In TFA’s Game + Interactive Media program, you’ll learn how the game development industry is expanding beyond entertainment into virtually every aspect of modern day life. You’ll learn the very latest trends and technologies used in today’s top game studios. But perhaps most importantly, you’ll walk away with the hands-on, experiential knowledge that will prepare you for a real-world career in game development.

About the Program: Quick Facts

• Degree type: Associate of Applied Science (two-year); Concentration in Game Development
• Enrollment terms: September, January, June
• Full/part time: Full time only
• Average Class Size: 15 to 30
• Available Focused studies:  Game Art, Game Programming, Game Production, and Game Design

How we’re Different from Other Video Game Development Schools

To start a career in the challenging and competitive field of game development, a passion for gaming is just the beginning. Successful game developers also have in-depth knowledge of the game development industry, as well as a proven ability to collaborate, solve problems, and exhibit professionalism at all times.

That’s why TFA’s Game + Interactive Media program is designed to reflect a real-world game studio environment. A  game development school unlike any other, we break down the walls between the classroom and the professional world in order to teach our students exactly what it takes to bring a game from concept to consumer.

Unlike other video game development schools, TFA exposes students to the full breadth of the game development pipeline, teaching every student the basics of each production role in the first year. Then, based on each individual student’s strengths and interests, we let students choose a specialty (what we call a “focused study”) for their second year.

About our Faculty

Of course, any academic program is only as good as the instructors who deliver it. Our distinguished faculty of industry professionals place TFA firmly among the best game development schools in the nation. Our full-time faculty possess an average of 10 years in active development with companies of all sizes, including large studios like EA, Bioware and Midway and boutique studios like NuFx and Robomodo.  Read more about TFA’s game development faculty.

What’s a focused study?

When starting a career in game development, it’s important to know all that goes into developing a game. Still, role specialization has become a key component of the modern game development process. Our focused study program makes sure you will be ready to fit into a specialized role as a working, productive member of a game development studio.

Like a “major” at a traditional school, a focused study in TFA’s Game + Interactive Media Department gives you an in-depth look at one specialized area in your discipline. At TFA, you can choose to focus in Game Art, Game Programming, Game Production, or Game Design.

In each of these focused study tracks, you will learn from professionals who have worked and excelled in that role. Focused study classes consist of both area-specific study and projects that will develop your abilities as a professional game developer. Our focused studies ensure that, upon graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to enter the process of interviewing, getting a job, and getting active in game development.