Game-Development
Apply your computer programming talent to launch a career creating games of strategy and skill.
- Program simulates the setting of a large game studio
- Third year students work on teams to conceptualize and develop a 3D game which are made available to play on our program page
- Final projects are entered into internationally recognized game development competitions and are promoted by the Game Development program
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
The three-year Game - Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter into the increasingly competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning and a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in large game studios. Throughout the program, you learn the design and critical thinking skills needed to find employment in the game development industry.
As a student, you learn how to create games of strategy and skill in an applied setting. During your first year, you gain knowledge in basic programming syntax and game development software tools. You enhance your skills with courses in:...(read more)
Overview
Apply your computer programming talent to launch a career creating games of strategy and skill.
The three-year Game - Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter into the increasingly competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning and a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in large game studios. Throughout the program, you learn the design and critical thinking skills needed to find employment in the game development industry.
As a student, you learn how to create games of strategy and skill in an applied setting. During your first year, you gain knowledge in basic programming syntax and game development software tools. You enhance your skills with courses in:
- game design and development
- traditional and digital imaging
- authoring
- animation
- programming
For your final project, you work with your classmates to conceptualize, design and implement a complete 3-D game title. After graduation, you have the skills to demonstrate you are ready to start your career in this highly competitive field.
There are numerous career opportunities for graduates from this program. The game development profession has increased in demand to now include industries such as entertainment, education, government and consumer products.
You may find employment as a:
- game developer
- game programmer
- software developer
- game play programmer
- game designer
- game artist
- asset modeler
- texture artist
- game animator
- indie game producer
Most opportunities in this industry exist outside of the Ottawa area.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have strong observational critical-thinking and analytical skills.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the game development industry.
- Have an aptitude for and are proficient in math.
- Thrive in a creative and innovative environment.
- Are comfortable with computer programming elements.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities.
Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DSN2100M
Course Name:
Design Thinking
Course Description:
Human-centred approaches are among the best methods of generating innovative solutions for people at work, at home or within your community.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1507
Course Name:
Digital Imaging I
Course Description:
Students are introduced to concepts and tools used in the creation of digital images. A variety of software tools and techniques are introdu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1510
Course Name:
Game Design Foundations
Course Description:
Students develop a foundation in the theory and practice of game design. Topics include game characteristics, game mechanics, game theory, d... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1545
Course Name:
Programming Fundamentals I
Course Description:
C++ is a mainstay object-oriented (OO) programming language and is a foundation language of the game development industry. Best practices, s... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MAT8001V
Course Name:
Technical Mathematics for Game Development
Course Description:
Students learn foundational mathematics required in game development. Students manipulate algebraic expressions and solve linear equations a... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
ENL2013
Course Name:
Communications II: Scriptwriting
Course Description:
Storytelling and the components of story are introduced. Students develop storytelling skills and an understanding of what story form is. S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1508
Course Name:
Drawing Essentials
Course Description:
Through a specialized series of drawing exercises, students learn how to apply techniques in order to conceptualize, plan and communicate vi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1511
Course Name:
Interface Design
Course Description:
Design, layout, type, readability, colour theory and interaction are the subject focus. Students learn to create interfaces for games that f... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1530
Course Name:
Psychology and Group Dynamics
Course Description:
Students examine some of the basic concepts of psychology, such as learning, motivation, perception, sensation, information processing, emot... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1547
Course Name:
Programming Fundamentals II
Course Description:
Students enhance and reinforce their acquired knowledge by implementing basic algorithms and data structures using the C++ language. Topics ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1544
Course Name:
Game and Graphics Programming I
Course Description:
Students apply foundational mathematics required in game development. The programmatic manipulation of: algebraic expressions, solving linea... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1570
Course Name:
Digital Imaging II
Course Description:
Students build on concepts presented in Digital Imaging I. A variety of software tools and techniques are introduced to enhance and alter ex... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1512
Course Name:
Game Assets I
Course Description:
Game assets consist of all the virtual objects that make up the interesting and compelling visuals that are part of a modern 3-D video game.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1516
Course Name:
High Level Development I
Course Description:
Combined with knowledge of object-oriented design and object oriented programming, students integrate game play mechanics, non-player charac... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1535
Course Name:
Technical Drawing
Course Description:
Students address the architectural context and functional requirements of interior spaces, as well as details of furnishing and decoration. ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1539
Course Name:
Level Design I
Course Description:
