Game Programming Bootcamp
Prepare for a career in gaming with a bootcamp that will take you from a complete beginner to a programming pro
Qualification
Industry Certificate
Duration
48 weeks
Commitment
20 hours weekly
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Delivery
Weekly instruction, feedback, and support
Start Date
First Monday of each month
Led By
Experienced industry instructors
Features
Flexible schedules and small class sizes (5 max)
Value
Flexible, affordable, high-quality education
Learn game programming from the experts
Learn to program video games using Epic's Unreal Engine.
Unreal Engine has been used to create some of the world's most popular game titles for desktop, console, mobile, and VR/AR experiences. Using this powerful engine, you will explore C++, blueprints, UI development, input, collision, particle systems, animations, user experience and more. Over 48 weeks, you will gain speed and confidence in industry-leading software, learn the latest game production techniques, and graduate with a playable game to show employers.
The Charlotte x Flatiron School difference:
Learn from game experts with real-world experience
Small group classes, 100% online
Unreal Authorized Training Center and Academic Partner
Blizzard Entertainment training partner
Career services built-in
Career services is included with each capstone and bootcamp program. Designed by and for tech professionals, you'll experience a full technical interview process from start to finish, getting direct and personalized feedback each step of the way. Visit the career services page to learn more about the full process.
Prerequisites: No prior experience necessary. This bootcamp takes you from novice to pro.
Curriculum
Industry-focused online course to launch your career as a game programmer
Essentials of C++ - 12 weeks
Your introduction to game programming starts with learning the fundamentals—focusing on the C++ programming language. We will introduce basic C++ syntax as well as advanced techniques, and by the end of the term, you will have enough knowledge to create your first C++ game.
What you’ll learn:
- How to apply important game programming concepts used in development
- Master the basic syntax of the C++ programming language
- Create a simple C++ game from scratch using your acquired knowledge
Weekly breakdown:
- Game Programming Concepts
- Variables and Operators
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Functions
- Classes and Objects
- Pointers, References, and Dynamic Memory
- Arrays
- Inheritance & Polymorphism
- Templates
- Game Loop
- Putting It All Together
Core Game Programming in Unreal Engine - 12 weeks
Explore Unreal Engine editor and see how the editor interacts with C++ code while building levels and gameplay elements. Blueprints will be introduced as another way to visually add logic to your games. You'll build a simple game with input, collision, basic AI, User Interface, and audio.
What you'll learn:
- How to use the basic features of the Unreal Engine editor
- Build levels containing materials, terrain, and gameplay elements
- Start building a game with a fully interactive character
Weekly breakdown:
- Introduction to Unreal Engine
- Creating a gameplay feature
- Blueprints
- Game Mechanics & Systems
- Building a Level
- User Input & Animation basics
- Cameras
- UX-UI and Menus
- FX & Audio
- Adapting to change
- Polish & Testing
- Post Mortem
Professional Game Programming in Unreal Engine - 12 weeks
In this program, you will tackle some more advanced uses of the Unreal Engine for a more complete picture of developing Unreal games, including character animations, particle effects, serialization, loading and streaming levels. Finish the program by developing your own fully playable game from scratch.
What you'll learn:
- How to fully explore the Unreal animation and cinematics systems
- Understand how saving, loading, and serialization work
- Flesh out your playable game
Weekly breakdown:
- Third Program Introduction / Project Review
- Player Interactions - Events and Delegates
- Memory Management
- Level Loading and Streaming
- Advanced Animation & Sequencer
- Introduction to AI - Behavior Trees & Blackboards
- AI Continued - perceptions
- Introduction to Networking
- Networking continued
- Advanced Debugging
- Profiling and Optimization
- Putting it All Together
Game Programming Capstone - 12 weeks
This capstone is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You'll also receive additional career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from your career coach.
