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Currently i am scouting Colleges that would provide me the neccessary education in game design. I am wondering if anyone could give me a few college names located in California that would prepare me if game design.

To be more specific, i also ask as to what field does game design fall under (computer science, interactive media, etc..?)

I am currently enrolled in City College of San Francisco and wonder if anyone could advise me to any classes i could take to prepare for game design.

And one last question, exactly what sub-field of game design does programming fall under (meaning using C++, Java, AI design, etc...?)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by gwarguy

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Game design is an interdisciplinary field: look for programs that combine computer science, art/animation, interactive media, and real team production. In California, investigate university programs that explicitly support studio courses and internships (for example, strong options at large research schools and art-focused colleges). Prioritize curriculum that requires team projects and a final portfolio or playable demo.

Which degree to choose depends on the role you want. For a programming career, a CS degree (with graphics, AI, and systems electives) gives the strongest foundation. For pure design (levels, systems, UX, narrative), look for Interactive Media, Game Design, or Digital Arts degrees with prototyping and playtesting. For art, choose BFA or animation/computer-graphics tracks that include real-time asset pipelines and collaboration.

If you are at City College of San Francisco, focus on transferable fundamentals and build a portfolio now. Useful course targets:

  • Intro to programming and data structures
  • Discrete math and linear algebra
  • Calculus and basic physics (mechanics)
  • 2D/3D art, modeling, animation, and digital audio
  • Any interactive media, HCI, or web/multimedia classes

Use spare time to make small, complete games (one- to two-week prototypes), join game jams, contribute to mods, and publish playable builds or source on a portfolio/GitHub. Those concrete projects matter more to employers than a diploma alone.

Programming in games is its own discipline (game programming) and breaks into sub-areas: gameplay, engine/tools, AI, graphics/physics, and networking/platforms. Pick electives that match the sub-area you want (algorithms/AI for AI work; computer graphics and linear algebra for rendering; systems/software engineering for engine and tools). As pointed out, platform/performance choices matter, and as noted, specialized schools exist — but hands-on team experience and a playable portfolio are the fastest route into the industry.

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Member Avatar for majestic0110

In regards to what language games are written in, it varies. Mostly I beleive they are written in C or C++ as these languages provide fast, direct access to memory (unlike C# or Java which interact with a virtual machine). Most mobile phone games are written in java however. I cannot really help you with your class enrolment questions I am afraid as I am a brit (lol) and do not know anything about classes in california (google is your pal). Hope this helps!

Member Avatar for gwarguy

I dont know about california, but if your up to travel I heard that GuildHall is one of the best gaming colleges around. Its a part of SMU in texas (i think) and i think it requires you to already have an associates or bachelors degree in IT or Comp Sci before enrolling.

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