Education · 1 of 4

The path

Learn to program properly, then learn games. Studios hire programmers first and gamers second.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Math and physics matter more here than in most software jobs: games are physics and geometry running 60 times a second. Make small games in Unity or Godot now.

2. 2

   Computer science degree or game program

   1 to 4 years

   A 4-year computer science degree is the most common route for programmers. Game-specific programs exist too: Sheridan's 4-year Honours Bachelor of Game Design, or a 1-year Vancouver Film School diploma.

3. 3

   Build a portfolio

   During school

   Finished, playable games, even tiny ones. Game jams (48-hour build events) are the standard way to get them.

4. 4

   Internship or co-op

   During school

   Ubisoft, EA (Electronic Arts), Behaviour, Eidos and many mid-size studios take co-op students.

5. 5

   First studio job

   After graduation

   Junior gameplay programmer, tools programmer or QA (quality assurance) tester who moves into code.