Master Game Programing - Certification RNCP level 7

Programming

Become
game programmeR

Code the Adventure, Create the Impossible

Imagine yourself as an architect of virtual worlds, at the heart of designing game mechanics, captivating interactions, and immersive universes.

Our training program offers in-depth mastery of the C++ programming language, algorithms, and 3D mathematics—the foundations of all major game engines. You’ll also explore essential tools such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and C#.

You will learn to design high-performance systems and collaborate with teams of artists and game designers. Not only will you be able to create games, but also game engines, delivering unforgettable experiences to players.

You’ll work in teams on real-world projects, simulating actual production environments. Collaborating with your teammates, you’ll develop prototypes, refine your ideas, and tackle both technical and creative challenges together. This hands-on, team-based experience is at the core of our teaching approach, preparing you for an industry where teamwork is essential to bringing a game from concept to launch.

Step into the world of game development and bring your ideas to life!

High School Diploma or Equivalent (Outside Parcoursup)

Outside parcoursup: apply directly to the school.
Tests + creative portfolio + interview

Apply

Montpellier

1 class of 25 students is open on the Montpellier campus

The Campus

International

French courses 🇫🇷
& English courses 🇬🇧

More about international careers

A state-approved professional qualification

Awards the title of Digital Producer (level 7, equivalent to Bac +5), registered with the RNCP on September 14, 2020.

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Prerequisites

Passionate about video games, you don’t just play—you strive to understand how virtual worlds come to life. You have a strong grasp of mathematics and logic, and you enjoy taking on technical challenges.

Naturally curious, you may have already explored coding or experimented with tools like Scratch or Unity.

Your creativity and imagination drive you to envision captivating worlds and innovative game mechanics. You value teamwork, knowing that a successful game is the result of collaboration between programmers, designers, and artists. Finally, you are persistent and self-reliant, always ready to find solutions and learn independently.

If these qualities define you, then you have everything it takes to excel in our game programming training program!

Learn more about the ARTFX admission process

Job description

What is Game Programming?

A game developer in a video game studio is a programming expert responsible for bringing game designers’ ideas to life. They translate creative concepts into interactive features using programming languages (such as C++, C#, and Python), problem-solving methodologies, algorithms, mathematical tools, and game engines (like Unreal Engine or Unity).

Their role includes designing and implementing game mechanics, developing artificial intelligence, generating procedural graphics, managing player-environment interactions, and optimizing technical performance. Working closely with designers, artists, and testers, they ensure the game runs smoothly, functions correctly, and aligns with the project’s vision.

Inside
Game
Prog

DIVE INTO THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR GAME PROGRAMMING STUDENTS

The daily routine of a Game Programmer combines theory with hands-on projects. In technical courses, you will master C++ and 3D mathematics—the essential tools of industry developers—and learn to build a game engine from the ground up. This foundation will equip you with the necessary skills to design and develop innovative game mechanics within more advanced engines like Unreal Engine.

Through various projects, working alongside artists and game designers, you will put these skills into practice. You will develop prototypes and gameplay mechanics, tackle technical challenges, and explore concepts such as artificial intelligence and physics in games.

Program

Game programming training content

The training starts directly in the 2nd year.

Fundamentals

objectives

FIRST YEAR FOR GAME DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING CYCLES

The 2nd year, which is in fact the first year in game design and programming, aims to lay the foundations for these professions. It develops students’ technical, analytical, creative and personal skills, and provides them with fundamental knowledge of programming and the design of game mechanics, as well as a solid introduction to the main game engines used in the industry.

program

Development of game and level design skills:
– Learning the fundamentals (3Cs, mechanics, gameloop, LD paper design, cartography…), game analysis and practical exercises.

Programming skills development:

– Learning the fundamentals (C++, C#, 2D/3D math, stats and probabilities, menus and interfaces…)
– Understanding optimization principles, performance management, and integrating game mechanics into interactive environments.

Game Concept:
– Creative methods through the development of original game concepts, and learning how to present them clearly and convincingly to a jury in English.

Introduction to storytelling:
– Learn the key principles of dramaturgy and apply them to create engaging narratives.

