Top 20 Game Design Schools in the World

Game academy is a French school located in Avignon, in Vaucluse, which trains game developers and game artists. Created in 2016 by Mr. Kevin Vivier, Game Academy aims to meet a growing demand for high-performance and modern elements in the video game and serious gaming market. Today, the school is composed of 6 trainers who each had a unique professional background. Game Academy prepares more than 80 students to work in the video game industry with technologies such as Unreal Engine, Zbrush, Unity, Maya, Substance, Photoshop, Illustrator and Git to name a few. Our programs are therefore organized as follows: 70% theory made up of courses, exercises and tutorials 30% of professional practice by producing games for several weeks in a team made up of artists and programmers as well as trainers acting as project manager and/or producer and/or lead.

Established in 1991 as a private art college, The One Academy of Communication Design soon proved its worth producing industry-standard graduates. For over three decades, we have been providing education excellence in art, design, creativity & technology to nurture generations of young creative talents.

Through our “Masters Train Masters” teaching philosophy where we believe that the best educators nurture the best students, our faculty team consists of industry professionals and we regularly invite leading experts from various industries to share their knowledge and provide insight into their fields.

TOA has made monumental achievements in the global creative education scene. We ranked World’s No. 1 for Best Production Excellence in Game Design & Development (Immersive Media) in The Rookies 2022, 8th in the ‘Top 25 International Animation Training Programs 2021’ by Animation Career Review (ACR), and were named ‘Creative School of the Year’ by the Kancil Awards in 2018, 2019 & 2022.

We offer internationally-recognised Bachelor's Degree and Diploma courses in Digital Animation, Illustration, Film Visual Effects, Advertising & Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Fine Arts and Fashion Design & Pattern Making. Through our collaboration with DigiPen USA, we now also offer programmes in Game Design and Computer Science.

Escape Studios is one of the UK's leading animation, games and VFX schools, supplying the industry with studio-ready talent. Our courses are designed and delivered with industry experts within a welcoming, close-knit and successful community.

Our world-class industry partners include Industrial Light & Magic, PlayStation London Studio, Framestore, The Mill, DNEG, Milk VFX, Creative Assembly, Cinesite, Blue Zoo and MPC. Through our partnership with Epic Games, we were the UK’s first Unreal Authorized Training Center and are an Unreal Engine Academic Partner.

Approved and endorsed internationally as a Rookies and Houdini certified school, we offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses. Our Escapees have worked on award-winning TV series Stranger Things and Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with Oscar and BAFTA nominated films such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Batman, Elvis, Top Gun: Maverick, The Banshees of Inisherin and bestselling games Assassin’s Creed, Uncharted 2 and Forza Horizon.

UA School has been educating artists for over 25 years. It is one of the best animation schools in Spain, Europe, and worldwide, according to Animation Career Review. The range of careers offered is sure to please the needs of any student. If you are interest in pursuing a career in Animation, Video Games, Visual Effects, or Cinema, we have expert academic advisors that will help you choose the right career path for you from our extensive course catalogue. Our instructors are industry professionals which ensures that you will learn the latest technology and processes. In addition to this, we are very agile in introducing new concepts and technologies relevant to the industry. UA School aims to take your passion and professionalize it. We aim to transform you and your capabilities so you can enter the industry with confidence and a portfolio that will show your strengths and abilities. You can choose to come and learn in person in our three-story, state-of-the-art building in Valencia with an array of the best hardware and software available or you can opt for online learning either from our Valencia Campus in Spain or from our recently opened Hollywood headquarters. Universal Arts School is an Unreal Academic partner and Houdini Certified school. Our students manage to win the best contests and have access to leading companies in the industry. We are the link you need to accomplish your goals.

The School of Creative Arts is the oldest part of the University of Hertfordshire, and its roots date back to 1890 with the formation of St Albans School of Art that later merged with the University in the 20th century. The School prides itself on its devotion to teaching creativity and the skills required to enable students to reach the goals they want from a degree and future career. It combines a wealth of physical resources that cover all aspects of creative arts production from animation, games and film, to fashion, print making, ceramics and architectural design to name a few. A large base of talented staff with working experience of the industries they teach in allows students to gain knowledge from those who have already worked in the areas they wish to enter after graduation. The School maintains close links with many companies in the creative industries, allowing students to be part of live projects, company visits, guest lectures on specialist cutting edge topics and to get to meet the people and companies who inspired them to begin their journey into art in the first place.

