PROGRAM

Futuregames Game Programmer North

Study Game Programming

Game programmers build the systems that make games work, from gameplay mechanics and AI to performance critical code and technical tools. This education is for those who want to take the step into the games industry and beyond, developing programming skills that are used both in game development and related technical fields.

As a Game Programming student at Futuregames North, you build strong programming skills and apply them through hands on development in game projects. The education prepares you to work in professional development environments where problem solving, collaboration, and technical understanding are central.

Key Info

_{^Location(s):} Boden, Umeå
_{^{Course Start:}} Aug 2026
_^Duration:2,5 years
_^Internship: 30 weeks
_^Language: English
_^CSN: Yes

Degree

_{^{YH students:}}Higher Vocational Education Diploma
_{^{Diploma students:}}Course Diploma

Applications & Tuition

_{^{YH Application period:}} Open, Feb 5–May 12
_{^{Diploma Application period:}} Closed

Board of Education

About the Program

The Game Programming program in the North provides a broad foundation in game programming using industry standard tools and methods. The education covers areas such as C++ and C#, algorithms and data structures, network programming, artificial intelligence, 3D and shader programming, and computer technology.

Throughout the program, you take part in multiple game projects of increasing complexity, working both individually and in teams. The education includes an extensive internship and a graduation project. As part of the program, you choose a specialization, focusing on either Advanced Gameplay Programming or Engine and Tools Programming, while continuing to work with full scale game development.

Futuregames programs are accredited and regulated by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH). We pride ourselves on making our programs as close to the professional industry as possible. The courses are developed in collaboration with our Educational Board, ensuring they meet industry standards and needs.

Courses

3D and Shader Programming _^15YHP/3w
Artificial Intelligence _^15YHP/3w
Computer technology _^15YHP/3w
Data Structures and Algorithms _^25YHP/5w
Game Programming with C# _^30YHP/6w
Game Programming with C++ _^50YHP/10w
Game Project 1 _^15YHP/3w
Game Project 2 _^20YHP/4w
Game Project 3 _^35YHP/7w
Game Project 4 _^20YHP/4w
Graduation Project _^50YHP/10w
Internship (LiA) _^150YHP/30w
Network Programming _^15YHP/3w
Professional Development _^15YHP/3w
Specialization – Advanced Gameplay Programming _^80YHP/16w
Specialization – Engine and Tools Programming _^80YHP/16w

^{Please note that the courses may be subject to change based on recommendations from our Board of Education to better align with industry needs.}

Skills and Careers

Learning Outcomes

Program games in C++
Program games in C#
Be able to identify the unique methods to program efficiently in modern game productions
Implement common algorithms used in game programming
Use Unreal Engine 4/5 engine for game programming
Use the Unity engine for game programming
Create and implement scripts for game production
Create server/client solutions for games
Create a multiplayer game with several clients
Evaluate computer code for efficiency and readability
Program games in a structured and qualitative manner
Create and apply entertaining AI systems
Customize game development based on experience of common problem areas
Produce customized GUI and applications for game developers
Render advanced 3D graphics
Work independently and in a team with planning, development and production of games

Career

What to expect

Master your craft, make your mark.

At Futuregames, you don’t just learn—you create. Collaborate on innovative projects and gain hands-on experience in a setup that mirrors the real world.

Our programs evolve with the industry, ensuring you gain the skills the market needs—today and tomorrow.

Learning by Doing

Collaboration is key

Hours of Lecture

Full-time studies (40 hours per week)

Out of a 40-hour week, you’ll spend around 10–12 teacher-led hours with your head teacher or guest lecturers.

The remaining time is dedicated to individual studies and group projects. Even when there are no scheduled classes, you are expected to be at school to collaborate and learn alongside your classmates. This collaboration is essential, as teamwork is one of the most important skills in game development.

We will give you more information about the term times when you are admitted to the program.

Learning format

This is an on-campus education, which means you are expected to be at school during your studies. A key part of what you gain from the education is learning how to collaborate with others. The more time you and your teammates spend working together, the better prepared you will be for a job in the industry.

Please note that lectures may, to varying degrees, be livestreamed to the classroom, and the educator or guest lecturer may not always be physically present at the school, depending on where they are based. You may also collaborate across sites with students located in other cities.

If you would like to know more about this specific program, please contact the Head of Education. Contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.

Internship

Internship (LIA) is an essential part of the program, giving you the chance to step into the industry and work directly at a company. With support from professionals, you’ll apply your knowledge to real tasks, build your skills, and get a feel for how the industry works. It’s also a great opportunity to make connections and gain experience that will kickstart your career.

