Indie Game Development Specialization Course

Discover what makes a game irresistible; and build it yourself with Unity. You’ll learn to design tight, replayable systems, prototype fast, and ship small but polished experiences using industry workflows.

Why study indie game development with us:

Learn from working indie devs who’ve shipped titles and updates
Choose private 1:1 or small-group mentorship tailored to your goals
Practice production-ready pipelines: C#, Git/Plastic, art integration, and builds
Get actionable feedback on design, feel, accessibility, and monetization
Graduate with a portfolio-ready prototype and a clear plan for release

Using case studies from successful indie games, you’ll combine mechanics, level flow, and UX into cohesive loops, then position your game for players and platforms.

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Our Difference

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.

Industry Mentors Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.

Outcomes Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.

Community Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.

Course Information

Everything You Need To Know

Quick Overview

Course Structure

What You'll Learn

Tuition & Payment

Qualification Industry certificate

Study Load

20hrs/week

Program Length

9 months

Delivery Mode Online live classes
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
No entry requirements

Start Dates

January 19th, 2026
May 11th, 2026
August 31st, 2026

Want to take your education higher?

Did you know that the subjects you complete in the career track courses can be used to apply for credit toward our accredited degrees and diplomas in the same discipline?

The skills and knowledge you build in any industry-certificate course can be transferred into academic credits through our Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer process. So, if you decide to take your studies to the next level, know that your prior learning will be recognized.

Compare your options and find out which course is right for you.

GET STARTED

Term 1: 12 weeks

Specialization 1: Indie Game Prototyping

Indie Game Development empowers you to build complete, compelling experiences with lean resources by mastering the tools, workflows, and higher-level languages that accelerate small-team production and help you target the right markets. You will prototype focused mechanics to learn new tools through rapid iteration, apply lateral and creative thinking to craft non-standard gameplay within clear constraints, and present technical demos that show working solutions. Along the way you will dissect successful indie titles from the 3Cs through unique selling point mechanics, then plan and structure development to reach more complex goals with clarity and control.

What You'll Learn

Lean indie workflows: choose tools and target markets wisely
Rapid prototyping: iterate small mechanics to learn fast
High-level scripting: speed up development for small teams
Creative constraints: design non-standard gameplay that still works
Gameplay analysis: 3Cs, USP mechanics, and planning for complex goals

Portfolio projects: Game pitch document, game design document, Unity gameplay prototype.

Weekly Breakdown

Scripting Languages: C# and the Unity Editor
Unity Scripting
Technical Documentation
Debugging
Vectors and Physics
Anonymous Modular Design
AI State Machines and Navigation Meshes
UI Toolkit
Type Object
Programming Design Patterns
Animation and Audio Mixers
Shader and VFX Graph

Term 2: 12 weeks

Specialization 2: Mobile Game Development

In this subject students will explore technical and design options when producing games for a target mobile platform. Through experimentation with innovative mechanics, they will learn about the plethora of unique interactions made possible by the wide variety of input sensors on mobile devices.

Students will be supported through the process of prototyping multiple mobile-centric mechanics with the aim of generating workable ideas using as many new interaction methods as possible. They will then choose one prototype to take forward into a polished experience. The finished product will be a small game that makes maximal use of backend integrations that are available on the mobile platform for elements like leader boards, social sharing and latent play.

As part of the process, students will document the specifics of their mobile-centric design decisions and technical challenges. This documentation will include a well reasoned target device list as well as a screen reactivity diagram - both elements unlikely to have been used in prior projects.

What You'll Learn

Design for mobile platform strengths.
Ground design with cross-cultural research.
Turn features into a GDD + monetization plan.
Build a small, playable mobile game leveraging device capabilities.
Justify decisions with theory, follow industry workflows, and communicate clearly.

Weekly Breakdown

Mobile Development Environment
Input Devices
Monetization and User Retention
Effective Documentation
UI/UX
Data Persistence and Latent Mechanics
Augmented Reality
Code Efficiency
Backend Services & Analytics
Mobile Attached Games
Alternative Reality Games
Mobile Project Final

Term 3: 12 weeks

Mentored Studio: Indie Game Development

Turn your best work into a cohesive, studio-ready showcase by creating a clear production plan, polishing projects in a simulated studio environment, and iterating with feedback from peers, industry mentors, and working artists. You will graduate with a professional portfolio that highlights your artistic vision, technical range, and presentation skills so you can stand out to recruiters and clients and move your career forward immediately.

What You'll Learn

Build a clear portfolio production plan and timeline
Select and curate your strongest work into a cohesive narrative
Polish projects to studio quality in a simulated production environment
Iterate using structured feedback from peers, mentors, and working artists
Present a professional, industry-standard portfolio ready for recruiters and clients

Portfolio projects: Unity prototype

Weekly Breakdown

Developing Project Ideas
Project Proposals
Project Planning
Making the Most of Mentor Sessions
Research, Development, and Testing
Ethical Research and Resourcing of Information
Progress Presentation
ReScoping Projects
Acquiring and Responding to Feedback
Preparing Competition Entries
Project Completion: Analysis and Reflection
Portfolio Presentation

Monthly

Upfront

SAVE 10%

Group Class

$1,222 USD/mo

$9,999 USD

CG Spectrum’s small group classes provide an ideal learning environment for aspiring artists to grow their skills and connect with peers. With a maximum of 4 students per class, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention from experienced industry mentors.