With campuses in Stockholm, Malmo, Boden, Skellefteå, and Karlstad (Sweden) and Warsaw (Poland), Futuregames offers a diverse range of educational programs at various levels. From short courses for seasoned professionals to full-time programs for aspiring game developers entering the industry, we cater to different interests and aspirations.

Boasting nearly 20 years of experience, Futuregames has consistently ranked among the top game education institutions worldwide. Our alumni, comprising over 14% of the Swedish games industry, excel in fields such as game art, game design, programming, VFX, QA, and more.

We take pride in our commitment to bridging the gap between education and the professional industry. Collaborating with renowned game companies like Avalanche Studios, CD Project Red, Coldwood Interactive, EA DICE, Epic Games, Fatshark Games, King, Glorious Games Group, Level Eight, NEAT Corporation, North Kingdom, Paradox Arctic, Starbreeze Studios, Star Stable, Turborilla, Ubisoft, Zordix, and many others, we provide an immersive learning environment.

Voxel School, University College of Digital Arts, was created as a cross-cutting model of communication within areas of key importance for Digital Economy: the videogame sector, animation, VFX, Architectural Visualization and design, all of them in their different dimensions.

The institution is managed by professionals from the entertainment industry, videogames, cinema, VFX, and new technologies heavily connected to university management and training for more than a decade.

Voxel School aims to be a useful tool for the society in developing new areas in the field of digital arts, aligned with the current working scenario. To achieve its goals, the school focuses on recruiting top teaching professionals as well as on providing a high-performance experience to their students. The University School has significant strategic partnerships to connect university and industry. In addition to other top players in the industry, the partnership with Sony PlayStation Iberia for teaching university studies sets the standard, which ensures joint work for the integration of Voxel School students in the professional environment of the videogame.

Since 2016 Voxel School is an Associated Center of the Complutense University of Madrid for the delivery of its own university graduate degrees and is a recognised academic institution part of Deusto University as well.

Abertay University offers world-leading courses in computer arts and computer games technology, as well as expertise in business, engineering, health, science and sport.

Applied education, skills development and close links with the business community are at the heart of this, with Abertay focused on giving graduates the ability to step straight into a business and be productive from day one. Increasingly, these graduates also look to start their own companies.

One of Abertay’s core strengths is computer games education, with students travelling from across the world to study in Dundee. The university launched the world’s first Computer Games Technology degree in 1997, and now leads the UK in producing highly-skilled, creative young people at the forefront of the rapidly-evolving games industry.

Games technology is also being harnessed at Abertay to solve problems in cancer drug discovery, climate change and environmental science. Using high-powered games graphics lets scientists from different disciplines share their research visually, and engages policymakers by clearly communicating very complex data.

Abertay is also home to applied research groups in soil science, wastewater management and food science, among others, all with a strong focus on delivering impact through generating new knowledge and enhancing the skills of the local and national workforce.

Creative Media Institute is the world’s leading education provider in creative media industries with over 50 campuses globally. SAE offers degree, diploma and certificate courses across the six disciplines of: Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games as well as Interactive Technologies. For over 30 years, SAE Institute has maintained a strong commitment to providing high-quality practical education in creative media technologies, producing graduates with industry skills to fill integral professional roles within the sector. Each course at SAE focuses on teaching high-end technical production techniques specific to its niche, developing broader industry perspectives, and creative, analytical, communication and project management skills. As an SAE student you will have access to our industry-leading campuses, utilise the latest equipment and software, and benefit from our extensive industry network. We’re passionate about our students’ potential and encourage them to chase their dreams. We promise that your SAE experience – wherever you are enrolled in the world – will offer a progressive learning experience to meet your creative and professional aspirations, help you stand out from the crowd, and give you a ticket to the global stage.