Development of artistic and video-game culture:

– Study of essential visual elements to build solid references, while analyzing different types of video games with a view to acquiring an in-depth professional culture.

Development of collaborative projects:
– Learn to manage time, meet deadlines, develop critical thinking skills, receive and integrate feedback, and foster teamwork and communication.

provided software* :

* As the industry constantly evolves, our program content is also subject to change.

Advanced training

objectives

The third year is dedicated to creating a small game engine, covering both its technical and conceptual aspects. This understanding allows students to approach the professional engine Unreal Engine with confidence, while also exploring artificial intelligence issues and various types of 3D gameplay. Individual and collective projects complete this learning process by providing hands-on experience in a production context.

program

Game Engine Creation and Software Engineering:
Creating a game engine from scratch in C++ is an effective exercise for deeply understanding all game engines—whether Unreal Engine or those created by major development studios. This process helps students master C++, gain insights into software architecture and engineering, deepen their knowledge of 3D mathematics and algorithms, and learn the fundamentals of graphics programming and shaders.

Learning and Using Unreal Engine:
Unreal Engine is the most advanced piece of technology in the video game industry. Students are guided through learning its various components: gameplay, animation, lighting, artificial intelligence, tools, and more. Unreal Engine is used during group projects in collaboration with game designers and artists.

Programming Gameplay Elements:
Throughout the history of video games, programmers have invented techniques that introduce new gameplay possibilities. These techniques are analyzed, reproduced, and enhanced by students, giving them the ability to create new gaming experiences.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial intelligence has been a part of video games long before deep learning. Implementing AI in games is an exciting exercise that teaches students a lot about algorithms and the software architecture of video games!

Provided softwares*:

* As the industry constantly evolves, our program content is also subject to change.

specialization

objectives

Year 4 is dedicated to:

Advanced practice in various modules and specialization workshops. Students can choose to explore multiple disciplines or focus on a particular specialization.
The design and pre-production of the final project. In collaboration with game designers and game artists, students will define the gameplay programming needs, tool development, and the organization of the production pipeline for their future project.

program

Advanced Workshops:
A variety of workshops are offered to students, allowing them to attend all advanced modules and specialize in the following areas:

The engine programmer is capable of understanding and modifying the deepest layers of game engines. They are passionate about software architecture and optimization. They master memory management, handle multiple instruction streams, and build the game engine infrastructure. They are the programmers who provide other developers with the tools they need.

You will learn the essential elements of game engine architecture and algorithms. You will work on parallelism and multi-threading in C++ to orchestrate the multiple cores of processors. You will deepen your knowledge of memory management, optimization, and software design.

Possible careers :

/ Engine programmer
/ Lead engine programmer
/ Principal programmer
/ Gameplay programmer
/ Lead gameplay programmer

Job description

The graphics programmer transforms the data generated by the game engine into 3D graphics. They are the master of the graphics card, the artist of shaders, the prince of mathematics. They use their knowledge of graphical generation algorithms to create stunning visuals. When focusing on the artistic side, they can pursue a career as a Technical Artist.

You will explore modern GPU APIs, paving the way for working with Vulkan or DirectX12. You will discover algorithms for managing shadows and lighting and code original shaders. You will also be introduced to compute shaders, which allow the graphics card to handle the most complex calculations!

Possible careers :

/Graphics programmer
/ Lead graphics programmer
/ Principal programmer
/ Technical artist

Job description

The gameplay programmer creates complex game interactions. They use their deep knowledge of 3D mathematics and C++ programming to turn their team’s ideas into fun experiences. They work closely with game designers and develop tools to streamline their work. They are often responsible for AI and physical collisions.

In addition to studying complex gameplay mechanics and deepening your knowledge of Unreal Engine, you will learn the calculations that enable optimized physical interactions and advanced AI systems.

Possible careers :
/ Gameplay programmer
/ Lead gameplay programmer
/ Tools programmer
/ Lead tools programmer
/ Physics programmer
/ AI programmer
/ Principal programme

Job description

Pre-production and Artistic Direction of the Final Year Project:
The pre-production phase is a crucial step in the creation of a video game, as it establishes the artistic, narrative, and technical foundations of the project. This stage is an opportunity to develop and test game mechanics, create features, and build prototypes.