4 students max class size

Students are assigned mentor

Group interaction & collaboration

Private 1:1

$1,711 USD/mo

$13,999 USD

Learning 1-on-1 with CG Spectrum provides personalized guidance from industry experts, tailored feedback, and flexible scheduling. This focused approach helps students master skills, build competitive portfolios, and prepare for careers in games, film, and animation.

Private dedicated mentor

Students choose their mentor

More dedicated time per week

Michael Cameron

While at award-winning game studio Blazing Griffin, Michael released titles like Murderous Pursuits, The Ship: Remasted, Distant Star: Revenant Fleet and Dino Tribes.

Known for Distant Star: Revenant Fleet

Glenn Storm

Known for Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Ryan Laley

Known for Online Education

Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

"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."

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Jeff G | Game Development

"CG Spectrum has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality of learning, support, and continued guidance from mentors and peers.

Also, the community at CG Spectrum is amazing! People are passionate about what they study and do. It's a great study and work environment."

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Alexios V | Game Development

"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.

If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."

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Shaul H | Game Development

"A cornerstone for your career.

I can honestly say that even by having experience in the field, I've gained a mind-blowing volume of understanding, even when considering the most basic of aspects behind Game Design and Development! Concepts I thought I knew now look so different in a new light. Lessons are challenging, and assignments and classes engaging. A must for any professional looking to up their game a notch or 73."

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Fritz M | Game Development

"I chose CG Spectrum because I wanted to take my learning to the next level & ensure I was working on the most efficient way to get into the industry.

Chris Swain was the guiding force that kept me headed in the right direction with his sage advice. He was also a calming presence that kept me relaxed during what was often an overwhelming experience.

Thank you Chris for being a friend, a motivator, and a teammate during my time at CG Spectrum and beyond."

luke-williford Luke Williford | Game Development

"CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.

The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. "

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Loris C | Game Development

"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.

My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."

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Kieran L | Game Art & Animation

"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.

Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.

benjamin oman
Benjamin O | Game Art & Animation

"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!

I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"

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Kasia P | Game Art & Animation

"Having someone that is part of the industry personalizing your training, and providing honest feedback backed up by years of experience is something very valuable you won't get in other Game Programming Courses.

My mentor assisted me in realizing a game prototype I had in mind for quite a long time, and that was amazing. I highly recommend anyone interested in the course to spend that extra money and go for the 1-to-1 formula, because that's where you'll see the biggest difference with other online resources."

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Luca Piedrelli | Game Development

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for this Game Design Foundations course?

Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Can I start in a later term if I have prior experience?

At CG Spectrum, occasionally, it is possible to skip ahead and start studying in later terms. We highly recommend that most students do not skip ahead as each subject covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire program (and will require some catching up in your own time if skipped).

Term one is still incredibly challenging and covers a lot of material. It includes over 25 hours of lecture videos and there are over a dozen assignments students need to complete. All of the future course material will build upon this foundation.

The course will cover some basic concepts, teach the basics of using the Unreal Engine, teach the fundamentals of system and level design, and teach you how to deconstruct games properly and design using a systemic approach.

If you have not released an indie game or worked professionally to design PC/Console AAA games, we highly recommend you do not skip the first term. Even if you have designed mobile games, VR, or other genres or platforms of games, we do not recommend skipping it as the nuances are different in each platform.

If you want to be considered for skipping the first term, you must submit a portfolio to be reviewed and considered. The portfolio must include:

Example Pitch Deck, Game Pitch, and a Game Design Document (GDD) for a major action, adventure, role-playing, shooter or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.
Whitebox level prototype in Unreal Engine or Unity.
Example PLAYABLE level or game built in Unreal Engine or Unity. It must also be action, adventure, role-playing, shooter, or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.

This will ensure that you are familiar with the right materials, concepts, and tools to design new game concepts and build them in a game engine.

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

What are the game design software and hardware requirements?

Software:

Students are required to use Unity, which is free to download.

We also recommend that you purchase Photoshop/Illustrator (Creative Cloud 'All Apps' plan with a student discount) for the length of your studies. Free alternatives to Photoshop include GIMP/Inkscape.

Hardware:

Students will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Unity and Photoshop.

Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enroling.

What game design careers can I explore post-graduation?

This course gives you an excellent understanding of game design fundamentals. Depending on your level of commitment, skills, and portfolio pieces, you may be ready to start applying for entry-level artist positions.

To further hone your skills and increase your hiring potential, the Game Designer Specialization course (available early 2025) is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and building your portfolio to prepare you for junior game design jobs such as:

Students also gain access to additional career services to support them in their job hunt. The CG Spectrum community is another great resource—you can network and find out about game development job vacancies through graduates and mentors already working in the industry.

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

EXPLORE GAME DEVELOPMENT JOBS

Indie Game Developer Specialization

Build Your Own Games with Guidance from Industry Game Designers

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Everything You Need To Know

Want to take your education higher?

Specialization 1: Indie Game Prototyping

Specialization 2: Mobile Game Development

Mentored Studio: Indie Game Development

Download the Course Guide

Group Class

Private 1:1

Don't Put Your Future On Hold

Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors

Michael Cameron

Glenn Storm

Ryan Laley

Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Questions? We Have Answers

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