Game Programming

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Unleash your creativity in Game Programming

Game Programmers drive the game development process; creating the framework, functionality and interaction in the game. Regarded as the essential ingredient in the development process, game programmers are highly valued and continually in demand.

The course teaches students languages and technologies used in the games industry, including C++, C#, OpenGL, game engines as well as developing problem-solving skills. This program has been developed in response to industry needs and runs for two years, full-time.

Why study game programming with AIE?

Practical Skills

Develop the skills demanded by industry
making you immediately employable.

Courses are made by industry practitioners and developed to teach you industry relevant skills and prepare you for immediate employment.

Specialists

Learn from experienced industry professionals
who have insights and connections.

AIE teachers are award winning instructors with industry experience and a passion for educating the next generation of learners.

wacom-icon-purple-01

Equipment

AIE provides state of the art,
cutting-edge, game technology.

studio environment

You will use the latest, industry standard, hardware and software to create your own unique entertainment experience.

Multiple Award Winners

AIE delivers highly specialist education for games, visual effects and animation.

AIE was the first video game school in the world and developed the world’s first accredited game development qualification. AIE has been at the forefront of delivery through specialist education and achieving great graduate outcomes for over 27 years.

Not for Profit

AIE is the world's first non-profit
specialist games and visual effects educator. 

We support industry

We invest in our students, grow the industry and support graduate career opportunities.

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Graduate Placement

Follow in the footsteps of AIE graduates working
on the top games and films worldwide.

Get a Job!

Graduates can be found working in some of the worlds leading games studios, independent games studios and also creating their own digital content through the AIE incubator.

Other graduates are working in serious games/simulations for Defence and simulations for major mining companies.

Industry software you will learn

Your career in Game Programming starts through the hands-on Advanced Diploma or take your knowledge to the next level with the Bachelor Degree. Both programs have been closely developed with the game industry and leverage the latest game industry software including:

  • VIsual Studio Logo | AIE

    Visual Studio

    Programming in C++

  • Open GL Logo | AIE

    Open GL

    Low-level graphics programming

  • Unreal Engine Logo | AIE

    Unreal Engine

    Game development

  • Unity Engine Logo | AIE

    Unity Engine

    Game development

  • Perforce Logo | AIE

    Perforce

    Collaborative version control

  • GIT Logo | AIE

    GIT

    Collaborative version control

  • Open Source Libraries Logo | AIE

    Open-source Libraries

    Public code-bases commonly used throughout programming industries

Program Details

Stage One

The first year of the course is a foundation year, intended to provide students with advanced game programming skills. The course takes students through languages and technologies used heavily by the gaming industry, including C, C++, C#, OpenGL, game libraries and version controls as well as developing maths, problem solving, and practical programming proficiency.

Although the course takes a games approach, it is also suitable for anyone wanting to learn real-time application development skills which are highly sought after across all areas of programming and simulation.

Stage Two

In the second year the course covers specific algorithms and technologies used in game development and builds on the students core language skills. Students cover more advanced development techniques as well as learning how to develop using industry standard game engines.

By the end of the year students will have experience in 3D graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Physics & Collision, Console Hardware, Profiling, and Managing medium to large scale software projects. Students focus on developing their skills in all aspects of C++ programming before focusing on specialised areas, and developing across multiple platforms.

Stage One

  • Introduction to C++
  • Health and Safety in the Office
  • Maths for Games
  • Code Design and Data Structures
  • Artificial Intelligence for Games
  • Introduction to C#
  • Cross-platform Development
  • Production Planning
  • Production

Stage Two

  • Computer Graphics
  • Complex Game Systems
  • Physics for Games
  • Proof of Concept
  • Sustainability
  • Major Production
  • Online Professional Portfolio

Advanced Diploma students work in industry-simulated studio environments and complete one subject at a time, building upon knowledge as the learning pathway progresses.

The Associate Degree program runs over two an a half years or five semesters for 80 semester credits. This program is approved by the Council on Occupational Education and US Department of Education.

