Game Programming

Computer Science

Wanted: People Who Play Video Games

You can have an exciting and lucrative career in game programming!

Do you enjoy playing video games? Do you have a creative game idea that you would like to transform into a reality? Computer video games are big business in the US, with computer and video game software sales of $43.4B in 2019 [1]. 33% of US video and computer game companies are located in California [2], with about half of those in the Bay Area. In 2014, video game development jobs plumented. Since then, video game development jobs have rebounded but job skill requirements and competition have increased [3]. In addition to creative ideas you need to know how to program.

Programming and hardware essentials are a must for a career in video games because video games are sophisticated computer programs and the technology changes rapidly. Cabrillo offers you a way to get started in the game programming industry and other computing fields. Our Computer Science Program gives you an advantage by providing you with a state-recognized skills certificate in game programming when you complete the following three course series:

CS-11 or CS-12J: Introduction to Programming - 4 Units
CS-12GP: Game Programming in Java - 4 Units
CS-20J: Java Programming - 4 Units

Total: 12 Units

Cabrillo's courses transfer to most colleges and universities, and some courses have prerequisites. For more information visit: Computer Science at Cabrillo

References and More Information

[1] Entertainment Software Association.

[2] Impact of the Video Game Industry: State by State.

[3] Gaming Industry Spotlight 2019: New Opportunities in a Booming Industry.

Learn How to Program Your Own Video Games!

CS-12GP: Game Programming in Java

In this course you learn how to program your own video games. Learn the techniques that let you create games the way you want them to work. We start with the basics of the Java programming language and progress through a number of exciting techniques that you use to produce your own computer video game.Topics include:

Displaying and animating images
Transforming images to produce visual effects
Adding intelligent behavior to sprites and NPCs
Programming sound effects and music
Interacting with the game and controlling the player avatar

These skills are useful for programming your own video games -- and in a wide array of other computer industries and careers. Examples of video games you learn how to develop include: