Game development refers to any and all parts of the process of designing and developing video games for computers, dedicated gaming consoles, or mobile. The most popular game development engine is Unity, which allows for the creation of both 2D and 3D environments. The barrier to entry for video game development has never been lower. Game development also includes character development, physics, animations, backgrounds, and more. The independent game development market has never been more alive, marking this as an opportune time to learn game development! Game development is offered at several code schools, usually at the introductory level, as there are also many dedicated college programs for game development. The goal of many of these programs is to have students create and potentially ship their first original game.
A Game Development Bootcamp will teach you programming languages like C#, game engines like Unity, rendering, animation, physics, audio, and deployment. Expect to learn character development and the process of building a game from start to finish. Game Developer bootcamps can last anywhere from 2 weekends (if you already know C#) to 12 immersive weeks. At a coding bootcamp for game development you’ll spend more time in bootcamp learning how to code, technologies, frameworks, and processes.
Most video game development bootcamps will give you the opportunity to build your own game before you leave the course. You’ll find that most video game design bootcamps teach game development engines like Unity, Source, or Unreal. As Nicholas G. describes in his review of Indie Game Academy, "Besides making a game, I learned so much about each of the game industry verticals. In terms of game programming, I learned industry best practices: everything from source control with Git, software architecture planning, project management, audio, and asset management. I learned how to use common programming patterns in game design, developing game state managers, and more. In the end, I am really proud of the game I developed and will be featuring it on my portfolio."
There are 27 bootcamps that teach Game Development skills around the world – which is best for you? This list has top-rated bootcamps like Vertex School, Outscal. As you do your research, look for Game Development bootcamps with great alumni reviews, proven student outcomes, and a strong Game Development curriculum.
