Game - Development
Apply your programming and art skills to launch a career in the video game industry.
- Program simulates the setting of a large game studio
- Third year students work on teams to conceptualize and develop 3D games 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 2026
No
Winter 2027
No
Schedule
Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
CIP Code(s): 11.0204
The three-year Game-Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter the competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning in a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in game studios. Throughout the program, you develop the programming, art and design skills needed to find employment in the game development industry....(read more)
Overview
Apply your programming and art skills to launch a career in the video game industry.
The three-year Game-Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter the competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning in a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in game studios. Throughout the program, you develop the programming, art and design skills needed to find employment in the game development industry.
As a student, you learn how to create video games from the ground up. Prototype and create unique gaming worlds by designing levels, characters, props, and interfaces and program the systems that bring these elements to life. Using game engines, 3D modelling software and other game development tools, you develop and refine the skills needed to create compelling 2D and 3D video games. For your Capstone Project, you conceptualize, design and produce a complete 3D video game.
There are numerous career opportunities for graduates from this program, and the acquired skills are transferable to several industries outside of video games. Graduates may find employment within a wide range of work environments and industries:
- Video Games
- Software Development
- Architecture
- TV and Film Production
- Simulation Production
- Education
- Quality Assurance Testing
- Tourism
- Marketing
Please Note: Game-Development is a combination of programming, art and design. Applicants who are solely interested in the artistic aspects of video games are encouraged to explore Algonquin College's Game-Art Ontario College Diploma.
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:
ENL1004
Course Name:
Professional Communication Essentials
Course Description:
Communication remains a fundamental skill regardless of discipline or field of study. Using an applied approach, students focus on writing, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1510
Course Name:
Game Design Foundations
Course Description:
A game's design is the most important consideration. Simple and balanced rules contribute to the user's experience and ultimately their enjo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1539
Course Name:
Level Design 1: Conceptualization & Prototyping
Course Description:
A well-designed game level is immersive and engaging while providing structure and an objective for the player. It is essential to conceptua... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1545
Course Name:
Programming Fundamentals 1: Introduction to Programming
Course Description:
Video game developers use programming for many aspects of the creation process. It is essential for game developers to have a fundamental un... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MAT3013
Course Name:
Technical Mathematics for Game Development
Course Description:
Mathematics is required for many aspects of Game-Development. Students explore foundational mathematics required in game development. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1507
Course Name:
Digital Imaging
Course Description:
2D assets are the foundational elements that visually connect the player with the video game. Students explore concepts and tools used in th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1544
Course Name:
Applied Math and Physics Programming
Course Description:
Video game programing requires math and physics support realism and a consistent player experience. Students apply object-oriented programmi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1547
Course Name:
Programming Fundamentals 2: Object-Oriented Programming
Course Description:
Game developers leverage object-oriented programming (OOP) to organize and maintain their code as it becomes more elaborate throughout the d... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1548
Course Name:
Visual Scripting
Course Description:
Visual scripting is a flexible, powerful and accessible tool that provides the ability for game developers to create game mechanics and logi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1585
Course Name:
Level Design 2: Gameplay and Production
Course Description:
A finished, polished game level requires immersion, interactivity and an emphasis on player navigation. Level designers must consider these ... + 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
Code:
GAM1511
Course Name:
Interface Design
Course Description:
The design, layout, readability, application of colour and player interaction all contribute to the usability and enjoyability of a video ga... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1512
Course Name:
Game Assets 1: Modelling Foundations
Course Description:
Game assets consist of all the virtual objects that make up the compelling visuals that are part of modern 3D video games. These virtual obj... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1549
Course Name:
Game Engines 1: 3D Gameplay Foundations
Course Description:
Game engines offer a streamlined and efficient way to develop games, providing pre-built tools and components that simplify tasks such as re... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1584
Course Name:
Ai AlgorithMS Programming
Course Description:
AI algorithms allow game developers to create engaging and realistic gameplay experiences. Students explore the theory of AI algorithms and ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1589
Course Name:
Level Design 3 - Multiplayer Environments
Course Description:
Multiplayer video games are an industry staple as they create shared experiences, encourage teamwork and build communities. A well-designed,... + 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
