Game – Programming Program (T163)

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is also offered in a fully online format. Please see Game – Programming (Online) program (T193) 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 mid-sized 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 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 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.

It is said that what you put into life is what you get out of it. This is also true of Game – Programming (T163). While some of our graduates have gone on to notable studios like Ubisoft and Rockstar, others form a strong bond and stick together even after graduation. One such case is a group of exceptional T163 students who formed their own entity, called No Sleep, even before graduation.

The members of No Sleep created the group in their first semester Game Production class. In third year, they produced a game that won several awards, including the Best Student Showcase at Digifest 2018.

No Sleep member and Chair's Award winner Mark Miller had this advice for current students: "So long as everyone is putting in their share of the work, and is [attending class], no one is left behind."

Jack Wiebe, a Game – Programming student, was part of a research team working with Vitruvian Sport Systems to revolutionize soccer training. They developed Zone360 – a digital training platform that brings the soccer pitch to players’ smartphones, using virtual reality to deliver immersive drills and plays. Jack says working on the project has given him a broad range of experience, from building 3D environments to collaborating with artists. Best of all, his portfolio now includes a professional project that incorporates mobile technology, virtual reality and the artificial intelligence of IBM’s supercomputer, Watson. “That’s going to be hugely beneficial when I’m looking for jobs,” says Wiebe.

No Sleep
Ontario College Advanced Diploma

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