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Introduction to Game Programming

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

3 months

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 2019

Start date

Mar 6, 2023
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Why study with us

Learn C++ programming from industry pros who have worked on best-selling games

Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our specialized expert-led programs help you build practical job skills that will serve throughout your career.

Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around your work and family commitments

Industry Mentors

Learn from industry experts who have worked on well-known games

Job-Ready Skills

Build practical and relevant job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Pursue your passion and start working sooner with flexible payments
Curriculum

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

Term 1: 12 weeks

Introduction to Game Programming with 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 Course. 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
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)
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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.

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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.

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Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Marvel Super Hero Squad

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.

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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.

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Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Far Cry 6

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.

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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.

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Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Past Cure

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.

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Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Dev Enabled

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.

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Mentor of Game Programming

Known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss

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
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

 

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$1,185 USD

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$3,199 USD

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$1,485 USD

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$3,999 USD

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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 2019 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. 

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 

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:

Studios that hire our students

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Ubisoft
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EA
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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