Game Design
How to ApplyExperience the entire game development cycle and develop specialized skills in coding, game art, and level design.
Creative Economy
VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is helping shape the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2020, VFS alumni were credited on 5 of the top 10 best-selling video games worldwide, in a global industry estimated to be worth more than US$300 billion by 2025.
Alumni Success
Vancouver Film School graduates are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire gaming industry. You will find our alumni working all over the globe, pushing boundaries, discovering new frontiers, winning all kinds of awards and honours, and leading today’s creative economy.
A VFS Game Design Education
In 12 months you will graduate with:
- A diploma in Game Design
- A professional quality online portfolio
- Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
- Industry connections that will help guide your career
- A lifetime network
Term 01
Establish fundamental skills in game theory, pre-production techniques, and storytelling.
Term 02
Build on your game design foundation and start to work effectively in teams. Create your own playable 2D game in Unity.
Term 03
Shift from theoretical to practical with hands-on work on detailed design documentation and front-end interfaces, and begin specializing in coding, game art or level design.
Term 04
The core part of this term is dedicated to designing and planning a major team-based final project.
Term 05
Conceive, plan, and execute a final project that delivers a rewarding interactive experience.
Term 06
Engage with ongoing play-testing and complete your final project before unveiling your work to the industry.
Specializations
Students combine the programs focus on production with two of three specializations below, to develop a professional-quality online portfolio that demonstrates a thorough understanding of game design.
Coding
Game Art
Level Design
Admissions Info
You have selected Canada as your region.
Not your region? Change region here
Tuition
Start Dates
Requirements
You will be asked to submit one of the following along with your application. Your advisor can help with selecting the best option.
Explain the concept, vision, or idea. Include the genre of game you would utilize. Make references to other games to explain how you would make your game (one page maximum).
In addition, provide an outline detailing your story, possible levels, and characters (one page maximum).
Provide diagrams explaining any features or game mechanics (one to two pages maximum) and a simplified map of the game world described in your synopsis.
You'll find information on how to send your synopsis in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
*Intermediate computer skills are a requirement, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.*
*Intermediate computer skills are a requirement, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
Student Work
While training at VFS, students are immersed in the game design industry, and spend a lot of hands-on time creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.
Mach X
Created by Jorge Peral
Unincrediball
Created by Salim Ali
Bijou and Big
Created by Noah Vejvoda
Visit the VFS Indie Arcade to download and play more than 200 games produced by VFS students over the past decade — for free.
Testimonials
FAQ
We're here to help you submit an application that best reflects your abilities, and gives you the best chance of being accepted. We've helped thousands of people complete a single year at VFS by answering questions like these:
Application Tips
- What does VFS look for in an application?
- Can I apply if I haven't met all the requirements yet?
- What does this part of the application form mean?
Expenses
- How much does my program cost?
- Can I pay in installments?
- How much will I need for living expenses in Vancouver?
Logistics
- How do I get to Vancouver?
- Where will I live in Vancouver?
- Do I need a visa?
VFS Premiere
Sign up to VFS Premiere and be the first to receive the latest exclusive content, news, and special offers from Vancouver Film School — straight to your inbox.