WANIC Video Game Programming

Program Description:

The DigiPen Video Game Programming track gives students an introduction to the art and science behind video game development. Through seven modules of instruction, students learn key art, math, and computer science concepts that are applied to a game project after each module. While developing their games, students also write a short essay defending the methods and reasons used to complete their project, as well as address industry issues like labor practices, intellectual property rights, publishing contracts and controversial game content.

The Pacific Northwest is a true hub of game development, with hundreds of big-name game companies as well as indie game studios contributing to the ongoing growth of the over $80 billion game industry in the U.S. The demand for skilled developers has never been higher.  For students who want to pursue a rewarding career as a game developer, this signature program provides the solid foundation that has already launched hundreds of high school students on their journey into this industry and beyond.

In this full-year, 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits) students will:

• Understand concepts central to programming including Boolean logic, using correct mathematical expressions, abstraction, and choosing how to represent data
• Write both collaborative and individual programs in C and other programming languages for both problems solving and creative expression
• Write algorithms to solve problems, read algorithms made by other people, and judge whether certain algorithms are better than others for a specific problem
• Use programming concepts more specifically related to games such as game loops, component-based engine architecture, and game- play programming
• Practice the Video Game production process including pitches, design documents, scheduling, milestones, testing, time management, and working on interdisciplinary teams

Two Year Program Available.

Course Descriptions

Video Game Programming Year 1

For 2025–2026, students have the option to earn college credit for the following courses:

CS 120 The C Programming Language – This course covers the fundamentals of programming in C. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of structured programming concepts and practices. Topics include variables, data types, functions, control structures, pointers, strings, arrays, and dynamic allocation principles.

GAM 100 Project Introduction – This course focuses on the team development of a digital 2D game project. Topics include basic software development and collaborative project workflows.

Video Game Programming Year 2

For 2025–2026, students have the option to earn college credit for the following courses:

CS 170 The C++ Programming Language – This course covers the fundamentals of programming in C++. It focuses on developing an understanding of object-oriented concepts and principles. Topics include classes, operator overloading, function and class templates, composition, inheritance, and an introduction to standard libraries such as containers and algorithms.

CS 230 Game Implementation Techniques – This course explores the architecture and implementation techniques of game engines. Through hands-on projects, students will create and expand a basic game engine while applying fundamental programming principles.

MAT 140 Linear Algebra and Geometry – Topics in vector geometry include vector arithmetic, dot products, cross products, numerical representations of lines and planes, distances, angles, and intersections. Topics in linear algebra include matrices, systems of linear equations, linear transformations, and affine transformations. Additional topics may include barycentric coordinates and perspective projections.

Click to view full 2025-2026 DigiPen Course Catalog.