Looking to jumpstart your career in game design? Colorado is home to several top-notch programs. In this article, we’ll explore the best game design schools in Colorado and what each offers to help you turn your passion into a profession.
- The ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a distinctive game design program that emphasizes hands-on projects and inclusivity, providing students with practical experience and technical skills.
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) offers a flexible Game Art program with courses in 3D modeling, animation, and character design, taught by award-winning industry veterans, ensuring comprehensive education and mentorship.
- The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) blends computer science fundamentals with creative game design techniques, offering a diverse range of specializations in game design, virtual reality, and computer graphics, preparing students for real-world challenges in game development.
University of Colorado Boulder: ATLAS Institute
The ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive game design and development program that stands out for its innovative approach and hands-on learning opportunities. This program is crafted to foster creativity and technical prowess, ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the dynamic world of game development.
One of the unique aspects of the ATLAS Institute is its array of projects that allow students to gain practical experience. For instance, Tinycade is a platform that enables students to create DIY game controllers using household materials, blending creativity with technical skills. Another intriguing project, HOT SWAP, explores the concept of interchangeable physical inputs on a game controller, pushing the boundaries of conventional game interaction.
Moreover, the institute’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in projects like BrailleBlocks, a tactile gaming system designed to help visually impaired children learn Braille through interactive play. Additionally, students can engage in the fast-paced multiplayer game, Busy Work, which simulates office work scenarios. These educational games not only provide hands-on experience but also encourage students to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) offers a Game Art program that is a dream come true for aspiring game designers. This program emphasizes both on-campus and online learning formats, ensuring flexibility for all students. Whether you are passionate about character design, motion studies, or animated storytelling, RMCAD has you covered.
The curriculum is rich and diverse, including courses in:
- 3D modeling
- Visual storytelling
- Environment design
- Lighting
- Character rigging
- Texture mapping
- Animation
- Observational drawing
This comprehensive approach equips students with the skills necessary to excel in various roles within the development game design industry, such as game designer, game developer, 3D modeler, environment designer, texture artist, and world building animator.
Moreover, the faculty at RMCAD are industry veterans who have won prestigious awards, including Emmys and Addy Awards. This expertise ensures that students receive top-notch education and mentorship.
Graduates from RMCAD have gone on to pursue successful careers as concept artists, storyboard artists, and 3D modelers, making significant contributions to the game design industry.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers a Game Design and Development BI program that blends computer science fundamentals with creative game design techniques. This program, which started in Fall 2007, is part of the Department of Computer Science and provides a solid foundation in both technical and artistic aspects of game design.
Students in this program can explore various research areas, including:
- Game design
- Virtual reality
- Cyber-physical systems
- Computer graphics and rendering
This diverse range of specializations allows students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. The program’s coursework is designed to help students understand project requirements and design patterns, preparing them for real-world challenges in game development.
UCCS’s unique blend of computer science and creative design ensures that students acquire proficiency in both the technical and artistic aspects of game creation. This holistic approach fosters creativity, innovation, and enhances problem-solving skills in game design.
Aims Community College
Aims Community College offers a Graphic Design & Rich Media: Animation program that focuses on the technical side of game creation. This program covers both 2D and 3D animation techniques, providing students with a well-rounded education in game design and development.
The curriculum requires students to complete courses in programming and graphic design, ensuring they develop strong technical skills. Aims Community College’s integrated teaching approach of programming and design readies students to meet the complex challenges of the game development industry, heightening their versatility and employability.
Westwood College
Westwood College offers an Associate Degree in Graphic Design, which is available at its Virginia campus locations in Annandale and Arlington Ballston. This program provides students with hands-on experience in drawing, web design, and audio-video production, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in the multimedia industry.
The curriculum includes general education courses in communications, logic, and problem-solving, alongside technical coursework in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and Cinema 4D. This comprehensive training prepares graduates for exams for certifications like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop.
Westwood College’s fast-track option allows students to swiftly acquire the necessary skills for a successful career in the entertainment and multimedia industries, making it a prime choice for aspiring game designers.
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) offers a Game Design and Interactive Media program within its Multimedia Technology department. This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and provides comprehensive training in game development, animation, and interactive storytelling.
Students in this program gain practical experience through internships and work at an on-campus design agency, ensuring they are well-prepared for the industry. The curriculum includes access to state-of-the-art digital labs, which are essential for mastering the latest multimedia technologies.
FRCC’s program places a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a perfect fit for students aiming to excel in the game design industry.
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media Design with a concentration in Game Design. This program covers essential aspects of game mechanics and simulation, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of these areas.
The curriculum includes the use of advanced technology in game development, providing students with practical experience in the tools and techniques prevalent in the industry, including serious games. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the video game industry with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
Colorado Technical University’s focus on game mechanics and simulation furnishes students with the requisite skills to innovate and thrive in the competitive arena of game design.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a minor in Game Design and Development as part of its Computer Science department. This program integrates practical and theoretical knowledge, covering coursework in game theory, programming, and the application of artificial intelligence in games.
Students in this program gain skills in both technical programming and creative video game design, preparing them for careers in the video game industry. The minor program is designed to provide a well-rounded education, ensuring that students are equipped to tackle the challenges of game development.
Colorado State University’s balanced offering of practical and theoretical coursework lays a solid foundation for students, preparing them for successful careers in the dynamic field of game design.
Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College offers a Game Development Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the gaming industry. The program requires 16 to 19 credit hours to complete and includes courses in Introduction to Programming, Game Design & Development, and Computer Science I.
To earn the certificate, students must also complete courses in Game Programming I and Database Design & Development. This curriculum ensures that students develop strong technical skills in programming, which are essential for a career in game development.
Red Rocks Community College’s Game Development Certificate program, with its emphasis on technical skills and practical applications, serves as an excellent springboard for aspiring game developers.