Since 1988, DigiPen Institute of Technology has been preparing students to succeed as skilled digital artists, designers, and engineers. Our programs are designed to reflect the standards and practices of the digital entertainment industries, where teams with different backgrounds and skills collaborate to apply their knowledge, overcome challenges, and build amazing things together. Since becoming the first college in the world to offer a bachelor's degree in video game technology and development, our graduates have helped ship more than 2,000 commercial game titles, from landmark indie masterpieces to groundbreaking AAA hits. They have also contributed to a growing number of popular TV and film franchises as directors, animators, VFX artists, and more.

PlaygroundSquad is a higher vocational education in game development, stationed in Falun, Sweden. PlaygroundSquad is a polytechnic where students quickly enter the job market towards the gaming industry. We train our students in game development for two years to get them into work as quickly as possible. We have three disciplines of study; programming, game design and game art. The education consists of four semesters over a two year period time.

Nearly every course/project is team-based where individual contributions are assessed and used to develop a games industry professional that is ready to be effective from the 1st day of internship or graduate job. We want students to start with a foundation in either art, programming or design and then develop production abilities to participate in cross-discipline game development teams that emulate industry.

Digital Arts & Entertainment (DAE) is a state-of-the-art, yet accessible, English-taught Bachelor’s degree. Fully accredited, 3 years, amounting to 180 ECTS credits. DAE is taught at Howest, a modern and unconventional university of applied sciences, situated in a small but beautiful historic city in Flanders, Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe. At DAE you can choose between 4 study majors: Game Development, Game Graphics Production, Independent Game Production or 3D Production & VFX. It is an industry-approved and award-winning curriculum, with alumni in leading companies and studios all over the world, such as Blizzard, Bungie, Ubisoft, DICE, Rocksteady, Guerrilla Games, Larian, Unity, Studio Gobo, Sumo Digital, ILM, MPC, DNeg and many more. We offer an open, inclusive and international community where you will work on real-life, team-based and industry-assessed projects and assignments. We focus on a practically-oriented education where you receive training by qualified experts. This, together with international guest lectures by key industry speakers and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, makes for an ideal environment to become an expert in the industry. Our campus is located at the heart of Western Europe, based in the small, comprehensive, safe and beautiful historic city of Kortrijk, at the banks of the river Leie, where over 1000 years of history meet with modern architecture and design. Here we offer our high-quality degree for a comparatively very low tuition fee. Graduating from our industry-approved and award-winning curriculum, many of our alumni work in leading companies and studios all over the world. This is strengthened by our unique technical artists profile. No matter what major you choose, you will have a good grasp of what your colleagues are up to, which makes cooperation easier.

Staffordshire University has always been ahead of the game. For more than 100 years, we’ve led the way in innovation and have championed new technologies and personalised learning.

We are a world-leading centre for excellence in games education, with a legacy of innovation and industry engagement. Now with more than 2,000 students on our games-related courses, from foundation to PhD level, we are the largest games department in Britain.

Our students have access to superb industry connections, exciting placement opportunities and professional-standard facilities.

These include workstations with RTX3080 and RTX2080s graphics cards, the latest Cintiq and Intuos Wacom tablets, alongside top-grade software. Our motion capture stage includes a huge space for students to record sessions, and the latest Vicon cameras to capture performances to stunning levels of detail.

And through the Smart Technologies Hub, students can use the latest VR headsets, haptic feedback devices, laser scanning equipment, and more.

Just some of the many reasons why Staffordshire University is world-renowned for games education.

For nearly 15 years, The Game Assembly (TGA) has been educating highly skilled game developers for the global games industry.

At our campuses in Malmo and Stockholm, Sweden, we provide education for Game Animators, Game Artists, Game Programmers, Level Designers, Procedural Artists, and Technical Artists. Each program spans 1.5 to 2.5 years, with a significant portion dedicated to a game company internship. Our approach divides your time between specific courses for your field and collaborative, cross-disciplinary game development. We primarily focus on creating 3D games and emphasize the use of agile methods and regular feedback.

Since 2022, in partnership with Kaplan, we also offer an apprenticeship master program in the UK for in-depth game programming exploration.

We closely collaborate with the games industry, both in Sweden and internationally, to ensure that our education aligns with employers' expectations. During your time at TGA, you will have the opportunity to meet guest speakers, attend workshops, and receive feedback from industry experts. Our graduates are now spread worldwide, forming a fantastic network benefiting both the school and our students.

