The Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours (Game Development) is a specialised creative technology degree designed for students interested in game design, game art, storytelling, programming, immersive experiences, and interactive media production.

The programme combines creative thinking with technical game production skills. Students work with industry-standard software, real-time game engines, VR/AR technologies, animation tools, and collaborative production pipelines to create games for desktop, mobile, and console platforms.

Why Study Game Development at Massey University?

Students choose this programme because it offers:

•  Industry-focused game development education
• Access to advanced gaming labs, VR/AR equipment, and production studios
• Teaching by professionals from major global screen industries
• Hands-on project-based learning
• Exposure to real-time game engines and industry-standard tools
• Opportunities to collaborate across animation, film, VFX, and creative technology disciplines
• Strong creative and technical balance
• Internship and honours project opportunities
• Direct pathways into New Zealand and global gaming industries

Programme Structure

The programme combines:

•  Core screen arts courses
• Game development specialisation courses
• Collaborative studio projects
• Honours research project
• Industry practice and internship opportunities

Core Game Development Courses

Example Courses

Introduction to Game Development

Students learn:

• Principles of game development
• Game mechanics
• Creative design thinking
• Technical production tools

Game Production

Focuses on:

• Industry-standard game pipelines
• Team-based production
• Game aesthetics
• Development workflows

Game Project

Students:

• Develop playable game projects
• Apply creative methodologies
• Use professional production techniques

Advanced Practice Exploration

Covers:

• Advanced technical skills
• Specialised production methods
• Industry preparation
• Professional portfolio development

Subjects and Topics Offered

Students may study:

• Game Design
• Game Production
• Interactive Storytelling
• Level Design
• Character Design
• 3D Modelling
• Texturing
• Animation
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Coding and Scripting
• Real-Time Rendering
• Narrative Design
• Creative Technologies
• Team Collaboration
• Visual Communication
• Sound and Audio for Games
• User Experience Design

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Within the Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours, students may also explore related disciplines including:

• Animation
• Film Production
• Visual Effects
• Emerging Creative Technologies
• Mtauranga Toi Mori
• Media Technology

Facilities and Learning Environment

Students have access to:

• Advanced computer labs
• VR and AR devices
• Industry-standard game engines
• Professional production studios
• Motion capture and digital production tools
• Collaborative creative workspaces

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in:

• Game Design
• Game Programming
• Level Design
• Technical Art
• 3D Modelling
• Environment Art
• Gameplay Design
• Indie Game Development
• Interactive Media Production
• VR/AR Development
• Creative Technology
• User Experience Design
• Animation and Visual Effects Industries

Graduates may also continue into:

•  Master’s study
• Research and innovation roles
• Independent game studios

Highlights of the Programme

• Industry-connected teaching staff
• Strong practical studio learning
• Access to professional game technologies
• Honours-level research and production project
• Collaboration with creative disciplines
• Strong links to New Zealand’s screen industry
• Portfolio-focused learning
• Internship opportunities
• Wellington creative industry location

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Full-time study is strongly recommended.
• Students complete a substantial honours project in the final year.
• Internship opportunities may be available.
• Some advanced production courses have prerequisites.
• Returning students should check transitional regulations for updated course structures.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying in New Zealand generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of place from Massey University
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Medical and travel insurance
• Valid passport
• English language proficiency documents

Students should also review:

•  Part-time work rights during study
• Post-study work visa eligibility
• Health and character requirements