Searching for the top game design schools in Florida? This comprehensive guide introduces you to the best programs, such as those at the University of Central Florida and Ringling College of Art and Design. Learn about specialized degrees, hands-on projects, and industry connections that can launch your career in game design.
- Florida is becoming a major hub for the game design industry, with significant growth in job opportunities and educational programs that equip students with essential skills for prosperous careers.
- Top institutions like the University of Central Florida, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, and Ringling College of Art and Design offer comprehensive, hands-on programs with strong industry connections and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Alumni from these Florida schools have secured positions in leading companies like Blizzard Entertainment, EA Orlando, and Riot Games, demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs in preparing students for successful careers in the game design industry.
Growing Game Design Industry in Florida
The game design industry in Florida is experiencing rapid growth, with revenue in Central Florida alone anticipated to reach $196 billion by 2022. The burgeoning sector is fueled by the escalating demand for video games on a wide array of platforms, spanning smart devices, gaming consoles, and desktops. The creative milieu of the state, complemented by robust industry connections, offers a conducive environment for budding game designers.
Additionally, job opportunities for animators, filmmakers, and visual artists in Central Florida are predicted to expand by four percent through 2028. A multitude of educational programs in Florida provide students with vital skills in programming languages, game asset creation, and real-time game engines, paving the way for prosperous careers in the gaming industry. Given this vibrant landscape, Florida emerges as a premier locale for game design education and professional prospects.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Ranked among the top 5% of game design schools in the US, the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers comprehensive programs through its Nicholson School of Communication and Media. Students can pursue a Digital Media BA with a Game Design Track or an Interactive Entertainment MS, focusing on various specializations such as Programming, Animation, Technical Art, Level Design, 3D Modeling, and Project Management. Located in downtown Orlando, UCF provides state-of-the-art facilities like the Emerging Media Lab and XR Studio, which support a wide range of digital and board game creations, as well as virtual and augmented reality projects.
UCF places a strong emphasis on practical experience and career progression, providing internships and resources that aid students in publishing their games on platforms such as Xbox and Steam. Over 300 companies have hired UCF graduates, including industry heavyweights like Epic Games, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Blizzard Entertainment. Given this strong backing and top-notch facilities, UCF equips its students for flourishing careers in the game design industry.
Digital Arts and Entertainment Degrees
UCF offers a range of digital arts and entertainment degrees, including a Digital Media BA, an Interactive Entertainment MS, and a Digital Media MA. The program provides specialized coursework in game design, game production, and visual effects.
Students also have access to a 3,300-square-foot MOCAP studio, where they can develop games and interactive projects from start to finish.
Hands-on Experience and Career Opportunities
The game design program at UCF is structured around a practical curriculum that underscores the role of interactive technologies in communication. Students acquire hands-on experience through project-based learning, internships, and partnerships with companies both locally and remotely.
This real-world experience, combined with career development services like workshops, mock interviews, and resume consultations, ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)
The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at UCF presents a well-respected Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment. This globally recognized 16-month program focuses on art, programming, and production. Situated in Downtown Orlando’s Creative Village, FIEA prioritizes project-based learning, facilitating hands-on experience in game development for students.
Tuition for in-state students is $9,900 per semester for 9 credit hours, making it an affordable option for aspiring game designers. With its strong focus on practical skills and industry readiness, FIEA prepares students to excel in the competitive gaming industry.
Alumni Success Stories
FIEA boasts over 1,000 alumni who have been hired by more than 250 companies, including industry leaders like Blizzard Entertainment, EA Orlando, and Avalanche Studios. Notable alumni include Brian DeSanti at Blizzard Entertainment and Matt Laurence at Avalanche Studios.
Alumni like Ingrid Aguero and Tom Wright have worked on major projects such as ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Call of Duty: Ghosts,’ showcasing the high caliber of FIEA’s graduates.
