Level up your future with Game Programming
Bring your games to life with our Game Development program with a specialization in Game Programming. This program equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in creating dynamic and engaging gaming experiences, including:
Professional Conduct and Standards: Learn to uphold workplace expectations, ethical practices and industry standards, ensuring your work meets the highest professional standards.
Design Principles Application: Apply design principles effectively to achieve animation or game product objectives, ensuring your creations are both visually appealing and functional.
Product Development Processes: Gain expertise in using industry-standard product development processes to create high-quality animation and game deliverables, from concept to final product.
Modular Code Development: Create and modify modular code assets to enhance game functionality and maintainability, optimizing your programming workflow.
Behavioral Systems Development: Develop systems that control specific behaviors within games, enhancing interactivity and player engagement.
Game Programming Workflow: Learn to develop and optimize a game programming workflow, ensuring smooth development processes and efficient project management.
Career Outcomes
Job Opportunities
- AI game programmer
- Games programmer
- Games tester
- Network programmer
- Virtual reality (VR) programmer
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
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Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Further education at NAIT
Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Build your resume before you even graduate
Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.
View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
| Duration |
15 weeks |
| Compensation |
Yes |
| International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
- Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
- Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
- Apply for positions on Career Connect
- Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
- Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
- Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
- Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
- Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Courses
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.
Term 1
COMM1103Game Communication and Documentation Strategies
This course focuses on the development of essential communication skills vital to the games and animation industries. Students will learn to craft written documents that clearly convey information, ideas, and narrative elements. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of project documentation and collaborative strategies for effective teamwork. Additionally, students will master adaptable communication techniques for diverse audiences as well as the skillful use of verbal and visual presentations.
GDEV1001Game Design Fundamentals
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic building blocks of games. This introduction will start with exploring different genres and player motivations. Students will learn the importance of game rules, mechanics, and gameplay loops by analyzing board games and creating their own board game proposal.
SDEV1000Logic and Problem-Solving
Logic and problem-solving are crucial competencies for software developers as they underpin the creation of efficient and functional code. This course will teach students logical steps and reasoning in problem-solving, critical thinking, flowcharting, and mathematical concepts and ideas which enable students to create robust and scalable software applications.
SDEV1001Programming Fundamentals
Students will learn the fundamentals of programming, creative problem-solving, and logical thinking through hands-on exercises. From data structures and object-oriented programming to using the open-source ecosystem and package managers, students will unlock the power of programming.
SDEV1150Front End Development Fundamentals
Almost all modern web applications rely on JavaScript for building great User Interfaces (UI) and User Experiences (UX). Students will learn the fundamentals of JavaScript, how to handle client-side events, how to handle dynamic content, and how to interact with backend applications. Additional topics taught will include how to use JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), the Document Object Model (DOM), Modules, and package managers.
Term 2
GDEV1015Visual Assets for Games
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of creating and implementing visual assets into a game level. They will implement first-person and third-person player, and non-player character (NPC) types into a game level. Students will work with Avatars and state machine configurations for various animations. They will learn how to create Shaders, Materials, Textures, and Lighting for various game engine platforms.
GDEV1501Behavioural Studies within the Game and Animation Industry
This course explores the core principles of building resilience and achieving success within the game and animation industry. Students will analyze strategies for personal growth, while developing the skills necessary for ethical decision-making and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment. The course will explore the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusivity within gaming culture, empowering the student to evaluate ethical dilemmas and propose solutions that prioritize both player experiences and industry accountability.
GMPR2512Game Development Tools and Scripting
Most video games are created in a game engine that is controlled by a scripting language. An object-oriented scripting language and a game engine will be used to develop an introductory understanding of game scripting in the 2D game space. Students will learn to write scripts and customize objects to create simple games.
GMPR2514Game Programming Fundamentals
Object-oriented programming is an essential video game development skill. An object-oriented programming language and a game framework will be used to develop an understanding of game programming in the 2D game space. The students will custom-build their own 2D games, with an emphasis on object-oriented design principles.
GMPR2521Math and Physics for Games
Students will learn basic math and physics and how they pertain to 2D and 3D game environments. Areas of study include geometry, trigonometry, vectors, Newton’s Laws and matrices.
Term 3
GDEV2016Project Design Documents
In this course, students will examine various animation and game genres and develop and pitch new concepts. They will create design documents that include the entire production pipeline from concepting, creation, budgeting, and publishing.
GDEV2222Game Technologies
In this course, students will learn about various technologies that relate to game engines. They will learn about hardware components and innovative implementations of them. They will examine the design fundamentals of virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and emerging new technologies and media.
GMPR2010Artificial Intelligence for Games
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in many games to give the appearance of a living environment, present challenge to the player, and adjust game play. Students will explore various methods for implementing AI for use in pathfinding, character response, and rule enforcement.
GMPR2513Modular Code Assets
A 3D game engine will be used to develop modular code assets that can be incorporated into various projects. Students will create and modify assets for use in character control, level design, GUI, and non-player characters.
SDEV1201Database Fundamentals
Databases and data are at the core of all businesses. This course will comprehensively cover how to design, build, and manage relational database systems. Students will learn how to create, update, and delete data. They will also learn how to select data using methods such as sorting, grouping, and filtering. Advanced topics will cover procedures, constraints, triggers, and transactions in databases.
Term 4
GDEV1002Audio for Animation and Games
Audio for Animation and Games will teach students how to implement and optimize audio elements to enhance storytelling narratives, evoke emotions, and provide crucial auditory feedback to players. Students will learn concepts and techniques for dialog, interactive and adaptive systems, music systems, spatial audio, and sound effects.
GDEV2500Product Analysis
In this course, students will analyze and assess prototyped projects based on their original design document and whether the product meets the product goals. Students will consider the audience motivation, the user interface, and user experience to determine the overall quality and effectiveness of the product.
GDEV3210Portfolio Development
In this course, students will compile Game Development knowledge and skills into a presentable format such as renderings or videos, or playable prototypes. These formats will demonstrate their skills and achievements within the program.
GDEV3560Game Development Capstone
Student teams will develop a project from concept, to creation, to prototype for an industry client. To further simulate the business environment, the teams will utilize industry best practices, documenting their work and presenting their projects.
GMPR2017Game Systems
Game systems are important for managing visual assets, AI character behavior, dynamic audio, inventory, and dialog. Students will learn to create systems that will handle management of specific game aspects and any communication needed between systems.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $625
Level 1 Term 2: $625
Level 2 Term 1: $625
Level 2 Term 2: $625
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Aug 01, 2024
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
