In Baker’s game development courses, you’ll learn how to design, code, and launch interactive video games using tools like Unreal Engine. Game dev courses combine core computer science skills—such as programming, algorithms, and data structures—with game-specific training in graphics, AI, and mobile development. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through lab-based courses and a senior capstone project where you develop a fully playable game. This career-focused approach prepares you to enter the gaming industry with both technical ability and a strong portfolio.

Becoming a game developer typically starts with earning a game development degree or a related field like computer science or software engineering. You’ll learn essential programming languages (like C++, C#, Python), work with game engines (Unreal, Unity), and build a professional portfolio through projects like game jams and your senior capstone. 

Alongside technical training, you'll also develop soft skills like teamwork, communication, and project management—key to thriving in the collaborative gaming industry.

Learn more about how to become a game developer and how to select the best game development degree for you.

The online game development degree is a 120-credit, four-year program when taken full-time. It includes 30 credits of general education, 18 credit hours of information technology fundamentals, and 42 credit hours of specialized game development courses sequenced to take you from fundamentals to senior capstone, offering practical, real-world experience before graduation.

Yes. Core game dev courses are delivered 100% online through Baker Online, with general education prerequisites also available at any Michigan campus. On-campus delivery is limited to select non-core courses.

Core courses—like game programming, AI, graphics, and engine design—are delivered in flexible 8-week terms with asynchronous lectures, interactive labs, and faculty support. 

You’ll also complete a senior capstone project—fully coordinated online, ensuring you gain essential game developer skills and portfolio-ready work from anywhere.

Game development offers a wide array of exciting career paths that blend creativity and technology. You can become a gameplay programmer, responsible for implementing game mechanics and controls—coding core functionality in a game engine. Or, you could specialize as a game designer, shaping storylines, systems, and levels, or work as a QA tester, ensuring games are bug-free and optimized.

Other game development jobs include level designer, audio engineer, or producer/project manager, each offering unique opportunities to bring engaging, immersive experiences to life. Discover available careers in game development and creative careers in gaming once you graduate.

Baker College’s degree in game programming includes a structured sequence of online courses designed to take you from beginner to industry-ready game developer:

• Game Design and Analysis: Learn storyboarding, system design, and narrative structures
• Unreal Game Programming I & II: Build hands‑on experience creating games using the Unreal Engine
• Unity Game Programming I & II: Gain in-depth knowledge of Unity for both general and advanced game development
• Senior Design Project: Develop and complete a full, playable game as a capstone portfolio project

Along with these, you’ll take programming foundation courses like Java and C#, plus advanced topics in AI for games and game development fundamentals.

In the online game design degree, you'll cultivate a diverse skill set tailored to the gaming industry. Technically, you'll master programming in C++, C#, and Python, gain expertise in Unreal and Unity engines, and learn animation, AI integration, and cross-platform optimization. Creatively, you'll build storytelling, level design, and UX/UI design skills. You’ll also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, project management, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that make you an effective and collaborative game developer ready to bring your visions to life. Learn more about the skills you’ll gain in a game dev degree.

Yes! Baker’s online game design degree is designed and regularly updated with input from industry professionals, ensuring the gaming curriculum stays aligned with real-world studio practices. 

Faculty members bring practical experience from the gaming and software fields, offering valuable insights and mentorship. Their professional connections help guide students on current tools, emerging trends, and career expectations, better preparing you to transition confidently into the game development industry.

Baker College also has their own eSports team, The Swarm, who are championship and nationally recognized.

A game software developer designs, programs, and tests video games or interactive simulations across various platforms like PC, consoles, and mobile devices. They write and maintain the code that brings gameplay mechanics, graphics, AI behaviors, and user interfaces to life. Game developers often collaborate with designers, artists, and sound engineers to create engaging and immersive player experiences. In addition to building new features, they also debug and optimize games to ensure smooth performance and a high-quality final product.