Code:
GAM1535
Course Name:
Technical Drafting
Course Description:
Game developers rely on the foundations of technical drafting to conceptualize the elements of a video game. Students address the architectu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1576
Course Name:
Game Assets 2: Props and Structures
Course Description:
3D models require continued edits and modifications to serve the next stages of the production pipeline. Increased emphasis is placed on the... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1577
Course Name:
Audio Design
Course Description:
Sound for media is a vital part of storytelling and immersion. Students explore how sound is transformed into audio for a variety of mediums... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1581
Course Name:
Cinematics and Scriptwriting
Course Description:
Cinematics and scriptwriting and enhance the player's immersion, bringing the game's story and world vividly to life. The applications of pr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1586
Course Name:
Game Engines 2: Multiplayer Gameplay
Course Description:
Multiplayer modes allow players to collaborate, compete and socialize in-game, which provides re-playability and offers unique gameplay expe... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GAM1590
Course Name:
Rendering and Performance Optimization Programming
Course Description:
Optimization is a critical phase in game development that ensures smooth gameplay with high-fidelity visuals. Effective optimization can enh... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1552
Course Name:
Capstone 1: Game Production
Course Description:
Establishing a project workflow is essential for the development of a video game to meet established deadlines and ensure objectives are cle... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1555
Course Name:
Game Assets 3: Characters and Props
Course Description:
Video game assets are the virtual objects that make up the interesting and compelling visuals that are part of a modern 3D video game. These... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1556
Course Name:
Digital Sculpting and Painting
Course Description:
Digital sculpting and painting allows developers to create intricate 3D game assets with either a stylized or realistic aesthetic. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1557
Course Name:
Character, Camera and Control Systems Programming
Course Description:
Character, Camera and Controls (the 3Cs) define how players interact with the game and form the core gameplay experience. Focus is placed on... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1567
Course Name:
Online Game Systems and Backend Development
Course Description:
Backend game systems provide the infrastructure that supports the critical networking functionalities that drive the player experience. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1578
Course Name:
Capstone 1: Production Studio
Course Description:
Collaborating as a team to conceptualize a video game and prototype its mechanics are major aspects of the development process. Students are... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2014
Course Name:
Professional Communications for Game Development
Course Description:
Game developers work in an environment that requires strong communication skills to explain, defend and promote their work. Students create ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1562
Course Name:
Capstone 2: Product Launch & Portfolios
Course Description:
Launching a video game product requires team members to use their established project workflow to ensure deliverables are on track. Student... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1565
Course Name:
Scalable Game Systems and Generative Ai
Course Description:
The integration of Generative AI with online game systems allows game developers the ability to provide personalized player experiences and ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1566
Course Name:
Animated Game Assets
Course Description:
Animated game assets bring the game's characters and environments to life with depth and motion. Increased emphasis is placed on the polishi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GAM1588
Course Name:
Capstone 2: Production and Post-Production Studio
Course Description:
Finalizing a video game requires the development team to collaborate to identify and resolve outstanding tasks and issues for product comple... + 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, indie game developer, game programmer (generalist, gameplay, AI, UI), software developer, backend developer, technical artist, game artist (character modeler, environment modeler, texture artist, animator), quality assurance tester, game designer, UI/UX designer 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.
2026/2027 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, software, supplies and other expenses cost approximately:
- $250 in the first year - Textbooks, notebooks, scientific calculator, portable hard drive/USB Stick
- $250 in the second year - Textbooks, notebooks, closed-back wired headphones
- $250 in the third year - Videogame controller, notebooks
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
- 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 will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent, MCT4C is 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) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
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.
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 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.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students in the third year of the Game-Development program are required to participate in the annual Level Up Showcase, held in Toronto, Ontario. In this event, students put their capstone work on display for students, post-secondary institutions and industry professionals to view and experience. There are associated fees for travel and accommodation for this event.
Please Note: Game-Development is a combination of programming, art and design. Applicants who are solely interested in the artistic aspects of video games are encouraged to explore Algonquin College's Game-Art Ontario College Diploma.