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Game Programming Essentials

Online game programming course for beginners taught by expert game designers
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Overview

Learn game programming basics

Kickstart your career with an Unreal Academic Partner

This hands-on course is for aspiring game programmers who want to learn how to develop video games. Under the guidance of your industry mentor, you'll learn the programming fundamentals using the C++, and start building your first game.

Why study game programming at CG Spectrum:

  • Learn C++ fundamentals
  • Learn from game experts with real-world experience
  • Train on industry-standard software
  • Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)

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There's no better way to get started in the industry than with mentorship from a seasoned game programmer! In just 3 months, you'll be feeling more confident with  C++ programming techniques, and ready to start bringing your own game ideas to life! 

As an Unreal Academic Partner and online game dev school, we're here to help you gain speed and confidence with industry-leading software, and equip you with the latest game production techniques.

On completion of this course, you may choose to continue your studies with the Game Programming Course.

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Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

12 weeks

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner

Prerequisites

Windows PC, basic computer skills and passion for games

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Software

Visual Studio

Start date

May 6, 2024
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Curriculum

Industry-approved curriculum to support your journey into video game programming

Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Essentials of C++

Your introduction to game programming starts with learning the fundamentals focusing on the C++ programming language. We will introduce basic C++ syntax as well as advanced techniques, and by the end of the term, you will have enough knowledge to create your first C++ game.

*This short course is a prerequisite to the full Game Programming Foundations. It will give you the foundational skills you need to continue on your educational pathway.

  • How to apply important game programming concepts used in development
  • Master the basic syntax of the C++ programming language
  • Create a simple C++ game from scratch using your acquired knowledge
  1. Game Programming Concepts
  2. Variables and Operators
  3. Conditionals
  4. Loops
  5. Functions
  6. Classes and Objects
  7. Pointers, References & Dynamic Memory
  8. Arrays
  9. Inheritance & Polymorphism
  10. Templates
  11. Game Loop
  12. Putting It All Together
Study Options

Small Class

The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

  • Max. 4 students per course
  • Affordable high-quality education
  • Network while you learn
Study Options

1-on-1 Private

Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.

  • Maximum level of mentor interaction
  • Greater flexibility to schedule classes
  • Customized learning experience

 

Monthly
$1,185 USD

(3 x payments)

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Upfront
$3,199 US

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,750 USD

(3 x payments)

Most Popular

Save 10%

Upfront
$4,725 US

(1 x payment)

Essentials + Foundations Bundle

Add the Foundations of Game Programming and save up to 20%

We understand the unique needs of students pursuing careers in creative industries. That's why we offer curated course bundles that align with specific career paths or skill development goals. These bundles are designed to provide comprehensive training while offering cost savings compared to enrolling in individual courses.

Pathway illustration for Career Track (12 months)
Mentors

Get direct access to highly experienced game programmers

All game programming classes are run by experts with years of experience working on games at studios all over the world.

Firas Hosn's Work
Firas Hosn

Firas Hosn

While at Ubisoft, AAA programmer Firas released almost a game a year including Far Cry 3, 4, 5, Assassin's Creed 3, Your Shape, Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Watchdogs 2 and 3.

Dept. Head of Game Programming

Known for Assassin's Creed 3

Daniel Punch's Work
Daniel Punch

Daniel Punch

Daniel has experience in game development as well as other applications. He contributed to Marvel Super Hero Squad and was a member of the Need for Speed: No Limits team.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Marvel Super Hero Squad

Sushama Chakraverty's Work
Sushama Chakraverty

Sushama Chakraverty

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Watch Dogs: Legion

Ming Zhang's Work
Ming Zhang

Ming Zhang

With over 6 years of experience in the game industry, Ming has worked for Ubisoft, Activision, and Gameloft. He has also applied his programming skills in a wide range of areas.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Tom Clancy's EndWar

