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Game Programming Course

Learn game programming with Unreal Engine from expert video game developers
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Overview

Study game programming online

Career training & mentorship from expert programmers

Learn to program games with the world’s most powerful 3D game engine, Unreal Engine, which is responsible for some of the best AAA games. In our online game programming course, you'll harness the power of UE and master programming over 9 months.

Why study game programming at CG Spectrum:

  • We are an Unreal Academic Partner
  • Learn from game experts with real-world experience
  • Train on industry-standard software
  • Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes

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Unreal Engine has been used to create some of the world's most popular titles for desktop, console, mobile, and even VR and AR experiences. Future-proof your career in this course, which covers C++ programming techniques, plus blueprints, UI development, input, collision, particle systems, animations, user experience and more.

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

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Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

9 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Intermediate

Prerequisites

Windows PC, and Intro to Game Programming or portfolio submission

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Software

Unreal Engine, Visual Studio 2019

Start date

Jan 9, 2023
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Curriculum

Industry-approved curriculum to launch your career as a game programmer

Term 1: 12 weeks

Introduction to Game Programming with Unreal Engine

You'll be introduced to the Unreal Engine editor and see how the editor interacts with C++ code while building levels and gameplay elements. Blueprints will be introduced as another way to visually add logic to your games. You'll build a simple game with input, collision, basic AI, User Interface and audio.

  • How to use the basic features of the Unreal Engine editor
  • Build levels containing materials, terrain, and gameplay elements
  • Start building a game with a fully interactive character
  1. Introduction to Unreal Engine
  2. Creating a gameplay feature
  3. Blueprints
  4. Game Mechanics & Systems
  5. Building a Level
  6. User Input & Animation basics
  7. Cameras
  8. UX - UI and Menus
  9. FX & Audio
  10. Adapting to change
  11. Polish & Testing
  12. Post Mortem
Term 2: 12 weeks

Intermediate Game Programming with Unreal Engine

In this term, you will tackle some more advanced uses of the Unreal Engine for a more complete picture of developing Unreal games, including character animations, particle effects, serialization, loading and streaming levels. Finish the term by developing your own fully playable game from scratch.

  • How to fully explore the Unreal animation and cinematics systems
  • Understand how saving, loading and serialization work
  • Flesh out your playable game 
  1. Third Semester Introduction / Project Review
  2. Player Interactions - Events and Delegates
  3. Memory Management
  4. Level Loading and Streaming
  5. Advanced Animation & Sequencer
  6. Introduction to AI - Behavior Trees & Blackboards
  7. AI Continued - perceptions
  8. Introduction to Networking
  9. Networking continued
  10. Advanced Debugging
  11. Profiling and Optimization
  12. Putting it All Together
Term 3: 12 weeks

Portfolio and Career Development

This final term is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your mentor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You'll also receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.

  • How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
  • Be more confident with negotiation
  • Network & self-promote effectively
  • Tap into the hidden job market 
  1. Career Pathways
  2. Industry Overview
  3. Portfolio Upgrade
  4. Networking and Online Presence
  5. Resume and Cover Letter
  6. Job Hunting
  7. Freelance Work
  8. Interviews and Pitching
  9. Personal Projects and Challenges
  10. Working in a Studio
  11. Contracts and Negotiations
  12. Personal Roadblocks
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

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,199 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$7,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,485 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,999 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$9,999 USD

(1x payment)

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.

Read full bio

Dept. Head of Game Programming

Known for Assassin's Creed 3

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Far Cry 6

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Tom Clancy's EndWar

Margherita Donnici's Work
Margherita Donnici

Margherita Donnici

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Riders Republic

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Past Cure

Will Masek's Work
Will Masek

Will Masek

Will teaches Game Programming and Design at an undergraduate level in the UK and undertaking contract work to keep close ties with a number of developers and studios.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Sniper Elite III: Afrika

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Marvel Super Hero Squad

Brian Stewart's Work
Brian Stewart

Brian Stewart

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Batman: Arkham Knight

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Dev Enabled

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

Ather Omar's Work
Ather Omar

Ather Omar

Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Far Cry 6
STUDENT SHOWCASE

Quality student work that speaks for itself

With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. Get a taste of what our programming students are creating.

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Studios that hire our students

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ubisoft
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Student successes

80% employment success rate

We’re proud to say that the majority of our advanced graduates are now working in the highly competitive film & games industry.

Our courses and in-house career services are created to give you the essential skills to be job-ready after graduation. Still wondering if CG Spectrum is right for you? Chat with our student ambassadors.

Message

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
Jeff Giron's Work
Course structure

Your pathway to the industry

Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 1 year.

Pathway illustration for Game Programming (Full pathway)
Frequently asked questions

Game Programming Course FAQs

What are the prerequisites for the Game Programming course?

This game programming course requires the successful completion of either the Introduction to Game Programming Course or portfolio submission and an accompanying resume.

You will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

What are the software & hardware requirements?

Software:

Visual Studio 2019 and Unreal Engine 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 2019 and Unreal Engine. 

Can I skip the intro course and go straight to the 9-month course?

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 9-month Game Programming Course. 

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 

What programming careers can I explore post-graduation?

On completion of the Game Programming Course you will have greater confidence in your skills and a portfolio of work to show employers.

You will also have access to 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:

Will taking this course guarantee me a job?

While CG Spectrum's advanced students have a strong job success rate, we cannot offer guaranteed employment as the game industry is competitive and there is no way of knowing what the market will demand.

The students who experience the greatest success are those who take responsibility for their career, put in the hard work to get their skills and portfolio up to industry standard, leverage their mentor's invaluable expertise and the networking opportunities provided through the CG Spectrum community, and take advantage of every opportunity to excel.

To help students find employment, we have a range of career services and a dedicated Career Development Manager who regularly hosts exclusive career-focused webinars, Q&As, artist interviews and workshops for CG Spectrum students and alumni, and is available to answer career-related questions.

Students in the 9-month programs receive additional 1-on-1 career support, CV/portfolio reviews and help with application/interview preparation. 

If you have any questions about our career services as they relate to your personal career goals, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

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

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

CG Spectrum is helping me grow as a game designer and as a person.

Both my mentor Andrejs Verlis and Dept. Head, Troy Dunniway, have been so encouraging and empowering. It doesn’t even feel like school. I’m finally seeing so many of my interests culminate, and I’m excited to leverage the great networking and career development here for a beautiful future.

Eli B
Eli B
Game Design

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