Where game players become game developers
Videogames are an $11 billion industry and ACC's Game Development Institute (GDI) is on the leading edge of education. Working with an advisory panel of industry professionals from the Austin area's hotbed of gaming innovation, we've designed a program that brings you unparalleled training at an exceptional value. The GDI is one of the only places in the region where you can create a game from beginning to end while preparing for careers in Game Design, Game Programming, and Game Art. As part of ACC's Visual Communication Department, GDI students get access to labs full of ultra-advanced equipment and enjoy plenty of interaction with members of the local game development industry.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
Associate of Applied Science Degrees
- Game Visualization Programming Specialization
- Game Art Specialization
- Game Design Specialization
Certificates
- Game Art
- Game Design
What skills can I gain?
Students receive interdisciplinary training from ACC's Visual Communication and Computer Science departments in an intensive program designed to develop the skills necessary to work in the growing games industry. Associate degree students create a solid educational foundation through courses in general academics such as mathematics, humanities/visual performing arts, and English as they build expertise in their desired career area. The certificates focus only on specialized games industry training. The programs are broken down into three tracts of study: Game Art, Game Design, and Game Programming.
Students in the Game Design track hone their technical abilities while studying writing, game-play, and design aesthetics. The Game Art track emphasizes the development of strong design, modeling, and animation aesthetics. The Game Programming track focuses on technical skill building through the development of strong programming abilities. All students conclude their studies by completing a portfolio-building project that targets their career path of choice.
How long will it take to get a degree or certificate?
The associate degrees require at least two years full-time study. Most full-time students can complete the certificates in a year to a year-and-a-half. Non-credit Game Development courses are also offered though ACC's Continuing Education Division.
Where can I work with this education?
The Austin area is one of the top three hottest centers for game development in the nation. ACC graduates are fully prepared join the workforce as game testers, junior designers, game artists, and game programmers. Some local game development studios with ties to ACC include Bioware, Sony Entertainment, Junction Point, Walt Disney Studios, and Edge of Reality.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (United States Department of Labor)
- Texas Workforce Commission
- Texas Film Commission - Game & Animation Jobs
How do I get started at ACC and where can I find out about financial aid?
Visit ACC's future student's page for admissions information. The financial aid page has links for eligibility and applications.