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.

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

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.