Game Programming Essentials
Get your start in game programming in our online beginner's course
Learn Core Programming Concepts for Game Development from Industry pros
This course equips aspiring game developers with a solid foundation in game programming and the skills to build a game from scratch. Through hands-on training and mentorship from experienced game devs, students gain the technical expertise and industry insights needed to prepare for entry-level roles in game development.
Why study game programming with us:
- Learn from Experts: Mentors with real-world experience guide you every step.
- Build Games, Not Just Code: Gain practical experience creating playable projects.
- Future-Focused Training: Develop skills tailored to today’s game industry.
- Flexible Study Options: Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
Take the first step toward becoming a game programmer by gaining the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry—your path to building games and advancing your career starts here!
Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.
Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.
Everything You Need To Know
20hrs/week
3 months
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
Beginner
No entry requirements
Your pathway to into the games industry
This short course is equivalent to term one of the Foundations course. On completion of the Essentials course, if you decide to progress further with your studies, you'll enroll straight into term two of the corresponding Foundations course which means you'll already be one-third of the way through your studies! Continue your learning journey towards an exciting career in the industry by enrolling into the Foundations Career Track.
Want to take your education higher?
Did you know that the subjects you complete in the career track courses can be used to apply for credit toward our accredited degrees and diplomas in the same discipline?
The skills and knowledge you build in any industry-certificate course can be transferred into academic credits through our Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer process. So, if you decide to take your studies to the next level, know that your prior learning will be recognized.
Compare your options and find out which course is right for you.
Foundations 1: Essentials of C++
Your introduction to game programming starts with learning the fundamentals focusing on the C++ programming language. We will introduce basic C++ syntax as well as advanced techniques, and by the end of the term, you will have enough knowledge to create your first C++ game.
*This short course is equivalent to the first term of the Game Programming Foundations course. If you continue your learning journey, you'll be eligible to join the Foundations course from Term 2 onwards.
-
How to apply important game programming concepts used in development
-
Master the basic syntax of the C++ programming language
-
Create a simple C++ game from scratch using your acquired knowledge
- Game Programming Concepts
- Variables and Operators
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Functions
- Classes and Objects
- Pointers, References & Dynamic Memory
- Arrays
- Inheritance & Polymorphism
- Templates
- Game Loop
- Putting It All Together
Download the Course Guide
Your creative journey begins here! Download our comprehensive course guide and discover the exciting educational opportunities that await you.Group Class
$1,222 USD/mo4 students max class size
Students are assigned mentor
Group interaction & collaboration
Private 1:1
$1,711 USD/moPrivate dedicated mentor
Students choose their mentor
More dedicated time per week
Don't Put Your Future On Hold
Financing shouldn't stand in the way of pursuing your dream career. No matter where you are in your creative learning journey, our financing options have been designed with you in mind.Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors
To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All game programming classes are taught by professional game devs with years of experience.
Firas Hosn
While at Ubisoft, AAA programmer Firas released almost a game a year including Far Cry 3, 4, 5, Assassin's Creed 3, Your Shape, Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Watchdogs 2 and 3.
Known for Assassin's Creed 3
Daniel Punch
Daniel has experience in game development as well as other applications. He contributed to Marvel Super Hero Squad and was a member of the Need for Speed: No Limits team.
Known for Marvel Super Hero Squad
Sushama Chakraverty
Known for Watch Dogs: Legion
Rez Graham
Known for The Sims 4
Max Maroe
Max is a lifelong gamer and game developer and has devoted his life to the universes inside our computers. He's currently pursuing the development of a multitude of VR and XR games and systems.
Known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Will Masek
Will has taught games programming as a University lecturer before working on the Horizon franchise. Since then he started his own company and works with other studios on a number of exciting projects.
Known for Sniper Elite III: Afrika
Rob Brooks
Rob has developed games and experiences for a number of platforms from mobile and desktop to virtual reality. He specializes in creating gameplay mechanics and quick-fire game prototypes for a number ...
Known for Dev Enabled
Ming Zhang
With over 6 years of experience in the game industry, Ming has worked for Ubisoft, Activision, and Gameloft. He has also applied his programming skills in a wide range of areas.
Known for Tom Clancy's EndWar
Bryan Griffiths
After 20 years in the industry, AAA game expert Bryan has worked on titles like Too Human, X-Men: Destiny, Rollers of the Realm, Debris, and now Far Cry 6.
Known for Far Cry 6
Filip Krstevski
Filip has been teaching for 10+ years, with a current focus on Game Programming in Unreal Engine. Armed with a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Filip has worked at both AAA and indie studios since 2007.
Known for Infinity Blade series
Get The Education Your Deserve
"A cornerstone for your career.
I can honestly say that even by having experience in the field, I've gained a mind-blowing volume of understanding, even when considering the most basic of aspects behind Game Design and Development! Concepts I thought I knew now look so different in a new light. Lessons are challenging, and assignments and classes engaging. A must for any professional looking to up their game a notch or 73."
Fritz M | Game Development
"CG Spectrum's training got me hired in the industry.
CG Spectrum helped me build the skills and connections that directly resulted in getting hired as a Gameplay Programmer at New World Interactive."
Jeff G | Game Development
"CG Spectrum has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality of learning, support, and continued guidance from mentors and peers.
Also, the community at CG Spectrum is amazing! People are passionate about what they study and do. It's a great study and work environment."
Alexios V | Game Development
"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.
If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."
Shaul H | Game Development
"I chose CG Spectrum because I wanted to take my learning to the next level & ensure I was working on the most efficient way to get into the industry.
Chris Swain was the guiding force that kept me headed in the right direction with his sage advice. He was also a calming presence that kept me relaxed during what was often an overwhelming experience.
Thank you Chris for being a friend, a motivator, and a teammate during my time at CG Spectrum and beyond."
Luke Williford | Game Development
"CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.
The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. "
Loris C | Game Development
"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.
My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."
Kieran L | Game Art & Animation
"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.
Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.
Benjamin O | Game Art & Animation
"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!
I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"
Kasia P | Game Art & Animation
"Having someone that is part of the industry personalizing your training, and providing honest feedback backed up by years of experience is something very valuable you won't get in other Game Programming Courses.
My mentor assisted me in realizing a game prototype I had in mind for quite a long time, and that was amazing. I highly recommend anyone interested in the course to spend that extra money and go for the 1-to-1 formula, because that's where you'll see the biggest difference with other online resources."
Luca Piedrelli | Game Development
Start Your Journey Towards Your Dream Career
Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career. Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.
Download Your Course Guide
Game Programming Essentials course FAQs
Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the game dev careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.
Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.
Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.
English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.
Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).
Software:
Visual Studio and Unreal Engine will be used in this course and can be downloaded for free.
Hardware:
Students will need a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Visual Studio 2022 and Unreal Engine.
This short course will get you started on your creative journey, but in a competitive industry, we advise continuing your studies with the full career track.
The game programming career track includes the Game Programming Foundations and Game Programmer Specialization (available early 2025). It is designed to better prepare you for a job in the industry and help increase your employment opportunities.
The career track ensures you build strong foundational skills before moving on to more complex techniques and workflows. You will also dedicate time to career development and preparing a polished portfolio while you gain invaluable industry insights.
Some of the junior programming jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:
Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:
Looking For Something Else?
Check out our full range of courses with study options for all skill levels, from short introductory courses, specialized industry tracks and accredited degrees and diplomas