The fundamentals of level design for video games are introduced. Topics include genre analysis, game play styles and limitations, game play ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1571
Course Name:
Game and Graphics Programming II
Course Description:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a foundation cornerstone of game play that enhances the user experience. Students learn to analyze and formu... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1572
Course Name:
Scripting for Designers
Course Description:
Game designers use scripting languages in game creation to automate events, tune parameters, and create interaction between the player and g... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1528
Course Name:
High Level Development II
Course Description:
Students continue to explore and apply aspects learned in High Level Development I. Focus is on leveraging that knowledge to create complex ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1574
Course Name:
Game Algorithms
Course Description:
Students learn how to deconstruct familiar game elements and formulate these elements into concepts and finally reconstruct these concepts i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1575
Course Name:
Cinematics
Course Description:
Students learn how to apply professional filmmaking techniques, rules and formulas in a video game environment using a full range of tools a... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1576
Course Name:
Game Assets II
Course Description:
3D Game Assets II builds on the knowledge learned and applied in Game Assets I. Increased emphasis is placed on the polishing and refinement... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1541
Course Name:
Level Design II
Course Description:
Students enhance their knowledge of level design. Topics include genre analysis, game play styles and limitations, game play mechanics, leve... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1573
Course Name:
Game and Graphics Programming III
Course Description:
There is an ever-increasing demand for engaging gaming products that rests on the capabilities of those responsible for the development itse... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1552
Course Name:
Capstone I: Project Management
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1555
Course Name:
Capstone I: Game Assets
Course Description:
The Capstone Project is a multi-discipline team-based project. The Capstone Project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1557
Course Name:
Capstone I: Game Programming
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1558
Course Name:
Capstone I: Studio
Course Description:
The Capstone Project is a multi-discipline team-based project. The Capstone Project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1556
Course Name:
Capstone I: Advanced Game Assets
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1559
Course Name:
Capstone I: Advanced Game Programming
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2014
Course Name:
Communications III: Business Communications
Course Description:
Students learn to create professional documentation for the purposes of the gaming industry. Extensive instruction is provided on resume and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1562
Course Name:
Capstone II: Project Management
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1568
Course Name:
Capstone II: Studio
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1566
Course Name:
Capstone II: Advanced Game Assets
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1569
Course Name:
Capstone II: Advanced Game Programming
Course Description:
The Capstone Project which is a multi-discipline team-based project simulates the entire industry life cycle of a video game in development ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED3013
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as a game developer, game programmer, software designer, software developer, graphics programmer, game designer, game artist, character modeler, environment modeler, texture artist, game animator, game tester, project manager and level designer. Most opportunities in game development exist outside of the Ottawa region.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
- Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
- Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles-programming, design, and art.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
- Apply conceptual game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design, and development of games.
- Apply practical game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design and developing of unique gaming environments, levels, characters, assets and props.
- Apply programming principles and techniques to create operational games or game components.
- Apply artificial intelligence and/or network implementation strategies to support real-time game environments and simulations.
- Utilize game engine functionality at an advanced level to support real-time games and simulations.
- Create original game props, characters and assets based on the concepts and requirements outlined in game design documents.
- Contribute to world building and level design, including using a game engine.
- Conceive, prototype, develop, test and evaluate procedures for the creation, design, programming, production and testing of games in a group environment.
- Test, debug and correct game components to ensure efficient and appropriate game functionality.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books, supplies and other expenses cost approximately:
- $1,000 in the first year
- $600 in the second year
- $1,300 in the third year
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MCT4C is highly recommended).
- A senior credit in physics is recommended.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide-proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants are selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Applicants should have basic computer skills such as keyboard proficiency, Internet browsing and searching, and proficiency with an office software suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) prior to the start of the program. While programming experience is not a requirement to enter the program, aptitude for programming is necessary and would include strong language, problem solving and logic skills. This is often demonstrated by skill and enjoyment in solving word problems in math.
Applicants who have been out of school for a period of time are encouraged to take a refresher course in mathematics, prior to the start of classes. Refresher/upgrading courses are available through Academic Upgrading courses, AC Online and through local school boards.
Application Information
GAME DEVELOPMENT
Program Code 3013X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Successful game developers require a strong foundation in mathematics. If you feel that you need to upgrade your math skills, visit the Academic Access Centre Webpage on the College website for guidance: www.algonquincollege.com/access.
