PROGRAM

Game PROGRAMMER

Study Game Programming

Gameplay, game physics or AI – get the experience you need to work with programming in the games industry! This educational program provides specialization choices.

Whether it is gameplay functionality, physics, AI, or tools that you are most interested in specializing for game development, this program will get you into the industry with credibility through hands-on development experience in video game programming.

Facts

_{^Location(s):} Boden, Stockholm, Umeå, Malmö
_{^{Course Start:}} Sep 2025
_^Duration:2,5 years
_^Internship: 30 weeks
_^Language: English
_^Degree: Higher Vocational Education Diploma

Applications & Tuition
_{^{Nordic applicants (yrkeshögskola):}}

Feb 5 – May 12, 2025
No tuition fee (YH – government-funded)
CSN

_{^{International applicants:}}

Jan 7 – May 31, 2025
€23,000

Open for application!

Board of Education

About the Program

The Futuregames Game Programmer program provides you with the skills to develop and implement programming solutions for games using industry-standard tools and frameworks. You’ll gain hands-on experience in algorithms, game engines, and debugging while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create and optimize games from concept to completion.

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.}

Specializations in Game Programming

In the fourth semester of the education you will pick between one of two possible areas of specialization, allowing you to prepare even better for your internships.

Gameplay Programmer – By choosing this specialized role you will get a thorough understanding of how different game mechanics work and how they can be adapted to create different gaming experiences. This includes learning about game physics and mathematics in game production. You will be able to troubleshoot, evaluate and optimize code and systems, and simulate and apply physics adapted for game development.
Engine and Tools Programmer – Choosing this specialisation means getting to grips to understanding different software architectures for game engines and being able to design graphical interfaces adapted for game development. You will be able to implement the various parts of a game engine, such as rendering engines and physics engines. You will also be able to troubleshoot, evaluate and optimize code and systems, and program a game engine as well as create specific tools that work with them.

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

Two Futuregames students in classroom, working.

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

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.

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 TING

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 Nordic Residents

Application Guide for International students

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.

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

You are the most beloved toy to a kid prone to nightmares, many nights have the kid suffered the 'mares', but no more! With the power of your kid’s love you are able to fight any nightmare coming it's way! The night is long, and the nightmares are relentless; it’s all on you to protect your kid! Download and play the game here

Spotlight Stories

25 March 2025
Futuregames Umeå: a new chapter for Stefan Eriksson
Stefan Eriksson is a Game Designer student with PC gaming in his blood. With a strong background in games and tech, he found the final piece of the puzzle at…
Game Development, Interviews, Student Interviews
Read more: Futuregames Umeå: a new chapter for Stefan Eriksson
24 March 2025
“My passion has always been game programming”
Meet Tobias Andersson, a former Futuregames Boden student who turned his love for game programming into a thriving and exciting career.
Game Development, Interviews, Student Interviews
Read more: “My passion has always been game programming”
20 March 2025
Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå
With hands-on experience from both consultancy work and independent game development, Oskar Wahlström brings invaluable industry insights to his role as a mentor at Futuregames Umeå.
Game Development, Interviews
Read more: Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå

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.

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

Sweden – Stockholm
Jacqueline Lindahl
Head of Education Game Programmer
- Mail
Poland – Warsaw; Sweden – Boden
Andrew Allen
Head of Education QA/Game Tester
Game Programmer
- Mail