Multimedia-Simulation and Game Development
Game development is the process of creating a video game. Development is undertaken by a game developer, which may range from a single developer to a global team of developers. In 2020, salaried game developers in the U.S. made an average of $101,644 a year (or $48.87 an hour).
Career Options
Career options for students who get a degree in game development include: game developer, background artist, game programmer, audio engineer, concept artist, character artist/animator, content designer, and computer programmer.
Student Voice
Trevor Tomey
Trevor Tomey graduated from La Sierra High School in Riverside in 2010 and enrolled at Norco College later that year. Initially, he wasn't sure what he wanted to study so he took several introductory classes, including computer programming, electrical engineering and video
game development.
James Finley taught several classes that Tomey took, including a computer programming class, Advanced C++. He was impressed by how Finley taught the class. “He took what is very much a science and made it fun," Tomey said. "That is very difficult to do.”
He hopes to land a job using Unity 3D to script mobile games. “I just want to get to work and start making games,” said Tomey.
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Academic Programs in Game Development
The academic maps below will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.
School Trailhead for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Suggested Initial Coursework
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Associate of Arts (AA) Degree - Area of Emphasis (AOE)
in Math & Science - CSU Pathway
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Computer Science for Transfer (ADT) - Pathways for Transfer to a CSU or UC School
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Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - C++ Programming)
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Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Computer Programming)
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Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Graphic Design)
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Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Java Programming)
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Program Flyer (Game Development - Game Design)
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Program Flyer (Game Development - Game Programming)
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Program Flyer (Game Development - Game Development Core)
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Program Flyer (Game Development - Game Concept Art)
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Program Flyer (Game Development - 3D Game Modeling and Animation)
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Additional Resources
What can I do with this major? (Computer Science)
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What can I do with this major? (Graphic Design)
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Riverside Community College District General Education (RCCD GE) Requirements (PLAN A)
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California State University General Education (CSU GE) Requirements (PLAN B)
For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system
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Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Requirements (PLAN C)
For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system
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