Do you love video games and dream of one day coding your own? If you’re a high school student in Ontario who wants to make a career out of creating and programming games, you have lots of great options. This guide will walk you through what you should study, which programs are available in Ontario, and how to start building your future in the gaming industry.
👩💻 Step 1: Understand What Video Game Programming Really Is
Game programming is more than just “playing games all day.” Programmers are the ones who write the code that makes games run. They turn game ideas into reality by building:
- Game mechanics (how characters move, jump, attack)
- Graphics systems (lighting, animations, shaders)
- Physics simulations (gravity, collisions, realistic motion)
- AI for enemies and NPCs (pathfinding, decision-making)
- Multiplayer systems (networking, servers)
That means you’ll need to be comfortable with math, problem-solving, and logical thinking—but it can be incredibly rewarding to see players enjoy something you built.
🎓 Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Education
After high school, there are a few main paths to becoming a game programmer:
1. Computer Science (CS) Degree
- The most common route for game programmers.
- Covers programming fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering.
- Often allows you to take electives in computer graphics, AI, or game design.
- Gives you the flexibility to work outside the gaming industry if you ever change careers.
2. Game Programming or Game Development Diploma/Degree
- These programs are designed specifically for aspiring game creators.
- Teach you C++ or C#, game engine tools (like Unity and Unreal), graphics programming, and team-based development.
- Often include capstone projects where you build real games with classmates.
3. Software Engineering Degree
- Similar to Computer Science, but focuses more on building large, complex software systems.
- Great for learning teamwork and project management—skills game studios love.
4. Interactive Media or Digital Arts + Programming
- A good choice if you want to mix creativity with coding.
- Covers game mechanics, level design, and scripting—perfect for indie developers who want to make small games solo or in small teams.
🏫 Step 3: Explore Ontario’s Top Programs
Here are the best colleges and universities in Ontario where you can learn game programming:
🎓 Colleges (Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Post-Grad Certificates)
- George Brown College – Game Programming (T163)
- A 3-year advanced diploma taught at the Waterfront Campus.
- Covers C, C++, AI, 3D graphics, and game engine tools.
- Includes group projects and is PGWP-eligible if you’re an international student.
- Also offered fully online (T193).
- Sheridan College – Game Development – Advanced Programming
- A 1-year post-grad certificate focused on gameplay programming, graphics, AI, multiplayer, and tools.
- Great for building a strong portfolio project in a short amount of time.
- Toronto Film School – Video Game Design & Development
- An 18-month diploma program.
- You’ll work in a simulated studio environment and build a portfolio while learning scripting, game logic, and asset creation.
- Canadore College – Game Design and Development
- A 3-year program combining programming, AI, networking, and art skills.
- Fanshawe College
- Game Development – Advanced Programming (Graduate Certificate): ~30 weeks focused on custom game engines, graphics, and AI.
- Game – Design (Advanced Diploma): 3 years focusing on level design, animation, and concept art (for students interested in the art side).
- Georgian College – Game Development
- Launching Fall 2026: a 3-year advanced diploma that will include 2D/3D assets, lighting, AI, multiplayer networking, and game mechanics.
🎓 Universities (Bachelor Degrees)
- Brock University + Niagara College – GAME Program
- Unique dual credential: earn a BA (Game Design) or BSc (Game Programming) from Brock plus an Advanced Diploma from Niagara College.
- Combines theory, hands-on development, and collaboration with art and design students.
- Ontario Tech University – BSc in Game Development & Interactive Media
- A 4-year university degree focused entirely on game development.
- Offers labs with motion capture, sound production, and 3D tools.
- Teaches teamwork and even startup skills if you want to launch your own game company one day.
- Wilfrid Laurier University – BA in Game Design & Development
- A creative program that covers video games, board games, and escape room design.
- Focuses on storytelling, writing, and visual design, with prototyping experience.
📚 Step 4: Build the Right Skills Early
Even while you’re still in high school, you can start preparing:
- Learn programming languages: C++, C#, and Python are great starting points.
- Experiment with game engines: Unity and Unreal Engine both have free versions.
- Practice math: Focus on algebra, linear algebra, and physics—they are key for graphics and mechanics.
- Work on personal projects: Build small games and post them on GitHub or itch.io.
- Team up with friends: Game jams are a fun way to collaborate and create playable projects in just a weekend.
🗂 Step 5: Build a Portfolio
When applying for internships or jobs, game studios want to see what you can make. A great portfolio might include:
- Playable demos or mini-games.
- Videos of your projects running.
- Well-documented source code on GitHub.
- Team projects that show you can collaborate.
🏁 Overall
Ontario offers amazing opportunities for anyone who wants to code games, from diplomas that focus heavily on hands-on development to full university degrees in game programming. The path you choose will depend on:
- How soon you want to graduate and start working.
- Whether you want a degree or a diploma.
- If you want to focus more on coding or mix in design and creativity.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to start building projects early and develop a strong portfolio. This is what will impress game studios and help you land your first job in the exciting world of game development.
