Game Programming Bootcamp

Game Programming Bootcamp

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In this bootcamp you'll learn to deconstruct games, become fluent in Unreal Engine, and create fully playable games.

$15,000.00 USD

$16,500.00 USD
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Financing and flexible payment options available. Learn more

Next Cohort Date

January 6, 2025
December 2, 2024

Program Features

Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

12 months

Commitment

20 hours weekly

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Delivery

Weekly instruction, feedback and support

Start Date

First Monday of each month

Led By

Experienced industry instructors

Features

Flexible schedules and small class sizes (5 max)

Value

Affordable high quality education

Learn game programming from the experts

Learn to program video games using Epic's Unreal Engine.

Unreal Engine has been used to create some of the world's most popular game titles for desktop, console, mobile, and VR/AR experiences. Using this powerful engine, you will explore C++, blueprints, UI development, input, collision, particle systems, animations, user experience, and more. Over 48 weeks, you will gain speed and confidence in industry-leading software, learn the latest game production techniques, and graduate with a playable game to show employers.

The SMU x Flatiron School difference: 

  • Learn from game experts with real-world experience
  • Small group classes, 100% online
  • Unreal Authorized Training Center and Academic Partner
  • Blizzard Entertainment training partner

Career services built-in

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 programmer.

Curriculum

Industry-focused online course to equip you for success in game programming

Game Programming Essentials: Essentials of C++ - 12 weeks

Your introduction to game programming begins 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.

What You’ll Learn:

  • 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

Weekly Breakdown:

  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

Game Programming Foundations I: Principles and Prototyping - 12 weeks

In this program, 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.

What you'll do:

  • Design advanced game systems, maps, and assets
  • Create a compelling game pitch
  • Use the Unreal Engine to design and build games
  • Whitebox a level in Unreal Engine

Weekly Breakdown:

  1. Core Systems
  2. Player Systems
  3. Level Design
  4. Implementing Gameplay
  5. Systems in Levels
  6. Whiteboxing
  7. Combat Systems
  8. Characters & Animations
  9. NPCs
  10. Advanced Level Gameplay
  11. Detailing Levels
  12. Polishing

Game Programming Foundation II: Professional Game Design and Implementation - 12 weeks

In this program, 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 program by developing your own fully playable game from scratch.

What you'll do:

  • How to fully explore the Unreal animation and cinematics systems
  • Understand how saving, loading, and serialization work
  • Flesh out your playable game

Weekly Breakdown:

  1. Third Program 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

Game Programming 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:

  • How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
  • Interview and negotiation strategies
  • Effective networking and self-promotion
  • Accessing the hidden job market

In addition to your capstone project, here's the weekly breakdown:

  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

Tuition

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

Course Mentors

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Game Programming Bootcamp FAQs

Learn more

Can I use my military benefits to apply to your programs?

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.

Do I need a college degree to enroll in your programs?

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.

Can I use FAFSA or financial aid to pay for your programs?

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.

Interested in a graduate program for game development?

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.

Will I earn a certificate or some other credential when I complete the bootcamp program?

Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from SMU and a certificate from Flatiron School. 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.

Ready to Make a Change?

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.

Apply Now