Advanced Game Development
For you, video games aren't just a hobby. Gaming is life. Turn your passion into your profession through our Advanced Game Development program. At KPU, you'll receive hands-on training with the tools of the trade to find your dream job in the entertainment arts industry.
We've developed an intensive curriculum, in partnership with the Centre for Entertainment Arts, with 96 credits delivered over six consecutive terms. This compressed delivery ensures a more comprehensive education, while allowing you to complete the diploma and be ready for the job market in the quickest time possible.
Student Success
Naomi Freire
Naomi Freire, an Advanced Game Development student from Brazil, shared insights during a recent conversation about her final sixth semester at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Entertainment Arts program.
She walks us through her video game project, outlining the comprehensive development process, including the use of Blender for 3D modeling and Substance Painter for texturing. Naomi also touched on her experience with Unity and Unreal Engine.
Naomi emphasizes the importance of balancing creative development and technical skills, drawing from her attendance at a studio presentation by Felix Bernard, the lead concept artist at Relic Entertainment Studio.
Why Study Game Development @ KPU?
Easy. We've got the talent and know-how to teach you what it takes to be successful in this fast-paced creative arts industry. Through our industry-experienced instructors you'll learn the core aspects of game development and get hands-on experience with leading-edge industry software, processes, workflows and theory.
You'll learn in a simulated studio environment, working under time and creative constraints to make your very own games, applying the design, art and technical knowledge you’ve learned.
Plus, we'll help you create and develop a professional portfolio of your projects and games you've developed. So, you'll not only have the skills and experience but a killer collection of work to prove it. We know the industry and have the connections to help you find opportunities in studios, as soon as your skills and professional development allow.
Who Studies Game Development?
The advanced curriculum of this diploma program attracts a range of students, including industry professionals and mature students who have a proven background in a creative or technical field. The program is intended to empower you with the creative and technical skills needed to enter the demanding games industry.
Our goal is for you to graduate as a production-ready designer, artist, programmer or project manager well-versed in theory, software, tools, processes and workflows, as well as many soft skills. In fact, you could find work before you graduate.
International graduates are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
Program Overview
We've designed the Diploma in Advanced Game Development with a comprehensive curriculum to prepare you to enter the gaming industry confident and job-ready. Leveraging KPU's hands-on approach to learning, this two-year, full-time program delivers you the core practical and creative skills employers look for, including art, design, programming and production.
Art courses give you the skills to produce your own art assets for your games. You'll learn environment and character modelling, texturing, animation, technical art and procedural art, while also learning foundational artistic theory that can be applied to any creative medium.
Design courses cover in-depth design theory, while giving you hands-on, practical experience with leading-edge industry game engines and design tools, such as Unreal, Unity and the Adobe Creative Suite. You'll also learn crucial soft skills, such as critical analysis, creative problem solving, communication and collaboration.
Programming courses teach you how to build games from the ground up, turning your creative vision into reality. You'll learn the latest industry techniques in game programing, networking, AI, rendering and more, while gaining the practical production skills necessary for your career in game development.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Diploma in Advanced Game Development have the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in the game industry in one of the many game developer roles, such as designer, artist, programmer and project manager.
Students that apply themselves and maintain a high academic standing are more than capable of compiling a professional portfolio/demo reel and applying for work prior to graduation.
Portfolio Requirements
Once you have completed your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your portfolio. Your portfolio is your chance to show us your creative skills and interests. Please visit, Entertainment Arts Portfolio Requirements for more information, including suggestions on what to put in your portfolio.