PROGRAM

Game PROGRAMMER

Study Game Programming

Game programmers turn ideas into complex and playable games using industry standard tools, methods, and technologies. The role focuses on building robust systems, applying algorithms, and creating efficient and maintainable code that supports engaging and user friendly game experiences.

As a Game Programming student at Futuregames Malmö, you build a strong foundation in game programming, combining technical understanding with practical application. The education is developed locally in collaboration with the games industry and is designed to meet the skills and competencies required in professional game development environments.

Key Info

_{^Location(s):} Malmö
_{^{Course Start:}} Aug 2026
_^Duration:2 years
_^Internship: 16 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:}} Open

Board of Education

About the Program

The Game Programming program in Malmö provides you with the skills to develop and implement programming solutions for games using industry standard tools and methods. The education covers C++ and C#, data structures and algorithms, artificial intelligence, network programming, and technical problem solving.

Throughout the education, you work on game projects where programming, iteration, and collaboration are central parts of the development process. The focus is on applying programming knowledge in structured production environments and developing the technical competence required in professional 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 (Teambuildning) _^15YHP/3w
Game Project 1 _^20YHP/4w
Game Project 2 _^35YHP/7w
Game Project 3 _^20YHP/4w
Graduation Project _^30YHP/6w
Internship (LiA) _^80YHP/16w
Network Programming _^15YHP/3w
Professional Development, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship _^15YHP/3w
UX, Interaction Design, and Accessibility _^20YHP/4w

^{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

Apply common programming concepts, algorithms, data structures, and design patterns used in game development
Program games using industry-standard tools, engines, frameworks, and workflows
Develop and implement game systems with focus on performance, testing, debugging, and optimization
Work according to agile methods and established production processes in game development
Plan, execute, and contribute to game projects from concept to finished game
Collaborate in a game development team with defined roles and responsibilities
Communicate ideas, solutions, and project outcomes within game development, including presentations and pitching
Reflect on their work and adapt based on feedback, both individually and as part of a team

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

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

Can you run from your owner and find your freedom? Play as Bandit and purr-sues your freedom. 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.

How important are math skills for the program?

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 – Malmö
Emma Frostebring-Johnsson
Head of Education Game and UX Designer
Game Programmer
- Mail