Bryan Griffiths's Work
Bryan Griffiths

Bryan Griffiths

After 20 years in the industry, AAA game expert Bryan has worked on titles like Too Human, X-Men: Destiny, Rollers of the Realm, Debris, and now Far Cry 6.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Far Cry 6

Cameron Cintron's Work
Cameron Cintron

Cameron Cintron

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Mobile game development

Will Masek's Work
Will Masek

Will Masek

Will has taught games programming as a University lecturer before working on the Horizon franchise. Since then he started his own company and works with other studios on a number of exciting projects.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Sniper Elite III: Afrika

Elias Jacobs's Work
Elias Jacobs

Elias Jacobs

From indie dev to AAA dev, Elias is an animation programmer at Build a Rocket Boy Studio where he's working on soon-to-be-released game, Everywhere.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Past Cure

Jan Bulin's Work
Jan Bulin

Jan Bulin

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Gears of War 5

Rob Brooks's Work
Rob Brooks

Rob Brooks

Rob has developed games and experiences for a number of platforms from mobile and desktop to virtual reality. He specializes in creating gameplay mechanics and quick-fire game prototypes for a number of video game companies.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Dev Enabled

Caio Sabino's Work
Caio Sabino

Caio Sabino

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for SimCity BuildIt

Max Maroe's Work
Max Maroe

Max Maroe

Max is a lifelong gamer and game developer and has devoted his life to the universes inside our computers. He's currently pursuing the development of a multitude of VR and XR games and systems.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Rez Graham's Work
Rez Graham

Rez Graham

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for The Sims 4

Filip Krstevski's Work
Filip Krstevski

Filip Krstevski

Filip has been teaching for 10+ years, with a current focus on Game Programming in Unreal Engine. Armed with a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Filip has worked at both AAA and indie studios since 2007.

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Infinity Blade series

Winnie Tsang's Work
Winnie Tsang

Winnie Tsang

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Gears of War 5

Cliff Sharif's Work
Cliff Sharif

Cliff Sharif

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for VR simulation dev
Frequently asked questions

Introduction To Game Programming course FAQs

For this game programming course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Software:

Visual Studio will be used in this course and can be downloaded for free.

Hardware:

Students will need a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Visual Studio 2022. 

We HIGHLY recommend students do the Introduction term as it covers a tremendous amount of information and skills which will be used throughout the entire program and will require some catching up if skipped.

Depending on your programming experience, it is VERY occasionally possible to skip Introduction to Game Programming and start the  Game Programming Foundations. 

To be considered for skipping the introduction term, you must submit a CV and portfolio which includes a:

  • GitHub or GitLab repository that demonstrates your knowledge of an Object Oriented programming language. The repository must have submit history.

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio and we'll arrange a review by the department head and a possible student interview, depending on circumstances.

SUBMIT PORTFOLIO 

This short game programming course will get started on your journey, but in a highly competitive industry, knowing the basics is not enough.

Continuing your studies with the 9-month Game Programming Course will better prepare you for a job in the industry. It course covers far more complex techniques and includes personalized career services and 1-on-1 time with our Career Development Manager which can help when applying for junior programming jobs such as:

Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

An amazing journey!

This course is a complete package with the goal of helping us conquer our dream job! I didn't expect to find a C++ programming course aimed at the gaming industry and of such quality. The big difference the guidance of a high-level professional: Bryan Griffiths in my case! In addition to masterfully explaining technical questions, he shares immeasurable knowledge of the industry. 

Raphael H
Raphael H
Game Programming

If you like games and coding this is a course you don't want to miss!

I started with no previous programming experience and I am already coding my own games from scratch. Firas is an incredible mentor who has encouraged me to stay curious and think outside the box. His support has exponentially increased my progress!

Diego D
Diego D
Game Programming

CG Spectrum's training got me hired in the industry.

CG Spectrum helped me build the skills and connections that directly resulted in getting hired as a Gameplay Programmer at New World Interactive.

Jeff Giron
Jeff Giron
Game Programming

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