Game – Programming Program (T163)

Program Description

Program Overview

The three-year Game – Programming 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.

PLEASE NOTE: We also offer this program 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 booming. 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 a fundamental resource for these companies––in fact, industry advisors tell us it's the technical skills that are most in demand. And as a graduate of the three-year Game – Programming advanced diploma program, you'll be ready to give employers in this sector exactly what they're searching for.

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.

Classes take place at our Waterfront Campus, and 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

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 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 can 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.

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

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