Just like in a studio, students will work in multidisciplinary teams (game designers, programmers, and game artists) to precisely define the content of their project. They will research references, establish the artistic vision, create prototypes, identify risks and production challenges, and set a clear roadmap for production and project development.

Professionalism:

Development of soft skills (ability to design, organize, problem-solve, collaborate, anticipate, ensure reliability, and stay committed).

Masterclasses with industry professionals.

Practice of professional English.

Demo Reel:
Students will create a demo reel showcasing their technical, artistic, and creative skills in a visually impactful and professional format. This is an essential tool to convince recruiters of their potential and secure an internship in the video game industry.

Internship:
Students must complete a six-week internship in a company.

alasKa

Best student's game

Download the game

Provided softwares*:

* As the industry constantly evolves, our program content is also subject to change.

Professionalization

objectives

Year 5 is the culmination of learning and practice, where students transform their skills into a true professional project. They produce their video game in teams, experiencing the full cycle of game development.

program

Professional Supervision of Projects:
Throughout production, students are mentored by professionals in each discipline.

Professionalism:

Development of soft skills (ability to design, organize, solve problems, collaborate, anticipate, ensure reliability, and stay committed).
Masterclasses with industry professionals.

Preparation for Recruitment:

Information on the industry, projects, development, and current trends.
Personal branding.
Coaching on creating CVs, cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
Information on professional status, legal frameworks, and administrative structures in Europe and abroad.

Demo Reel and Portfolio:
Students create a professional demo reel and portfolio to highlight their technical, artistic, and creative skills in a visually impactful and attractive format. They learn to present their work across various platforms to convince recruiters.

End-of-Studies Jury:
Students present their projects to a jury of professionals and participate in a job fair organized by the school.

Festivals, Awards, and Recognition:
The students’ projects are submitted to major video game industry competitions like Pégases, BAFTA, etc., and have the opportunity to win prestigious awards.

alasKa

Best student's game

Download the game

Provided softwares*:

* As the industry is constantly evolving, the content of our program is also subject to change.

engine programmer
gameplay programmer
tools programmer
System programmer
ia programmer
game physics programmer

Our alumni
share their experience

“After job dating, I accepted a job at Virtuos Game. I’m working as a technical artist on an unannounced game. I program hlsl shaders and create textures. At ARTFX, I gained a good understanding of the whole video game production pipeline, which was very useful when I joined a major studio. The lessons we received on textures, shaders and optimization were perfect for the work I do.”

juliàn macias Junior Environment Artist - Ubisoft Montpellier - Promo 2022

Our alumni
share their experience

After my final year project, I quickly found an internship at Don’t Nod Entertainment, which led to a full-time position. I work as a Gameplay Programmer, which allows me to touch on many aspects of the game, whether it’s the camera, player controls, gameplay elements, the overall project architecture, and even sometimes UI. ARTFX gave me solid foundations in C++ programming, which are still very useful today, and also taught me how to work efficiently with designers and other departments, an essential skill as a GPP.

victor giroux Gameplay Programmer - Don't Nod - Promo 2021

Our alumni
share their experience

“ARTFX allowed me to acquire advanced skills in various areas, both technical, enabling me to achieve the desired quality, and social, from teamwork to communication, which are essential for the smooth running of a production. Thanks to these skills, right after completing my training, I was fortunate enough to be contacted and hired by Illumination Studios Paris as a Houdini Environment Artist on The Super Mario Bros Movie, which went on to become the second highest-grossing film worldwide in 2023!”

Jean-edouard marconnet Tech/Environment Artist - Freelance - 2021

Play
our student games

Discover the games

Access to
the major
studioS.

These studios are recruiting at ArtFX

Our alumni in production

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Inside

Join a community of passionate designers

Join a community that shares your vision, evolve in an environment that fosters exchange and inspiration, and learn to master the skills sought by the industry thanks to hands-on training focused on creativity, innovation and personal development.

Take the first step towards the future of video games!

Apply

At ARTFX, admissions are open year-round according to our session schedule.

The Team

Discover the ARTFX - VIDEO GAMES teaching team.

The campus

Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Cévennes, the ARTFX Montpellier campus is ideally located.

Programming

Become
game programmeR