Computer Game Design, BS
Program Quick Facts
Credits
120
Start Terms
Fall
|Spring
Available
On Campus
Tuition
$8,956.50
estimated cost per semester
The video game industry is a rapidly expanding, multibillion-dollar market fueled by technologies like AI and AR/VR. Split between the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences and the College of Arts & Sciences, DSU’s Computer Game Design program equips you with the technical and creative skills needed to thrive in this evolving field.
Through a project-based curriculum that blends programming, digital art, storytelling, and UX, you’ll learn to design and build immersive, interactive experiences. From your first concept to a fully developed game, you'll graduate with a portfolio that showcases your ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and bring ideas to life.
Curriculum & experience highlights
Throughout your studies, you’ll engage in project-based learning that reflects real industry workflows, starting with fundamentals and advancing through four major labs from concept to final product. By graduation, you’ll have multiple completed projects showcasing your technical skills.
Industry tools and technologies
Students work with industry-standard tools like Unity, C# languages, 2D and 3D modeling software, and version control systems, all within a curriculum that evolves alongside trends such as AR/VR, mobile, and live-service gaming. AI is beginning to automate some tasks, while AR and VR are driving demand for designers who can create immersive, intuitive experiences.
Why choose DSU for game design?
Experienced faculty
Our faculty are experienced creatives and technologists with backgrounds in game studios and interactive design, bringing real-world insight into the classroom. They mentor students through technical challenges, creative decisions, user testing, and iteration—helping you develop both your skills and your unique design voice.
Affordable, high-quality education
DSU offers a cost-effective path into the gaming industry, combining high-quality instruction with access to modern technology without the heavy costs of many top design schools. You'll collaborate with peers from diverse creative and technical backgrounds, including computer science, animation, audio, and storytelling, mirroring the cross-disciplinary teamwork found in real game studios.
Mi Scusi
Mi Scusi is a casual adventure game that follows the exploits of Scusi Man as he adventures through many levels, discovering secrets and accomplishing tasks to unlock unique cosmetics and travel to new locations in the wacky world of Scusi.
3 O'Clock Horror
This is a Lovecraftian-inspired tale of a man writing the horrors of the one night he visited his great uncle’s mansion to remember what actually happened at 3 am during the visit.
Knights of the Kitchen Table
Giant food monsters are attacking! As a night of the Kitchen Table, it is your sworn duty to defeat them in this action adventure, hack and slash, souls-like game!
Soul Searching
In this puzzle stealth game, your soul has been captured by an evil necromancer determined to take over the lands! Can you escape his perilous dungeon home to warn the kingdom before the undead rise and take over the throne?
Speed Demon
Button mash your way to chaos-murder-victory as Spud, the potato demon. Fight Monsters. Shoot Dragons. Pick up powerups and gold!
Wobblepop
It is an underwater bubble-popping challenge that is fast-paced and exciting. Pop your way through 30 different levels where the challenge is ever-progressive.
Cosmic Cleaner
Join the adventure in our game Cosmic Cleaner! A casual cozy game experience where you wander the galaxy while cleaning up humanity’s leftovers.
Curse of Xolotl
Curse of Xolotl (pronounced Sho-lotl) is a first-person hack and slash set in a futuristic Mesoamerica. This was a school project for the 2023-2024 academic year at Dakota State University.
Heretic Remake
Step back into the world of Heretic, reimagined as a tribute and developmental earning project by a passionate student team of artists, programmers, and designers. Setting out to recapture the feel of the original while using the Unity engine to modernize the experience. Grim magic, fast pacing, and brutal combat await.
DSU student game showcase
Computer Game Design students at DSU have created many exciting and engaging games through this innovative program. Here are just a few of the games DSU students have developed and put out into the world, many of which you can play right now!
Faculty
The interdisciplinary nature of the program prepares students for careers in interactive media, virtual reality, and educational simulation. The global game industry continues to grow, with new opportunities emerging in AR/VR, mobile, and AI-assisted game creation. However, competition is strong in employment making a strong portfolio and technical skills vital. With global revenues projected to exceed $200 billion in the coming years, skilled designers with specialization and adaptability will continue to find opportunities across platforms and industries.
