1-Year Program : 1024 Hours

Game Development Program

Game Development

Game Design At DMI

What Is the Game Development Program at DMI?

The Game Development program at DMI is an innovative accelerated program to become a Unity Game engine developer. Students will work on projects that simulate working in the industry by creating and demonstrating functional games and apps in mobile, desktop, and browser environments.

How does it work?

The Game Development program is a 12-month intensive course where students work on projects both individually and in teams. Students create games and apps using a workflow that simulates a studio environment. Through their work in the program, students will build an impressive portfolio of work to showcase their skills to prospective employers.

When can I start?

There are two annual enrollment periods in August and January. Classes are held on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Central time). To learn more about enrolling into our program, taking a tour of our facility, and the interview process, please fill out the contact form below.

Industry-Standard Technology

All of our programs at DMI are taught using the state-of-the-art software and hardware of the current industry. Students will learn how to program, code, and create games on the same software systems they will use when they enter the industry. This builds real-world skills that will directly increase students’ ability to be hired. Students at DMI may choose to be issued a fee-based gaming spec laptop that can help them as they transition into their careers.

Game Development Faculty

The faculty at DMI is comprised of industry professionals who have years of experience in the fields of game development and advanced 3D content (depending on their expertise). DMI takes pride in its excellent and highly experienced staff, with whom students work closely with during their program and afterward, supporting their placement.

Student Testimonials

"From day one (in the program), you're jumping right into it, getting the work, getting your hands dirty like you would in a game dev studio."
Chris M., DMI Graduate, DXC Technologies - Digital Media Institute
Chris M.
DMI Graduate, DXC Technologies

Game Development FAQ

The best coding language for making video games is Unity, and the one taught at the Digital Media Institute is C# (C-sharp). It is a widely used programming language that is easy to adapt.

At the Digital Media Institute, our program prepares students to enter the game development industry in as little as a year. With our job placement assistance, we can help kickstart your path to becoming a game developer by helping you locate a job.

The Digital Media Institute’s intensive model prepares students to be task-driven, motivated, and showcase their proven valuable skills that employers are looking for. DMI graduates stand out – and employers have noticed.

  • Overview of modern programming languages including C#

  • Foundation in key computing architectures that will be used in the program

  • Code revision systems and how they are used by developers

  • Developing in C#

  • Key math principles for game development including vectors, normal and matrices

  • Game Development History

  • Term Project

  • Graphic design fundamentals including design, color and type

  • Creating and editing 2D images for games, such as bitmap and vector files

  • Fundamentals of sound creation, editing, and sound effects

  • Basic 2D animation

  • 3D modeling, building organic and inorganic 3D models and integrating them into a game engine

  • 3D animation for game assets

  • Motion capture for 3D game projects

  • Term Project

  • User interface design including topics in color, clarity and layout
  • Testing user interface and user experience and user feedback models
  • Overview of virtual reality, augmented reality and interfaces like the Oculus Rift
  • Game design theory. Students will explore what makes a game or interactive experience great from the player/user perspective
  • Designing and testing game play. Mockups and prototypes will be created; gathering and implementing bug feedback
  • Interactive web development which includes developing browser, server and social platform based projects
  • Term Project
  • Overview of mobile game development and platform specific topics including Apple OS, Android OS and other emerging technologies in the mobile space
  • Designing and building a mobile game /app focusing on delivering a working complete app store/marketplace releasable project
  • A mobile based game project where you are tasked to deliver a working and playable complete basic mobile-based game
  • A 2D gaming project in the web or mobile space focusing on enhanced game play and pushing the boundaries of the 2D game space
  • A 3D gaming project where you and your team will use a leading game engine to deliver your complete game project on schedule
  • An advanced several week development capstone project with input from an industry adviser
  • A workforce transition module completes the program

LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM

We'll set you up with the skills needed to stand out

Careers in ISD

Game Programmer

Game Programmers design and write the computer code that runs and controls a game typically via an engine.

Level Editor

Level Editors define and create interactive architecture for a segment of a game, including the landscape, buildings and objects.

Technical Artists

Technical Artists act as a bridge between the Artists and Programmers working on a game.

Game Designer

Game Designers devise what a game consists of and how it plays, defining all the core elements. 

VR/AR Developer

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are high growth areas that employ interactive developers, creating cutting edge training, industrial and game-based content.

QA Tester

QA Testers test, tune and debug a game and suggest refinements that ensure its quality and playability, assuring quality in a game and finding all its flaws before it goes public. QA can be a great way to get your career going in the  field.