Image showing ongoing meetings at Futuregames event TING 4.

Meet the industry at Futuregames Match Up

The Details

Not sure what to include in your application? Don’t worry—here’s everything you need to make your submission complete!

Application Guide for Higher Vocational Education

Application Guide for Diploma Programs

Requirements

General Entry Requirements

Grades or proof of post graduate qualifications from upper secondary school/high school or equivalent.

Specific Entry Requirements

English 6 from upper secondary school/high school or proof of equivalent knowledge.
Mathematics 2 from upper secondary school/high school or proof of equivalent knowledge.
Programming 1 from upper secondary school/high school or proof of equivalent knowledge.

Learn more about eligibility for Swedish government funded studies here.

Equivalent skills

What does “equivalent skills” mean?

Equivalent skills can be obtained in many different ways; you may have continued your studies or acquired equivalent skills through work experience. In that case, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. It is important that you substantiate how you have acquired equivalent skills.

If you do not have grades in Swedish, English, Programming or Mathematics, you may be offered the opportunity to take eligibility tests when applying to our YH programs.

Work Samples

What to submit?

How and what you choose to showcase in your work sample can vary, the important element to remember is the relevance of it to what a game programmer does.

It can be a small game you have developed, a system, or one or multiple algorithms.
You can showcase your work via text and code snippets, images, and a short video (max three minutes) of your work.
Please know that we will not have time to play anything so no need to include a build or project.

Describing your work, it is important to explain in detail about the process of creating your work, the reasoning behind it, your challenges and difficulties, where did you have to re-think or adapt, why you chose the solution you did, and if possible what strengths and weaknesses it might have.

We need to see how much time you have invested into your future career, and if Futuregames is a good fit for you and your development.
You can apply with a previous team project, but please specify in detail in which you have contributed to the project.

Format?

In English.
Maximum ten (10) pages.
You are free to use any layout of the document as you please.
Name the file [firstname_surname.pdf].

Futuregames will assess your work sample in the 3 following areas:

-Visualization ability – assesses the artistical ability to express oneself through illustrations and texts.

-Technical ability – assesses proficiency of utilization of the machine as tool.

-Industry relevance – assesses the relevance of the presented content towards the games industry and game development.

Which documents should you submit?

Preparatory Course

Student Projects

Every year, approximately 50 new games in total are produced by Futuregames students during game projects lasting between 4 to 8 weeks. Most of these games are available for free download and play!

Futuregames on Itch

Nana Into The Banana is a fast, chaotic, skill-based challenge, wrapped in bright yellow insanity. It’s easy to start, hard to survive. Download and play the game here

Spotlight Stories

1 October 2025
Futuregames students win at SGA 2025
Futuregames talent shone at this year’s Swedish Game Awards, hosted by Dataspelsbranschen. With Steamwrecked crowned Gamer’s Choice Winner and several other projects earning nominations, our students and alumni proved once…
Achievements, Game Development, News
Read more: Futuregames students win at SGA 2025
17 June 2025
From dance floors and game stores – to game design!
Two unique journeys, one shared passion. Isabelle Heiskanen, an experienced store manager with a lifelong love for gaming, and Cecilia Wretemark-Hauck, a professional dancer turned game design student, are bringing…
Game Development, Interviews, Student Interviews
Read more: From dance floors and game stores – to game design!
12 June 2025
Help Futuregames students level up
Our students are hard at work on their Game Project 3 – they’ve now reached the beta stage and are looking for playtesters!
Achievements, Game Development
Read more: Help Futuregames students level up

FAQ

Is prior tech knowledge mandatory?

The Game Programmer program consists of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, it is an enormous opportunity as you can all learn from and, inspire each other in your professional journey into the games industry.

We welcome people from all levels of experience, and some basic and programming skills is a MUST. Most importantly is your intention, that you have started looking into how to make games or how to program.

What equipment do I need?

How important are math skills for the program?

Explore The north

Become part of the fast-growing games industry in the North of Sweden – a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Discover the cutting edge of game development in Northern Sweden, where innovative teaching meets stunning Arctic landscapes. Experience a unique journey under the northern lights and the midnight sun, while learning from some of the industry’s best in a curriculum that blends creativity with technology.

Discover our locations

Get in touch

If you have questions about courses, portfolios, or the program, get in touch with our Heads of Education. For help with your application, eligibility, or admissions, reach out to our admissions team. You can find more details on our contact page.

Continue to the contact page

Poland – Warsaw; Sweden – Boden
Andrew Allen
Head of Education QA/Game Tester
Game Programmer
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