It consists of advanced game design and production courses that delve into the different aspects of game development, from conceptualizing to creating and evaluating game projects. Through this program, you will gain an understanding of key industry concepts that impact both systems and level design, giving you the ability to design and test your game projects.

Course Duration: 20 months

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Troy, New York, USA

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, which focuses on the creation of interactive media, including video games. The program provides students with hands-on experience in game development and a strong foundation in game design and programming.

Course Details

The Master of Science in Critical Game Design program aims to highlight the impact that games can have on various industries, academia, and society as a whole. Students will complete an applied thesis project in the form of a critically-informed game prototype to showcase their practical game design and development skills.

This cutting-edge curriculum draws on the interdisciplinary strengths of Rensselaer and merges practical and theoretical elements of game design. Students will delve into the growing field of game design literature to design games that address relevant issues and topics. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to apply critical insights directly to the creation of innovative game designs.

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