What you'll learn:
- How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
- Interview and negotiation strategies
- Effective networking and self-promotion
- Accessing the hidden job market
In addition to your capstone project, here's the weekly breakdown:
- Career Pathways
- Industry Overview
- Portfolio Upgrade
- Networking and Online Presence
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Job Hunting
- Freelance Work
- Interviews and Pitching
- Personal Projects and Challenges
- Working in a Studio
- Contracts and Negotiations
- Personal Roadblocks
Tuition
Upfront - Save 9%
$15,000
Pay as You Go - Save 6%
$16,000
12 monthly payments of $1,334
Financed Tuition
$16,500
Monthly payments as low as $298*
Possible Careers
The demand for Game Programmers remains at an all-time high. Here are some in-demand jobs you could land.
Bootcamp Courses
Whether you’re a beginner or already have experience, we have programs for your skill level and area of interest.
Game Programming Capstone
Create an original, playable game to showcase in your professional game programmer portfolio.
Game Programming Foundations II
Build on your skills in Unreal Engine and create a playable game with polished character interactions and levels
Game Programming Foundations I
Dive into Unreal Engine - the gaming industry’s most powerful game creation engine
Game Programming Essentials
Start learning game programming with C++ and create a simple, playable game from scratch
FAQs
To celebrate Flatiron's partnership with GitHub, we’re offering reduced bootcamp pricing—from $16.5K to $9.5K—for a limited time. Here’s how you can take advantage of this offer:
- Apply by February 24, 2025 to be eligible for the March 3, 2025 cohort.
- Be one of the first 50 students to enroll in the March 3rd cohort to secure the promotional price.
Please note:
- The final price depends on the financing option you choose.
- This offer excludes Game Design, Game Programming, Essentials, and Modular Bootcamp course pathways.
- The promotion is not available for Georgia residents.
Don’t miss this opportunity—apply today!
Your monthly financed payment is based on your credit score. The amount shown reflects the lowest possible rate. To explore your financing options, schedule a call with an admissions representative today.
Our programs are not currently set up to accept military benefits, such as the GI Bill, as a form of payment directly from the student at this time. However, if your military benefits can be arranged to pay the school directly, this may be an option in rare cases.
No, you do not need a college degree to enroll in our programs. A high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. Our programs are designed to be accessible to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds.
No, we do not accept FAFSA or traditional financial aid for our programs. However, we do offer loans for full-time students, as well as interest-free installment plans and upfront payment options for everyone else. Please contact us for more details about these flexible payment options.
It is occasionally possible to skip the Essentials program and go directly to Foundations I. However, we highly recommend that most students do not skip Essentials as it covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire career pathway program and will require some catching up if skipped. The Essentials program is still difficult and covers a great deal of material that is necessary for proceeding in the following programs and won't be reviewed in Foundations. All of the future program material will build upon the essentials. If you would like to be considered to enter directly into the Foundations-level programs, you'll be required to submit materials demonstrating your proficiency in the materials covered in the Essentials program.
Nope! This program is designed for complete beginners—no experience required.
Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from UNC Charlotte and a completion certificate from Flatiron School. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and certificates can be displayed on portfolio websites and social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Thousands of our community members use their program certificates and badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers — including our hiring partners — along with their LinkedIn networks. This curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help.
Let’s Get You Hired!
Career services are included with each capstone and bootcamp program. Designed by and for tech professionals, you’ll experience a full, technical interview process from start to finish, getting direct and personalized feedback each step of the way.
It's easy to apply and get started in our programs in just a few short weeks
- Apply
- Pay $99 deposit
- Sign Enrollment Agreement
- Secure financing or pay in full
Essentials is the first building block to starting a career in the field of your choosing. Learn the basics and build from there!
Our Foundations programs are the second step in our three-part curriculum where you will learn advanced concepts and techniques needed to become professional in the field of your choosing!
In the Capstone program, you will be expected to bring all your skills from Essentials and Foundations together to develop portfolio projects while beginning to meet with your Career Coach to prepare for your job search!
Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with your coach to review:
- Wins & challenges
- Review job openings
- Interview prep
- Salary negotiations
Certificate in hand, support doesn't end with the completion of curriculum and career services.
Join our network of over 20k alumni from around the globe through Discord groups, conferences, events, and meetups.
Ready to Change the Game?
Whether you want to build games, design products, prevent the next cyber attack, or create the next internet-breaking AI, we provide the training to bring your ideas to life.
Let's build your future together.