Unique Learning Environment
FIEA’s distinctive learning atmosphere revolves around collaborative capstone projects, wherein students collaborate to develop a complete game over several semesters. This process encompasses the complete development cycle, from pre-production to beta stages, offering invaluable practical experience.
FIEA’s state-of-the-art facilities further enhance this learning experience, ensuring students have the best resources to succeed.
Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling College of Art and Design presents a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art, with a focus on detailed study of game design mechanics and meaningful play. Students undergo practical training in 3D animation software and game engines, arming them with the skills necessary to thrive in the game development industry.
The program covers essential topics such as:
- Textures
- Lighting
- Player options
- Engagement
This ensures a comprehensive understanding of game art and visual arts. The rigorous curriculum prepares students to create visually stunning and engaging games.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Ringling’s comprehensive curriculum includes key courses in game art, animation, and interactive design. Students study visual development, traditional animation, and story development, gaining a well-rounded education in game design. This curriculum ensures that students are well-versed in both the artistic and technical aspects of game creation.
Industry Connections
Ringling College’s broad industry network assists students in securing internships and gaining exposure to professional standards. Some of the opportunities available to students include:
- The INDEX program, which allows students to acquire real-world industry experience prior to graduation
- Esteemed visiting artists from leading studios who contribute to milestone critiques for fourth-year students
- Attendance at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, where students can develop connections with professionals and showcase their work.
These opportunities provide valuable experiences and networking opportunities for students at Ringling College.
Alumni from Ringling are working at renowned studios such as:
- Sledgehammer Games
- Riot Games
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Epic Games
- Bungie
These opportunities highlight the strong entertainment industry ties and career opportunities available to graduates.
Miami International University of Art & Design
Located near Miami Beach, Miami International University of Art & Design offers two main paths in game design: Computer Animation and Graphics Design. The university’s prime location provides students with easy access to various gaming and entertainment conventions, creating a vibrant environment full of networking opportunities.
Students acquire practical experience through real-world scenarios, readying them for the challenges of the game development industry. Faculty members infuse their industry-relevant expertise into the classroom, ensuring that students develop skills relevant to the current job market.
Program Highlights
Miami International University’s program highlights include engaging in hands-on projects that mirror real-world scenarios, thereby preparing students for industry challenges. The faculty members bring industry-relevant expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students acquire skills pertinent to the current job market.
Student Life and Networking
The university offers various clubs and organizations focused on game design, providing platforms for students to showcase their work and collaborate with peers.
Students also have access to industry professionals through guest lectures and networking events hosted by the university, enhancing their career opportunities.
DAVE School
Located in Universal Studios, Orlando, DAVE School offers degrees in Game Production and Visual Effects Production. The school’s programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in game design and visual effects, preparing them for careers in these fields.
DAVE School boasts cutting-edge facilities, including:
- An expansive 18,000-square-foot facility
- Interactive learning labs
- A dedicated Virtual and Real-Time production stage
- A Vicon motion capture system
These amenities guarantee that students have access to the most recent technology and tools necessary for success in the industry.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
DAVE School’s campus includes advanced facilities such as:
- An 18,000-square-foot facility
- Learning and interactive labs
- A dedicated Virtual and Real-Time production stage
- A Vicon motion capture system
The 3D printing and VR/AR labs, available to students seven days a week, further enhance the learning experience.
Notable Alumni
DAVE School graduates have found job opportunities at top companies such as BioWare, Activision, Electronic Arts, and Naughty Dog. Notable alumni include Michael Cliett, a four-time Primetime Emmy nominee, and Brendan Jackson, who was hired by Technicolor to work on the movie ‘CATS’. Their success stories highlight the effectiveness of DAVE School’s training programs.
Florida State University (FSU)
Florida State University (FSU) offers a highly regarded Program in Interdisciplinary Computing (PIC), which focuses on game design. Known for its strong reputation, FSU’s game design program has a high acceptance rate, with just over 40% of applicants being accepted. This makes it a competitive yet accessible option for aspiring game designers.
The program puts emphasis on both the technical and creative facets of game design, encompassing areas such as game mechanics, storytelling, and interactive media. FSU’s thorough curriculum guarantees that students are well-equipped to enter the competitive gaming landscape.
Course Structure
FSU’s game design curriculum integrates lectures with practical assignments, focusing on teamwork and covering subjects such as game mechanics, storytelling, and interactive media. The program includes courses like Introduction to Game and Simulator Design, providing students with a solid foundation in game design.
Key subjects covered include game engines, practical modeling of objects and terrain, and use of audio.
Employment Opportunities
FSU graduates benefit from a broad network of alumni and industry professionals, enhancing their job prospects in the gaming industry. The university’s career services provide resources and support for students seeking employment in game design and related fields.
University of Miami (UM)
The University of Miami offers a major program in Interactive Media, under the Bachelor of Science in Communication. Students can choose to major in Immersive Media or Interactive Media, providing them with a comprehensive education in game design and interactive technologies. The average tuition for game design majors at UM is $21,000 per semester, making it a significant investment in their future.
The aim of UM’s Interactive Media program is to arm students with a blend of creative and practical skills through project-based and experiential classes. The university’s dedicated labs, such as the Emerging Media Lab and XR Studio, provide practical learning opportunities in advanced game design.
Advanced Courses
UM’s advanced courses cover game engine technology, interactive storytelling, and virtual reality projects. Students have access to specialized labs like the Emerging Media Lab and XR Studio, providing hands-on experience in game design and interactive technologies.
The Ribeiro Innovation Fund supports lectures and workshops designed to instill creative confidence and promote innovation among Interactive Media students.
Financial Aid Options
Understanding the estimated costs and available financial aid options is crucial for prospective students to plan their education finances effectively. Scholarships and financial aid are available at UM to help offset tuition costs, making education more accessible to students.
Additional Noteworthy Programs
In addition to the major institutions, several other noteworthy programs in Florida offer excellent education in game design. Florida A&M University (FAMU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, focusing on computer graphics and illustration. Digital Media Arts College (DMAC) provides digital media programs that emphasize portfolio building, offering both Associate and Bachelor degrees in Graphic Design and a Master’s Degree in Graphic & Web Design.
Stetson University is known for its Digital Arts Program, which allows students to take courses in various areas like graphic design, 3D computer animation, and video game development. The program encourages students to pursue classes in computer science to learn coding for video games, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University offers a hands-on graphic design curriculum, preparing students for careers in visual storytelling across various mediums. The program includes courses focused on:
- layout
- typography
- color theory
- digital tools
These courses equip students with the skills needed to create visual identities, marketing materials, and digital interfaces.
Digital Media Arts College (DMAC)
DMAC offers both Associate and Bachelor degrees in Graphic Design, and a Master’s Degree in Graphic & Web Design.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation covers essential skills such as:
- 3D modeling
- Animation
- Lighting
- Texturing
This ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in digital media and game design.
Stetson University
Stetson University’s Digital Arts Program allows students to take courses in various areas like graphic design, 3D computer animation, and video game development. The program encourages students to pursue classes in computer science to learn coding for video games, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Why Study Game Design in Florida?
Pursuing game design in Florida brings a multitude of advantages, including access to a creative milieu that cultivates innovation and collaboration among game design professionals. Central Florida, in particular, hosts some of the nation’s most prominent animation, film, and gaming companies, establishing it as a significant contributor to the gaming industry.
Florida’s robust industry ties provide students with invaluable networking opportunities with professionals and prospective employers in the game design domain. Furthermore, the state’s expanding video game industry offers a wealth of job opportunities, rendering it an appealing destination for aspiring game designers.
People from across the U.S. and the globe come to Central Florida to study at top schools for video game design, further enhancing the region’s reputation as a hub for game development education.