George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Game - Programming
(Online) (T196)
Program Details
Online- Program Code: T196
- Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
- Duration: 6 Semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: January, September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,120.00 *
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Not Available |
| Winter 2027 | Open | Not Available |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: No
Program Description
Program Overview
The three-year Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program will give you the technical skills you need to succeed in the growing gaming industry. You'll learn the “language” of gaming (C and C++), plus artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.
This program is entirely online, including lectures, exams and class projects. This 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 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 are available through our Game Programming (T194) program.
Full Description
The game industry in Canada is booming, whether online or console, cellphone- or PC-based. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small, specialized units to mid-sized companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.
Computer and game programmers are not just essential, they are in high demand in the thriving game industry in Canada. Our industry advisors confirm that technical skills are a hot commodity. As a graduate of our three-year Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program, you’ll be equipped to meet this demand and provide employers in this sector with the skills they seek.
The added advantage of this program is that our School of Design faculty will guide you throughout the program as you work 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.
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
You’ll need 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 GB 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
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 per cent and 24 per cent 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 per cent), British Columbia (27.1 per cent), and Ontario (22.9 per cent).” — 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.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| COMP1151 | IT Essentials: Computer Hardware Fundamentals |
| COMP1234 | Introduction to Web Development |
| COMP1236 | Fundamentals of Computing Logic |
| COMP1238 | Introduction to Data Management |
| MATH1180 | Math for Game Development |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME1001 | Introduction to Programming |
| GAME1004 | Game Project Web |
| GAME1006 | Game Assets 2D |
| GAME1009 | Game Design Patterns |
| GAME1018 | Web Game Development |
| MATH1107 | Linear Algebra and Geometry |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME1011 | Game Programming C++ |
| GAME2004 | Game Project Unity |
| GAME2006 | Game Simulation 2D |
| GAME2007 | Unreal Engine Foundations |
| GAME2012 | Graphics Programming |
| GSSC1027 | Personal Finance |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP2080 | Data Structures & Algorithms |
| COMP2148 | Professional Workplace Competencies |
| GAME2008 | Unreal Engine Systems |
| GAME2009 | Game Project Unreal Engine |
| GAME2010 | Game Assets 3D |
| GAME2017 | Game Simulation 3D |
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME2014 | Mobile Game Development 2D |
| GAME3005 | Capstone Project Preproduction |
| GAME3023 | Unreal Engine Development |
| GAME3110 | Multiplayer Systems |
| GAME3121 | Game Engine Development Unity |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME3004 | Mobile Game Development 3D |
| GAME3006 | Capstone Project Production |
| GAME3011 | Game Portfolio Development |
| GAME3015 | Game Engine Dev Directx |
| GAME3033 | Unreal Engine Advanced Development |
| GNED | General Elective |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
- Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
- Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design and art.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,120.00 *
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025 Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
- Attending a program information session is highly recommended
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Location: 3 Lower Jarvis St., Room 260
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287 or 3129
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca or game@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
3 Lower Jarvis campus: Monday–Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Casa Loma Campus: Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Program Co-ordinator: Alexander Richard
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4232
Email: arichard6@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Visit Our Campus
Classes in the Game – Programming program take place at our Casa Loma and St. James Campuses. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Program Description
Program Overview
The three-year Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program will give you the technical skills you need to succeed in the growing gaming industry. You'll learn the “language” of gaming (C and C++), plus artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.
This program is entirely online, including lectures, exams and class projects. This 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 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 are available through our Game Programming (T194) program.
Full Description
The game industry in Canada is booming, whether online or console, cellphone- or PC-based. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small, specialized units to mid-sized companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.
Computer and game programmers are not just essential, they are in high demand in the thriving game industry in Canada. Our industry advisors confirm that technical skills are a hot commodity. As a graduate of our three-year Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program, you’ll be equipped to meet this demand and provide employers in this sector with the skills they seek.
The added advantage of this program is that our School of Design faculty will guide you throughout the program as you work 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.
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
You’ll need 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 GB 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
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 per cent and 24 per cent 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 per cent), British Columbia (27.1 per cent), and Ontario (22.9 per cent).” — 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.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| COMP1151 | IT Essentials: Computer Hardware Fundamentals |
| COMP1234 | Introduction to Web Development |
| COMP1236 | Fundamentals of Computing Logic |
| COMP1238 | Introduction to Data Management |
| MATH1180 | Math for Game Development |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME1001 | Introduction to Programming |
| GAME1004 | Game Project Web |
| GAME1006 | Game Assets 2D |
| GAME1009 | Game Design Patterns |
| GAME1018 | Web Game Development |
| MATH1107 | Linear Algebra and Geometry |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME1011 | Game Programming C++ |
| GAME2004 | Game Project Unity |
| GAME2006 | Game Simulation 2D |
| GAME2007 | Unreal Engine Foundations |
| GAME2012 | Graphics Programming |
| GSSC1027 | Personal Finance |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP2080 | Data Structures & Algorithms |
| COMP2148 | Professional Workplace Competencies |
| GAME2008 | Unreal Engine Systems |
| GAME2009 | Game Project Unreal Engine |
| GAME2010 | Game Assets 3D |
| GAME2017 | Game Simulation 3D |
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME2014 | Mobile Game Development 2D |
| GAME3005 | Capstone Project Preproduction |
| GAME3023 | Unreal Engine Development |
| GAME3110 | Multiplayer Systems |
| GAME3121 | Game Engine Development Unity |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GAME3004 | Mobile Game Development 3D |
| GAME3006 | Capstone Project Production |
| GAME3011 | Game Portfolio Development |
| GAME3015 | Game Engine Dev Directx |
| GAME3033 | Unreal Engine Advanced Development |
| GNED | General Elective |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,120.00 *
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025 Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
- Attending a program information session is highly recommended
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
- Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
- Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design and art.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
Contact Us
Location: 3 Lower Jarvis St., Room 260
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287 or 3129
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca or game@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
3 Lower Jarvis campus: Monday–Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Casa Loma Campus: Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Program Co-ordinator: Alexander Richard
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4232
Email: arichard6@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Visit Our Campus
Classes in the Game – Programming program take place at our Casa Loma and St. James Campuses. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Visit Casa Loma
Book campus tourVisit Casa Loma
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms