Woman sitting at a computer in a dimly lit room

Program Explorer

New

Game Development – Programming

This program has an application deadline of April 30

System Maintenance: November 1-8

The College’s Future Student Account website will be unavailable from 4pm on Friday, November 1, until approximately 8:30am on Friday, November 8.

Learn more ›

Upgrade from player to programmer and build the skills you need to develop innovative interactive experiences.

Prepare for a successful career in video game development and learn to implement game mechanics, optimize production and manage the development process as part of an independent business.

Game Development – Programming provides you with the applied mathematics and coding skills needed to help create and support interactive gaming experiences. If you’d like to focus on the visual design aspect of games, check out Game Development – Art.

Programmers are a vital part of the game design process, laying the groundwork and implementing game mechanics while ensuring everything runs efficiently and error-free. Through the Game Development – Programming advanced diploma, you’ll build crucial object-based programming skills, explore modern innovations in game development and learn to use an industry-standard game engine to create 2D and 3D prototypes. You’ll also build collaboration and business skills and learn to manage, develop and market an independent game development business.

Applied learning and practical work experience are vital to your success in this program. To help build your confidence and professional skillset, you’ll study in a collaborative, team-based environment, learn to solve real challenges and produce work that meets and exceeds industry standards. Throughout the program, you’ll work with students from Game Development – Art to create games, gain crucial collaboration experience and build a relevant portfolio to showcase your talents.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Advanced Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Exchange District Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $21,200 – $23,400
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Competitive admission
  • Application Deadline
    April 30
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll develop crucial coding, mathematics, narrative design and business management skills. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with classmates and artists to plan and develop a new video game prototype each term.

TERM 1

Explore object-oriented programming and build fundamental skills in an industry-standard game engine.

TERM 2

Build on your game development skills while collaborating with other programmers and technical artists.

TERM 3

Apply your knowledge through a co-op work placement or industry project and learn to solve real production challenges as you complete group projects.

TERM 4

Collaborate on increasingly complex prototypes while you refine your game development knowledge.

TERM 5

Complete a major research project and finish assembling your professional portfolio.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Generalist programmer
  • Gameplay programmer
  • UI programmer
  • AI programmer
  • Game tools programmer
  • C++ developer
  • Programmer – quality assurance
  • Tool support specialist
  • Back-end developer
  • Physics programmer
  • Audio programmer
  • Automation programmer
  • Graphics programmer
Guy sitting at a computer with a dual monitor set up

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Man sitting at computer in a dimly lit room
Work with students from both the Programming and Art streams of the program to turn ideas into fully playable game prototypes.
Woman in a classroom wearing a VR headset
Transform the way we play and explore cutting-edge technology as you learn to develop immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Overhead shot of six students sitting at a table and working on their laptops
Collaborate with classmates and combine diverse talents to create engaging experiences and build crucial communication and project management skills.
Silhouette of person with large headphones on looking at computer screen
Turn our state-of-the-art game development labs into your professional playground as you explore the Exchange District Campus.
Man sitting at a computer and creating a 3D model of some terrain and water
Explore your design potential and make your dreams a playable reality using the same state-of-the-art tools as industry experts.

Graduate Success

As a Game Development – Programming graduate, you’ll develop practical skills, technical expertise and work experience using the same state-of-the-art equipment as major studios and industry experts. With this career-focused education, you’ll have everything you need to create engaging, high-quality experiences and adapt to industry innovation.

Woman coding on a desktop computer

Become an asset on any team

To complete major projects, you’ll partner with Game Development – Art students to design, build and test fully functioning games. This studio-based experience will teach you to work with technical artists and designers and build crucial collaboration skills, setting you apart from the competition.

Develop your professional portfolio

At RRC Polytech, we understand the power of applied learning. Through Game Development – Programming, you’ll explore industry-standard techniques and best practices by building fully functioning games, creating a professional portfolio that showcases your programming, problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Group of students working on laptops in a classroom
Person wearing headphones playing a game on a large computer screen

Join a constantly evolving industry

The gaming industry is constantly growing as game development technology changes and evolves. Learn to create innovative games and ground-breaking experiences and prepare to make your mark with a variety of exciting career opportunities.

Photo of Louie Ghiz

“The unique way the learning is structured will give students the opportunity to learn about this in-demand field in a way that aligns with how real-world studios actually work.”

Louie Ghiz – Executive Director
New Media Manitoba

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Game Development – Programming student, you are passionate about video games and interactive experiences. You want to learn more about the video game industry, discover how your favourite games were made and turn that passion into a lifelong career. You’re also an analytical thinker who loves solving technical problems and exploring new technology.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Detail-oriented
  • Logical thinker
  • Patient
  • Team-oriented
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Lifelong learning
  • Problem solving
  • Research
  • Self-motivation
  • Troubleshooting

INTERESTS

  • Gaming
  • DIY / maker culture
  • Coding
  • E-sports
  • Computer hardware
  • Science fiction
  • Board games
  • Role-playing games
  • Technology
  • Game design

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›