The Associate of Occupational Studies in 3D Animation and Visual FX adds an academic component with the goal of producing graduates exposed to basic academic principles in addition to the technological aspects of the Avanced Diploma program.

General Education Courses required: 15 semester credit hours

  • English Composition
  • College Algebra
  • Introduction to Physical Science
  • Introduction to Visual Arts
  • Introduction to Sociology

“The transfer of credits that a student earns at AIE Lafayette is at the complete discretion of the institution to which he/she may seek to transfer. For this reason, the student should make certain that his/her attendance at AIE will meet his/her educational goals. AIE Lafayette does not imply, promise or guarantee that any credits earned will transfer or be accepted by any other institution. It is the student’s responsibility to find out in advance of enrollment whether the receiving institution will recognize/accept any credits/courses earned at AIE”

Students complete practical game design tasks and projects based on industry standards and briefs. Accompanying projects students record their process through development journals and other documentation.

A range of game programming roles within game development including Gameplay Programmer, Network Engineer, Graphics-Shader Developer, 3D Game Engine Programmer, Tools Developer and many others.

Graduates would also use these skills in a range of similar roles within games-based simulation and training as well as general software development roles.

  • Gameplay programmer
  • Game engine programmer
  • Graphics engine programmer
  • Artificial intelligence programmer
  • Network programmer
  • User Interface programmer
  • Physics engine programmer
  • Tools Programmer
  • Mobile game programmer
  • Game Scripter
Program Name Associate of Occupational Studies in Game Programming
Program Name Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development-Game Programming
CIP Code 11.0804

Entry for this course is based on an interview to assess your suitability for the course and understand your current skills and interests through looking at your portfolio of related work.

For more information, please see our interview and portfolio page.

Hear from our graduates

casey

I will never forget the amazing time and valuable experience AIE have given me, they really helped me shine to be more than who I thought I was, I am now a Game Designer creating fun innovating games for the future generations

CEO
Dark Shadow Studios

Casey Thomas

AIE gave me the opportunities to learn industry relevant skills that made it possible for me to get a job in the industry. The teachers were fantastic and incredibly motivated.

LEAD MODELLER
Scanline VFX (Oscar winning VFX studio)

Damien Lam
Kellie Lautier | AIE Graduate Success

AIE was the best choice I made when deciding my career path, the course structure and the connections I made there is what put me in the position for most of the jobs I've gotten.The teachers go above and beyond for their students!

CHARACTER ARTIST
SMG studio (indie game studio & creators of death squared)

Kellie Lautier
Josh Van Zuylen Monochrome | AIE Graduate Success

What I enjoyed about AIE the most was being taught by people that actually have industry experience. My teachers at AIE really helped me figure out the necessary paths and helped me be the best that I could be when I graduated.

SENIOR ENVIRONMENT ARTIST
Cloud Imperium Games (Creators of Star Citizen)

Josh Van Zuylen

AIE provided me with the building blocks to take my art career to the next level. I learned about the industry, made connections, mentors and friends, asked questions, and viewed my work as an evolution rather than a destination.

OUTPUT DESIGNER
Funko Inc (creators of funko pops)

Beverly Crock
Ben Davis Monochrome | AIE Graduate Success

AIE gave me the specific tools to learn what I needed to know to get into the games industry. AIE taught me a valuable skillset which I have been able to apply to my career.

LEAD CHARACTER ARTIST
Splash Damage

Ben Davis
Vinessa Mayer | AIE Graduate

AIE has proved to be an invaluable catalyst for my career. The industry veteran teachers and staff went above and beyond. I would not be anywhere near where I am if it wasn't for my AIE family.

VISUAL EFFECTS ARTIST
Bungie

Vinessa Mayer
Tom Johnstone | AIE Graduate

Game development for many graduates is just a dream. The AIE provided me with the skills and knowledge to realise that dream. With such close ties to industry, AIE is a foot in the door to network directly with game companies to help land that elusive job.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
League of Geeks

Tom Johnstone

Meet the teachers

Meet the Teachers | Game Programming

Campus Life

Campus Life | AIE

Alumni Projects

Alumni Work | Game Programming