Student plays a VR game simulating a carpet ride

DePaul Games

Build the Future of Games

Ranked a Top School for Game Design by The Princeton Review

Create interactive experiences, engineer real-time game systems, or develop spatial computing. At DePaul CDM, game programs are all under the same roof, so you'll work collaboratively—as designers, programmers, producers, writers, artists or sound designers—to master the iterative development process and deploy games people love.

Explore Our Game Programs

Hands-On, Interdisciplinary Learning —
In and Out of the Classroom

DePaul Games is uniquely positioned in the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, which houses the School of Design, School of Computing, and School of Cinematic Arts. You'll learn and work in cross-disciplinary teams, and graduate prepared for a wide range of careers across the field.

Study globally or work on projects for community clients.  Attend industry conferences, network with peers, and showcase your work at festivals. At DePaul, learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Game Labs and Studios

<div class="ck-content"><p>CDM is home to several interdisciplinary research labs and creative spaces where students gain hands-on experience developing and studying transformative games.</p></div>

student points to his game on a large screen as someone playtests it
Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration

<div class="ck-content"><p>The center advances game development and interactive media through cutting-edge emerging technologies, professional studio space, and industry partnerships that fuel creativity and innovation.</p></div>

Jarvis Innovation Center game lab

Find Your Community

Whether you join student game organizations, complete in esports, or visit studios in Japan, our strong game community helps you connect with peers, expand your network and build your career.
Jarvis-Center-game.jpgExplore Student Organizations
Study-Abroad-Japan-01-square.jpgStudy Abroad
depaul_esports_square.jpgJoin Esports at DePaul

Programs in Game Design, Programming, and Art

Explore cross-disciplinary, nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate game programs that fit your interests. You'll graduate with the skills and experience you need to make an impact in the field.

Students sharing their games at a showcase

Game Design

<div class="ck-content"><p>Housed in the <a href="/school-of-design" target="_blank" title="School of Design">School of Design</a>, the game design programs train students to become storytellers, critical thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the field. They prepare creative visionaries to develop games for entertainment as well as socially, culturally, and emotionally impactful games.</p></div>

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS Game Design
Create immersive worlds, characters and mechanics for interactive games and experiences.
BS Game Design
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MFA Game Design
Develop your unique design perspective and create games that are meaningful while building the skills to lead.
MFA Game Design
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Minor in Game Design
Supplement any degree with a minor that teaches you the core elements of games: design, development and programming, and animation and 3D modeling.
CDM Minors
monitors showing code on screen as a student programs a game

Game Programming

<div class="ck-content"><p>The <a href="/school-of-computing" target="_blank" title="School of Computing's">School of Computing's</a> game programming degrees are designed for those interested in game development programming at the highest level, including real-time computing and professional retooling.&nbsp;</p></div>

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS Game Programming
Combine software development of core game systems such as game engine and graphics programming with the study of game design and production.
BS Game Programming
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MS Game Programming
Architect and implement a real-time game engine, apply advanced rendering techniques, and create large-scale software systems.
MS Game Programming
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS Computer Science
Game Systems concentration
Learn the foundations of software development with a focus on core game systems such as game engine and graphics programming, game physics, artificial intelligence, and more.
BS Computer Science
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MS Software Engineering
Real-Time Software and Game Systems concentration
Learn the foundations of software development with a focus on real-time systems, including GPU programming, multithreaded development, network programming, and more.
MS Software Engineering
animation student drawing on a Cintiq

Game Art

<div class="ck-content"><p>Students studying game art, offered through the <a href="/school-of-cinematic-arts" target="_blank" title="School of Cinematic Arts">School of Cinematic Arts</a>, bring games to life through the creation of visual elements including characters, environment, and special effects.</p></div>

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS Computer Science + Animation
Game Art Technical Director concentration
Get the education and skills you need to prepare you for a role as a Game Art Technical Director, serving as a bridge between the artists, designers, and programmers on game projects.
BS CS + Ani
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BFA Animation
Game Art concentration
Receive in-depth instruction in the latest advanced game modeling and animation technology and practices, including motion capture, rigging, texturing, environment art, and digital sculpting.
BFA Animation
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MA Animation
Technical Artist concentration
Equip yourself for a range of technical roles, from the complex jobs of riggers, next generation modelers and motion capture artists to the hybrid specialization of the Technical Artist, bridging art and engineering.
MA Animation
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Minor in Game Art
Animation Technical Director, Game Technical Director
Available to students in the BS Game Programming or BS Computer Science interested in specializing in 3D design and modeling.
CDM Minors
IN THE NEWS

The Latest from DePaul Games

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University Communications
May 20, 2026
DePaul game design programs climb into Princeton Review’s Top 25
DePaul University’s nationally recognized game design programs celebrate another year of rising prestige.
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Student Life
Jan 08, 2026
Activities and clubs not adding up? Try the Student Involvement Calculator
Designed by Student Involvement and reimagined with the assistance of DIGI Lab, the calculator supports students in finding the club that’s right for them
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University Communications
Apr 15, 2026
DePaul Animation Program Soars to National Recognition
With top-tier rankings and strong industry partnerships, DePaul’s Animation Program offers hands-on learning, innovative degrees, and career-ready skills.