Game – Programming Program
(Online)
(T193)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Game – Programming
  • Code: T193
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Advanced Diploma
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    3 years (6 semesters)
  • Centre:
  • School: Computer Technology
  • Location: Online
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $3,909.00 *
  • Winter 2023 Delivery:
    Semester 1, 2: Online
  • Spring 2023 Delivery:
    Semester 2: Online

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

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 fully online 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 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 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

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
  2. Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
  3. Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design and art.
  4. Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
  5. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
  6. Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.

Courses

Required Courses

Printable Curriculum Planner 2022-2023

SEMESTER 1

Code Course name
GAME 1001 Introduction to Programming
GAME 1007 Game Fundamentals I
GAME 1005 Game Production I
GSSC 1027 Personal Finance
MATH 1180 Math for Game Development
COMM 1007 College English**

SEMESTER 2

Code Course name
GAME 1011 Advanced Programming
GAME 1017 Game Fundamentals II
GAME 3001 Artificial Intelligence
GAME 1014 Game Production II
MATH 1107 Linear Algebra and Geometry
GNED General Education Elective (Select One)

SEMESTER 3

Code Course name
GAME 2020 Game Production III
GAME 2001 Data Structures & Algorithms
GAME 2005 Game Physics
GAME 2012 3D Graphics Programming
GAME 2013 Game Engines I
GNED General Education Elective (Select One)

SEMESTER 4

Code Course name
GAME 2030 Game Production IV
GAME 2031 Advanced Topics in Programming Languages
GAME 3111 Advanced Graphics Programming
GAME 3002 Physics Engines
GAME 2023 Game Engines II
COMP 2148 Professional Workplace Competencies

SEMESTER 5

Code Course name
GAME 3020 Game Production V
GAME 2014 Mobile Game Development I
GAME 3003 Console Game Development I
GAME 3110 Multiplayer Systems
GAME 3023 Game Engines III
GAME 3121 Game Engine Development I

SEMESTER 6

Code Course name
GAME 3030 Game Production VI
GAME 3004 Mobile Game Development II
GAME 3011 Game Portfolio Development
GAME 3015 Game Engine Development II
GAME 3033 Game Engines IV
GAME 3112 Console Game Development II

**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit georgebrown.ca/assessment for more information.

General Education Electives

Electives

ALTERNATIVE STUDY OPTIONS

Students looking to focus more on the art/asset development aspect of game development may be more interested in our Game – Art advanced diploma program (G119), which is centred in the George Brown School of Design. Even though several courses are co-delivered in both programs, we encourage you to consider which program most closely suits your goals prior to making a final decision.

In-person delivery of Game – Programming program is available; see Game – Programming (T163) for more information.

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.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$3,909.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021 Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

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 georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

Contact Us

School of Computer Technology

Location: 3 Lower Jarvis St., Room 260

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287 or 3129

Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca or game@georgebrown.ca

Office hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) 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.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.