A degree from TGA is your ticket to a creative and exciting profession, with the entire world as your field of work.

For over twenty years, Gnomon has educated many of the world’s best digital artists. Called “the MIT of visual effects” by Fast Company magazine, Gnomon offers a variety of educational options to help students reach their goals in the entertainment industry, with both degree and vocational certificate programs, specialized courses for high school students and over 100 individual courses for professional enrichment. Visual effects artists launched Gnomon with the support of the entertainment industry to help meet the demand for well-trained creative talent in the growing field of digital entertainment. Our graduates are professionals working on the latest blockbuster films and games, and have positions at film and video game studios around the world.

3dsense Media School is a leading digital arts school in Asia, preparing students for careers in the creative entertainment industry since 2003. We focus on providing industry-based training for Visual Effects, Animation, Game Art, Motion Design, Concept Art, Illustration and Toy Production. Since 2015, 3dsense has been consistently ranked amongst the Top 10 Art Schools globally by “The Rookies World School Rankings”, the world’s most respected ranking system for creative media schools. Besides education, the school also plays a major role in fostering a vibrant arts & design industry through its events and masterclasses. These include CGOverdrive, CG Hero Awards, and “Behind the Pixels”, a YouTube interview channel providing unparalleled access to industry veterans sharing vital knowledge and insights.

Since 2005, Think Tank has been offering an unmatched learning experience that emphasizes collaboration and feedback with professional supervisors and mentors from across the VFX, Animation, Game Art, and CG world. Consistently ranked as one of the top schools worldwide, Think Tank's Online, Campus, and Hybrid programs offer artists a specialized and hands-on education that primes them for an exciting career in the Film, TV, and Games. Go directly from school to studio with the latest software, professional mentorship, job readiness training, and an industry-ready demo reel. Most artists who want to get into the CG industry rarely know what job position or discipline they want to end up in.

Think Tank believes in supporting your journey to discover your true passion and unique point of view. Work with Advisors, Instructors, and Personal Mentors who are themselves experienced in CG to establish exactly the type of work you want to do. Once your specialization is determined, you’ll develop an industry-ready portfolio alongside your mentor that is catered towards a particular career, and ofter, a specific studio. This means that when you’re looking for that first job, your work will already be elevated above the average generalist. Up for the challenge? Think Tank is here to help you take the next step.

New3dge is a specialized private school of higher education in Paris, dedicated to Game Art, 3D Animation&VFX, and Concept Art. Our student program and teaching methods have been designed in collaboration with leading industry experts to provide our students with a curriculum that meets the highest industry standards.

Our educators are carefully selected from a global network of respected professionals, ensuring that our students receive instruction from the most qualified and experienced teachers. At New3dge, our students have access to cutting-edge technology and a constantly evolving environment to help them develop the skills necessary for success in the video game, 3D animation&VFX, and Concept Art industries.

Our campus, located in the heart of Paris, offers traditional classrooms equipped with easels and saddles for painting and sculpting, as well as digital classrooms featuring professional-grade software and hardware. We also provide support rooms and a cafeteria to create a comfortable and productive learning environment.

Moreover, being situated in Paris gives our students unparalleled access to world-class architecture, museums, and parks, which makes it one of the most inspiring cities in the world to study art and design.

In summary, at New3dge, we are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive education in the fields of art and design, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue successful careers in their chosen industry.

ARTSIDE is a private higher education institution founded by Digital Art professionals, with a strong desire to offer innovative training that meets the expectations of International studios. More of 70 teachers come from the largest international studios and share this desire to train future talents. They offer with Artside a professional education and share their workflow and tools used in production and offer our students a complete professional network. Our students develop an in-depth understanding of 3D production/Concept Art pipelines and a mastery of technical and artistic applications. Our program is based on 3 specialisations in order to train in the trades of Concept Art, 3D Character Art and 3D Environment Art for video games and extends over a 4-year Bachelor through comprehensive programs covering all production issues from current studios. A 14-month online training is also possible for those who already have artistic and technical fundamentals depending on the desired specialisation.