Industry Experts Community Events About
What We Teach
Game Art Program Game Dev Program Tech Art Program Course Catalog Unreal Engine Free Resources
Career-Ready Program

Game Development Program

Launch your game development career with real projects and expert guidance.

9 months100% onlineBeginner-friendlyStarts January 18, 2027

Studios want developers who can hit the ground running. Learn directly from industry experts, master C++ and Unreal Engine, and graduate with a portfolio and transferable skills that set you apart.

Apply now Get the syllabus
3 terms12 weeks each
C++ & UE5Blueprints, GAS, Nanite, Lumen
1:1And small group mentorship
From $950/moFlexible payment plans
Our students & mentors work at
Curriculum

From your first line of C++ to a playable prototype

Three 12-week terms that build on each other, ending with a feature-rich game prototype for your portfolio.

Term I12 weeks

Game Development with C++

Learn C++ through real-world game development techniques. Start with simple console games, then move into Unreal Engine for 2D and 3D projects.

C++Visual StudioRaylibSource control
Term II12 weeks

Gameplay Programming in Unreal Engine

Combine Blueprints and C++ to build gameplay systems. Work with particles, materials and tools, and optimize performance with Unreal Insights.

BlueprintsMaterialsNaniteLumen
Term III12 weeks

Advanced Game Systems & Optimization

Design flexible project structures and complex gameplay with the Gameplay Ability System, from combat to AI behavior, ending in a feature-rich prototype.

GASCombatAIProfiling
Common job titlesGameplay ProgrammerGame DeveloperUnreal Engine GeneralistGame DesignerAR/VR DeveloperProduct Manager
Apply now Next cohort starts January 18, 2027
Program overview

How you'll learn

Program delivery

    Topics covered

    Foundations
      Unreal Engine

        Time commitment

        20+ hrs
          See the full syllabus
          Unreal Engine Blueprint graph over a game scene
          Why game development

          Skills that open doors in games and beyond

          Game development skills are in high demand worldwide, with expertise in technologies like C++ and Unreal Engine growing 601% faster than the overall job market. And it doesn't stop at games.

          GamesFilmXRArchitectureConstructionEngineeringAutomotiveManufacturing
          Made in this program

          Game Development Program student work

          Click any project to watch it or see it larger.

          Your mentors

          Learn from industry experts

          See all our experts
          Apply now Get mentored by industry pros
          Trey Owens, Game Development Program graduate
          Student success story From childcare to Level Designer

          Before Vertex School, Trey spent years working in childcare. Traditional schools never quite fit his learning style, but the flexible, hands-on structure at Vertex School immediately clicked.

          BeforeChildcare, Boys & Girls Club
          AfterLevel Designer, Pixel Games Studio
          "I had zero 3D experience before I attended Vertex School."Trey Owens
          Read Trey's story
          Apply now Your story could be nextSee more student success
          Enter a booming industry

          Game dev skills are in demand

          17%Projected growth in development jobs through 2033*
          $108KAverage U.S. game dev salary, according to ZipRecruiter*
          $30.8BProjected 2034 value of the global 3D mapping and modeling market*
          Tuition

          Flexible ways to pay

          A more affordable, more up-to-date alternative to a traditional degree.

          Pay in full$9,900

          Save when you pay in full.

          Best value
          6-month plan$1,850/mo

          Pay over 6 months.

          9-month plan$1,250/mo

          Pay over 9 months.

          12-month plan$950/mo

          Pay over 12 months.

          None of these work for you? You can discuss other payment options during your Admissions call.

          Apply now
          Unreal Engine
          We are an

          Unreal Authorized Training Center

          You'll gain skills from trusted Unreal Engine experts, with industry-standard techniques and real-world applications, knowledge valued by top studios and employers.

          Next cohort and final day to enroll

          January 18, 2027

          Apply and schedule your call as soon as possible to secure your spot.

          1

          Submit your application

          A quick online application covering your background and goals.

          2

          Schedule your interview

          An easygoing call with Admissions to discuss your application, walk through the program and answer your questions.

          3

          Enroll

          Complete enrollment with your Admissions Representative and get ready for the start of your program.

          Apply to the Game Development Program

          Takes about two minutes. No commitment.

          Next, you'll complete page 2, then book a call with Admissions.

          Questions? Email admissions@vertexschool.com

          FAQ

          Questions, answered

          Still deciding? Try a free live event and watch an instructor work.

          See free events