Game – Programming Program (Online) (T193)

Program Description

Program Overview

Whether it’s online or console, cellphone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to midsized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders. Computer programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisers tell us it is the technical skills that are most in demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.

This program is fully online, including lectures, exams, and class projects. This program allows you to:

  • Study online from the comfort of home while joining other students across Canada in live, instructor-led classes.
  • Access the knowledge and expertise of faculty members who are embedded in Toronto’s rapidly growing tech industry.
  • Develop professional skills in a format convenient to you and your busy weekday commitments.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an online only program, open to domestic students. Regular in-person delivery and International eligibility is available; please see Game – Programming (T163) for more details.

Full Description

Whether it’s online or console, cellphone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to midsized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.

Computer and game programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisors tell us it is the technical skills that are most in demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.

As a student in this three-year Game – Programming online advanced diploma program, you will learn the technical skills needed to be successful in the job market by learning “the language of gaming” (C and C++), as well as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.

The added advantage of this program is that you will also be taught by George Brown’s School of Design faculty throughout the program, working closely with design students to create games, explore all aspects of the game industry and learn to work in teams, just as you would in the industry. Classes take place at George Brown – Waterfront Campus, evening courses may be required.

Note: Students who start the program in January (winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).

Technology Requirements

This program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following specifications: 

  • 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB recommended) 
  • 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal) 
  • Approx. 100 GBs of hard disk space for required software 
  • Quad-core i7 2.5GHz or better 
  • Video card (4GB RAM recommended, supports OpenGL 3.2+ and DirectX 11/12) 
  • Webcam

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Our graduates will be able to work in many areas of the digital game industry, including:

  • software or hardware development
  • publisher
  • ISP and game portal development and maintenance
  • website development
  • distribution middleware and tool provider
  • production servicer
  • content/IP owner

Industry

"Canada's video game industry is recognized as a global powerhouse for game development and has played a significant role in shifting what was once a 'niche industry' into a blockbuster industry and driver of innovation. In 2015, the industry contributed more than $3 billion to the Canadian economy and provided 20,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the country, representing an increase of 31 percent and 24 percent respectively since 2013.

"Industry growth both globally and in Canada has been explosive and is expected to continue into the future.​ Canada’s video game industry crosses the country with 472 active studios that develop, publish, and distribute video games. The sector is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Quebec (29.4 percent), British Columbia (27.1 percent), and Ontario (22.9 percent)." – Entertainment Software Association of Canada

Educational Pathways

Graduates of Game – Programming have the opportunity to apply to the BSc (Honours) Computer Games Design program at the University of Gloucestershire, beginning in level 6. For more information about this program, visit their Computer Games Design page.

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