What Are the Best Game Design Bootcamps in 2021?
Would you like to know how to create a video game like Fortnite from scratch? You might want to enroll in a game development bootcamp to help you learn modern game design skills. With an increase in demand for entertainment, becoming a game designer is one of the best career paths in 2021.
We’ve put together a list of the best game design bootcamps. This list will help you find a game design course in the right location and at the right price. You can easily pinpoint the best program for your schedule, whether it’s full-time or part-time. You can even find free courses to help you get started.
The Best Game Design Bootcamps
Codaisseur
Are you looking for a bootcamp that allows you to pay tuition fees only after you have landed a job? Then you should consider Codaisseur’s 11-week full stack JavaScript course. You will only pay tuition if you get a game design job within five months. With a high job placement rate of 85 percent, Codaisseur is likely to leave you employed and happy.
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Codaisseur prides itself on a long list of hiring partners, who are eager to recruit recent Codaisseur graduates. If you have passion and commitment, you can easily start your career in tech.
As part of the program, you will learn basic and advanced aspects of programming. You start by learning HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and Node.js, which are the building blocks of web development. Then you will learn React, an essential language used to create games for Android and iOS. You will also learn how to use web sockets to build interactive games.
Tuition: $14,552
Locations: Amsterdam
At Davinci Coders, you can learn how to write, design, and debug games. The game development program will help you learn all the aspects of becoming a game designer, including essential languages and tools like C#, Java, and Unity.
You do not need to worry about having any experience in the gaming industry. The school designed the course to help beginners in programming and design start their gaming careers. This game design program lasts 15 weeks on a part-time schedule.
Tuition: $7,995
Locations: Denver
Flexible tuition options, project-based learning, and an extensive network of hiring partners are what Holberton provides for its students. The full stack software engineering program is popular for helping students learn the foundations of computer science, programming, systems engineering, and more.
At Holberton, you will have the freedom to specialize. You can focus on augmented reality and virtual reality, which will come in handy when designing video games.
As part of the curriculum, you will learn C# and develop interactive projects in Unity3D. You will also incorporate important concepts like interaction design, UI design, and animation to create more authentic experiences.
Tuition: Varies by location
Locations: United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, France, Tunisia
General Assembly is an exceptional coding bootcamp that offers programs in data science, design, and business. With over 30 campuses, the school creates the perfect environment to help you learn industry-standard skills. It also has over 19,000 hiring partners across different regions.
The school offers multiple workshops in introductory game design. Depending on your location, you can easily access its game design courses.
One such option is a beginner-friendly class called Game Design Foundations for Non-Programmers, which can help you gain hands-on experience in game design. Be sure to check when these workshops are available because they fill up fast.
Tuition: Varies by course and location
Locations: San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle
The Tech Academy is known for its extensive career-oriented programs. With affordable learning and flexible scheduling, this is the perfect learning environment. The Tech Academy offers extensive courses in topics like software development, data science, and game design.
The Tech Academy can help you gain foundational knowledge in robotics, 2D and 3D animation, and game development. Through a project-based curriculum, you will learn the essentials for a successful game development career.
In its game development bootcamp, you will learn how to make a 2D gaming environment. You will also learn how to animate players. The instructor will help you learn C++, Python, and C#. It’s an exceptional course to pick up designing and developing skills.
Tuition: $15,980
Locations: Portland, Salt Lake City, Online
Best Online Game Design Bootcamps
If you would like to attend a game design program online, you have plenty of opportunities. Below is a list of top bootcamps that provide online game development courses.
The Best Online Game Design Bootcamps
Code Coven
An introductory course in game development can help you start your long design journey. With Code Coven’s live online classes, you can learn Unity in two months. The time commitment is just six hours per week.
As part of the curriculum, you will learn fundamental scripting for Unity using GitHub, and you will explore how to create game art. These skills form the basis of game development and design.
Cost: $549
XR Terra
XR Terra offers 12-week intensive training programs that can teach you how to develop augmented reality games. The AR & VR Developer and Visual Design course is perfect for prospective game developers who want a challenge. For only 12 hours each week, you will attend live lessons and build real-world projects.
As part of the curriculum, you will learn C#, Unity, developer testing, and project management. You will also learn UX/UI design for immersive VR experiences.
XR Terra’s target audience is people who have tech experience and want to upskill. You will need to have at least two years of experience in 2D design. Given the complexity of the course, you should have some experience with programming languages as well.
Cost: $6,000
Vertex School
Vertex School, previously known as Game Art Institute, offers live online courses to help you cover all the basics of game design. The game art course lasts for two terms. In the first term, you will create realistic 3D assets. This is an exceptional foundational class if you are new to the idea of game design and development.
In the second term, you have the option to choose between a character art track and an environment artist track. This is an excellent opportunity to specialize.
This game design program offers a structured curriculum with many resources to help you succeed in your field. Because of the complexities of game development, you will need to demonstrate high levels of commitment to graduate on time.
Cost: $6,597
What About Free Game Design Bootcamps and Courses?
You do not have to break the bank to acquire in-demand game design skills. Free courses are a great option if you’re not sure about game design and you want to try it without paying. While the following list does not include any bootcamps, there are two massive open online courses (MOOCs) that are worth checking out.
The Best Free Game Design Courses
Class Central – Data Science in the Games Industry
In only four weeks, you will learn the real-world skills you need to create interactive video games. This class can help you learn how to use vast amounts of user data to create valuable games.
You will learn machine learning, data mining, consumer testing, and big data. These are essential topics in data science and will help you become a better game developer. You will also learn R programming and Python for data analysis.
edX – Introduction to Game Development
In this 12-week course, a collaboration between edX and Harvard University, you will learn all about the development of 2D and 3D games. It is an exceptional introduction to high-end skills in game design.
Why Learn Game Design Now?
If you are interested in game development, you should learn game design in 2021. The bootcamps and courses reviewed in this article can help you learn how to create interactive and practical gaming environments. With the right bootcamp experience, you can find a game design job soon after graduation.
By choosing to study game design, you will learn programming, digital marketing, analytical skills, 3D modeling, and digital animation. These skills are applicable across many different fields, so you will not be limited to designing video games.
What Do Game Designers Actually Do?
Video game designers create interactive and visually engaging games. They work on designing characters as well as storylines. Read below for the most important game designer responsibilities and skills.
Create Innovative Games
As a video game designer, your core responsibility is to create innovative games for entertainment purposes. There are lots of games out there, so you need to bring new ideas to the table. You can use your creativity to make something great.
Develop Characters and Storylines
Character and story are the two essential parts of game design. Story and character are important in video games because they help keep the player engaged.
Develop Protocols
As a game designer, you must develop gaming protocols to ensure your games achieve a standard level of quality. It is your responsibility to do quality control to make sure your games are working properly.
Should You Attend a Game Design Bootcamp in 2021?
Yes, if you are passionate about visual design, you should attend a game design bootcamp in 2021. Bootcamps provide an exceptional learning experience that can teach you real-world skills.
All the game design bootcamps above combine industry-led lessons, experienced instructors, and career coaching. The bootcamps will provide you with the best platform from which to launch a successful tech career. If you want to become a junior game developer or game designer, you should consider a game design bootcamp.
