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.
Digital Design – Game Design
(Postgraduate) (G405)
Program Details
- Program Code: G405
- Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Duration: 1 year (3 semesters)
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $15,305.00 *
- International Tuition: $34,000.00 **
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Suspended | Suspended |
| Winter 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Field placement available with portfolio approval.
- PGWP Eligible: No
Program Description
Program Overview
Step into the exciting world of video game design with our Digital Design – Game Design one-year graduate certificate program. This innovative and intensive program teaches you the principles and techniques of game design and production, equipping you with the skills to break into the industry. Immerse yourself in a creative environment where you'll learn from experienced professionals and collaborate on real-world projects. Join us to turn your passion for gaming into a thriving career and become a part of the dynamic game design community.
Full Description
Step into the future of artistic expression with our Digital Design – Game Design one-year graduate certificate program. As video games continue to dominate the creative landscape, this program offers an intensive, hands-on experience to develop your production and design skills. You'll dive into courses such as design documentation, milestone and pipeline scheduling, game design theory and psychology, all taught by industry-experienced faculty and mentored by local game industry leaders.
In this program, you'll learn to design and develop games for the entertainment market and serious gaming applications in the health, education, construction and marketing sectors. You'll have the unique opportunity to create commercial-quality games in a simulated video game studio environment, collaborating with industry partners, game artists and programmers.
Upon graduating, you'll be ready to join the game industry with a polished portfolio/demo showcasing your creative work and specialized skills. Join us to transform your passion for gaming into a dynamic and rewarding career.
Your Field Education Options
Students with approved portfolios are eligible for non-mandatory external field placements in semester 3.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
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.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1101 | Game Design Theory I |
| DESN 1122 | Game Production Thesis I |
| DESN 1140 | Narrative Design I |
| DESN 1141 | Game Psychology I |
| DESN 1143 | Advanced Level Design I |
| DESN 1145 | Game Management I |
| DESN 1147 | Design Documentation |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1111 | Game Design Theory II |
| DESN 1123 | Game Production Thesis II |
| DESN 1142 | Game Psychology II |
| DESN 1144 | Advanced Level Design II |
| DESN 1146 | Game Management II |
| DESN 1148 | Game Business |
| DESN 1149 | Narrative Design II |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1072 | Game Experiential Project |
| DESN 1088 | Studio Entrepreneurship |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design environment and characters using the principles of game design.
- Read, analyze and create game design documents for effective game creation and management.
- Create environments, objects and characters for integration within a video game.
- Import game assets and levels into game engines to create appropriate high-end 3D game applications or engines.
- Produce a 3D game using appropriate tools and game management techniques.
- Create and produce digital components, games and documentation using a variety of computer platforms.
- Prepare a variety of industry-standard documents and prototypes in a skilled manner and demonstrate professional presentation and organizational skills.
- Develop and present a working game design document for a marketable game.
- Use an existing game engine to create a prototype game.
- Evaluate different types of games and platforms and select the appropriate ones for a particular game strategy.
- Present the game design prototype and document using innovative techniques as well as digital, verbal and written skills.
- Manage the design and production process of a game prototype.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$15,305.00 *
International Tuition
$34,000.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
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.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Admission Requirements
- college diploma or bachelor's degree, or demonstrated competence through related work experience (resumé required)
- online interview*
- application questionnaire*
- portfolio* (digital portfolio accepted)
- resumé*
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio and resumé electronically. Details on these supplementary requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process. Qualified applicants may also be invited for an interview.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who are considered for admission to the program based solely on their work experience will be required to provide proof of English proficiency at the college level, and may be required to write the George Brown Polytechnic English admission assessment.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
Game Development Program Co-ordinator: Jean-Paul Amore, ext. 3427 or jamore@georgebrown.ca.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour.
Program Description
Program Overview
Step into the exciting world of video game design with our Digital Design – Game Design one-year graduate certificate program. This innovative and intensive program teaches you the principles and techniques of game design and production, equipping you with the skills to break into the industry. Immerse yourself in a creative environment where you'll learn from experienced professionals and collaborate on real-world projects. Join us to turn your passion for gaming into a thriving career and become a part of the dynamic game design community.
Full Description
Step into the future of artistic expression with our Digital Design – Game Design one-year graduate certificate program. As video games continue to dominate the creative landscape, this program offers an intensive, hands-on experience to develop your production and design skills. You'll dive into courses such as design documentation, milestone and pipeline scheduling, game design theory and psychology, all taught by industry-experienced faculty and mentored by local game industry leaders.
In this program, you'll learn to design and develop games for the entertainment market and serious gaming applications in the health, education, construction and marketing sectors. You'll have the unique opportunity to create commercial-quality games in a simulated video game studio environment, collaborating with industry partners, game artists and programmers.
Upon graduating, you'll be ready to join the game industry with a polished portfolio/demo showcasing your creative work and specialized skills. Join us to transform your passion for gaming into a dynamic and rewarding career.
Your Field Education Options
Students with approved portfolios are eligible for non-mandatory external field placements in semester 3.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
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.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1101 | Game Design Theory I |
| DESN 1122 | Game Production Thesis I |
| DESN 1140 | Narrative Design I |
| DESN 1141 | Game Psychology I |
| DESN 1143 | Advanced Level Design I |
| DESN 1145 | Game Management I |
| DESN 1147 | Design Documentation |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1111 | Game Design Theory II |
| DESN 1123 | Game Production Thesis II |
| DESN 1142 | Game Psychology II |
| DESN 1144 | Advanced Level Design II |
| DESN 1146 | Game Management II |
| DESN 1148 | Game Business |
| DESN 1149 | Narrative Design II |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DESN 1072 | Game Experiential Project |
| DESN 1088 | Studio Entrepreneurship |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$15,305.00 *
International Tuition
$34,000.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
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.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Admission Requirements
- college diploma or bachelor's degree, or demonstrated competence through related work experience (resumé required)
- online interview*
- application questionnaire*
- portfolio* (digital portfolio accepted)
- resumé*
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio and resumé electronically. Details on these supplementary requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process. Qualified applicants may also be invited for an interview.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who are considered for admission to the program based solely on their work experience will be required to provide proof of English proficiency at the college level, and may be required to write the George Brown Polytechnic English admission assessment.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design environment and characters using the principles of game design.
- Read, analyze and create game design documents for effective game creation and management.
- Create environments, objects and characters for integration within a video game.
- Import game assets and levels into game engines to create appropriate high-end 3D game applications or engines.
- Produce a 3D game using appropriate tools and game management techniques.
- Create and produce digital components, games and documentation using a variety of computer platforms.
- Prepare a variety of industry-standard documents and prototypes in a skilled manner and demonstrate professional presentation and organizational skills.
- Develop and present a working game design document for a marketable game.
- Use an existing game engine to create a prototype game.
- Evaluate different types of games and platforms and select the appropriate ones for a particular game strategy.
- Present the game design prototype and document using innovative techniques as well as digital, verbal and written skills.
- Manage the design and production process of a game prototype.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
Game Development Program Co-ordinator: Jean-Paul Amore, ext. 3427 or jamore@georgebrown.ca.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour.
Visit Waterfront Campus
Book campus tourVisit Waterfront Campus
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms