Game Design Bootcamps

Attend a game design bootcamp and qualify for exciting positions in digital design, software development, and multimedia art and animation. Explore quick and affordable coding bootcamps.

Updated on May 3, 2023

Reviewed by

Learn more about our editorial process

Reviewed by

Updated on May 3, 2023

Learn more about our editorial process

Find the program that's right for you

Learn new skills quickly with a bootcamp, or earn a degree from a traditional college.

Find a Bootcamp

Answer a few questions to get matched with a bootcamp that fits your needs.

Search Colleges

Explore accredited colleges to get matched with the best program for you.

A career in game design can be as fun as it sounds for the right tech-minded individual. Game design bootcamps cover topics in software development, train students in programming languages, and explore critical game studies. These programs can prepare graduates for employment as programmers, digital animators, and 3D modelers.

Game design is an increasingly popular specialty among coding bootcamps. The game design company Kevuru Games reported the industry took in billions in revenue in 2020 and that the year saw increased interest across mobile, PC, and console gaming markets.

The job market for game designers appears strong. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn 't provide data specifically for video game designers, it does project a 13% increase in overall computer and IT jobs from 2020-2030 and a 16% increase in jobs for special effects artists and animators during the same time frame.

Interested in joining this growing industry, but not sure where to start? Game design bootcamps can prepare students to pursue entry-level jobs in game development or design. Discover the best game design bootcamps below.

Featured Online Bootcamps

Best Game Design Bootcamps

Deep Dive Coding

Location: Remote, Albuquerque
Program Cost: $7,995
Technical Discipline: Digital Media
Learning Format: Hybrid
Time Commitment: Full Time

Accepts GI Bill®
Evening & Weekend Options
Career Services

Deep Dive Coding 's digital media bootcamp develops student skills in digital game design, computer-generated graphics, and commercial animation. The 12-week program culminates in the creation of a professional portfolio of digital products. Graduates can receive credit for prior learning toward a degree at Central New Mexico Community College.

Holberton School

Location: Tulsa
Program Cost: $8,400, depending on campus
Technical Discipline: Computer Science and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Learning Format: In Person
Time Commitment: Full Time

Career Services
Start For Free

Holberton prepares graduates of this bootcamp to develop digital games for portable devices and full-immersion virtual reality experiences. Coursework includes programming languages, Unix systems, C#, and Unity3D. All of Holberton 's programs emphasize broad career skills, including technical writing, whiteboarding, and collaboration.

The Tech Academy

Location: Remote, Portland, Salt Lake City
Program Cost: $11,660
Technical Discipline: Game Development
Learning Format: Hybrid, In Person, Online
Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time

Career Services
CIRR Member
Evening & Weekend Options

The Tech Academy trains students in C# and C++ and includes two projects in game development using popular game engines Unreal Engine and Unity. According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, 61% of graduates from The Tech Academy 's 2020 software development bootcamp were employed within 180 days and earned a median salary of $60,000.

Get the Qualities You Want in a Bootcamp

We use icons to make browsing bootcamps easy for you. Use this breakdown to quickly identify program qualities you are looking for.

Accepts GI Bill®

Accepts the GI Bill® as funding for tuition.

Also Available In Person

This online bootcamp also offers in-person options.

Career Services

Offers career services to help you land your dream job after graduation.

CIRR Member

This bootcamp is a current member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. Learn more at cirr.org.

Evening & Weekend Options

Bootcamps are offered during convenient evening and weekend hours.

Job Guarantee

Employment is guaranteed as soon as you finish your bootcamp.

Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition is refunded if you don't land a job within a given time frame after graduation. Visit the bootcamp website for terms and conditions.

Start for Free

No deposit is required to get started. Begin your bootcamp for $0.

Methodology

Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

Our Methodology

The Bootcamp Team at BestColleges has collected data for over 150 bootcamps to help you find the best bootcamp.

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.

To be included on our lists, bootcamps must meet the following criteria:

Must offer at least one bootcamp in the United States.
Must offer at least one bootcamp that is a minimum of 4 weeks long.
Must require at least 15 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is part time.
Must encourage at least 10 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is self-paced.

Pricing disclosure: The prices listed were collected from product websites in 2022. However, given the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the tech space, prices are subject to change throughout the year. To get the most up-to-date information about pricing, contact providers directly.

Methodology for Recommending Cheap Bootcamps:

The bootcamp must meet all of the general criteria listed above.
The bootcamp must cost less than $8,000 if it is offered full time, and less than $5,000 if it is offered part time. These numbers were chosen based on data collected by BestColleges in 2020 that determined the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,580.

What Is Game Design?

Game designers are the creators behind game visuals and concepts. They conceptualize what a video game might look and feel like, considering aspects like the game 's story arc, characters, and environment. Game designers work closely with game developers and programmers to bring their vision to life.

Game developers fill a different but equally important role in the process of creating games. They possess the coding and technical skills necessary to put the elements created by the game designer into action. Game designers and developers require some of the same skills, especially collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.

What Will I Learn at a Game Design Bootcamp?

Most game design bootcamps cover core game topics like the psychology of play, game mechanics, game narrative, world building, and interactive storytelling. Game designers also require some knowledge of scripting and programming.

Game design bootcamps typically include hands-on or synchronous test projects, depending on whether the bootcamp is delivered in person or online, to build experience. Additionally, game design bootcamps enable students to develop a professional portfolio.

Game Design Career Paths

Graduates of these specialized bootcamps can pursue creative positions in programming, 3D modeling, and digital animation. Game designers are trained to enter careers that require a unique combination of technical and creative skills, including computer and IT occupations that are growing much faster than average, according to the BLS.

What Does a Game Designer Do?

Game designers create video games for mobile devices, websites, and computers. They are responsible for designing and building games, typically specializing in a particular aspect such as characters or environment. Game designers must consider a variety of factors when designing, including story development, user friendliness, and efficiency testing.

Game designers often build experience in fields like software development, tech-based graphic design, or web development. Professionals require a unique combination of creative, technical, and analytical abilities. This occupation is a good fit for detail-oriented students who have strong problem-solving and time management skills.

Game Design Jobs

Some occupations involving game design skills do not require formal higher education, while others may require at least a bachelor 's degree. Graduates of a game design or coding bootcamp may become multimedia animators, graphic designers, or art directors. They may also pursue entry-level positions in web or software development.

Game design occupations provide significant job growth and income potential. The BLS projects a 13% increase from 2020-2030 for computer and IT jobs and a 16% increase in employment for special effects artists and animators during the same period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Game Design Bootcamps

Are game design courses worth it?

Yes, game design bootcamps provide students with the technical skills needed to apply for jobs in the video game industry. Students learn to formulate a story, develop characters, and create virtual environments. They also explore basic programming and software development to understand how collaborators can help bring their story to life.

A game design or coding bootcamp can prepare students for a variety of positions in web development and digital design, potentially earning a median annual wage over $77,000.

Is game design a good career choice?

Yes, game designers enjoy creative career options and high earning potential. The field of game design is ideal for detail-oriented creative types with a knack for problem-solving and excellent communication skills. Game designers enjoy the freedom to work virtually from anywhere in the world. High-profile employers of digital designers include Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Gameloft.

Does game design require coding?

Yes, game design does require coding. Game design bootcamps typically provide a basic overview of coding specific to this occupation. While game designers should have a working understanding of coding to get started in the industry, their job may or may not require these skills.

Entry-level jobs may require game designers to perform some programming or coding. However, most high-level game designers can hand these tasks off to programmers to enable the designers to concentrate on developing their creative ideas.