Learn what makes a video game compelling, master game system design, and gain confidence in using tools like Unreal Engine and Photoshop. Create a polished professional portfolio of your best work.
Financing and flexible payment options available. Contact Us
Gain confidence in navigating industry-used software, including Unreal Engine and Photoshop, and explore essential game workflows. In this program you'll learn to deconstruct games, tackle design problems, and create fully playable games.
Financing and flexible payment options available. Learn more
Uncover what makes a video game compelling and build foundations in designing game systems.
Using AAA case studies, learn to build immersive game levels and interfaces, combine different gameplay systems to create more engaging experiences, and discover what it takes to launch a successful game. The goal of this program is to take you from a game enthusiast to a trained professional, confident in using industry-standard software. No matter what you want to create, we'll give you the skills to create your own digital worlds.
The SMU x Flatiron School difference:
Career services is included with each capstone and bootcamp program. Designed by and for tech professionals, you'll experience a full technical interview process from start to finish, getting direct and personalized feedback each step of the way. Visit the career services page to learn more about the full process.
Prerequisites: No prior experience necessary. This bootcamp guides you from novice to confident game creator.
Industry-focused online course to equip you for success in game design
Game Design Essentials: Essentials of Game Design - 12 weeks
Before you can begin building a game, you need a basic understanding of game design theory. This course focuses on how to design compelling games, why certain designs work, and what steps are necessary to make a compelling game. You'll explore how different platforms influence game design and how these differences must be adapted across genres. Expect to play a LOT of games to learn how to analyze and deconstruct them. You'll also learn how to paper design and concept, getting the hang of writing a level design specification, and ensuring level functionality and other technical needs are met.
What you'll learn:
Portfolio projects: Game pitch document, game design document, UE gameplay prototype
Weekly breakdown:
Game Design Foundations I: Core Game Design Principles and Prototyping - 12 weeks
In this program, you’ll learn how to bring your ideas to life and find out what goes into making a fun and compelling game. Using the concepts, processes, and theories you learned in essentials, you’ll learn how to validate and express your ideas then apply your new skills and knowledge of level and game systems design to tackle more complex level design problems and areas by creating your own playable game prototype in Unreal Engine.
What you'll learn:
Portfolio project: UE beautiful corner prototype
Weekly breakdown:
Game Design Foundation II: Professional Game Design and Implementation - 12 weeks
In this program, learn how to design and create AAA quality combat and action games for PC and consoles. You'll take your game from idea to designing the game systems, designing levels, and implement in Unreal Engines so that others can play. You'll have all the assets and tools you need to build a game, even if you are not an artist or programmer.
What you'll learn:
Portfolio projects: Shooter project GDD, and UE shooter project prototype
Weekly breakdown:
Game Design Capstone - 12 weeks
This capstone is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your instructor’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 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from your career coach.
What you'll learn:
In addition to your capstone project, here's the weekly breakdown:
Flexible small group classes are the best way to learn from top industry instructors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Upfront
$15,000
Pay as You Go
$16,000
12 monthly payments of $1,334
Financed Tuition
$16,500
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Our programs are not currently set up to accept military benefits, such as the GI Bill, as a form of payment directly from the student at this time. However, if your military benefits can be arranged to pay the school directly, this may be an option in rare cases.
No, you do not need a college degree to enroll in our programs. A high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. Our programs are designed to be accessible to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds.
No, we do not accept FAFSA or traditional financial aid for our programs. However, we do offer loans for full-time students, as well as interest-free installment plans and upfront payment options for everyone else. Please contact us for more details about these flexible payment options.
The Guildhall at SMU offers a world-renowned Master's degree in Interactive Technology, specializing in game design, art, programming, or production. This intensive, full-time program spans 18 months, and classes take place at SMU's main campus at the Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research & Innovation. For more information about the Guildhall at SMU, visit guildhall.smu.edu.
Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from SMU and a completion certificate. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and certificates can be displayed on portfolio websites and social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thousands of our community members use their program certificates and badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers — including our hiring partners — along with their LinkedIn networks. Our curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.
Whether you want to build games, design products, prevent the next cyber attack, or create the next internet-breaking AI, we provide the training to bring your ideas to life.
Let's build your future together.
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