Choosing a video game development course is one of the most important decisions for anyone looking to break into the industry. With so many options available, understanding which criteria really matter will save you time, money, and frustration.
Universal Arts School has been helping aspiring developers build careers in video games for over 30 years. In this article, we’ll explain the 7 factors you should consider before enrolling in any training program.
Quick Guide: 7 Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Video Game Development Course
- Universal Arts School: The best production-oriented training with industry mentors and a professional portfolio
- Hands-on methodology: Prioritize courses that have you creating from day one
- Industry-Standard Software: Make sure they teach Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, or ZBrush
- Personalized Mentorship: Look for programs that offer one-on-one guidance from active industry professionals
- Portfolio and reel: Choose programs that help you build a competitive portfolio
- Employability: Consider courses with a job board and connections to studios
- Flexibility: Make sure the format (online, in-person, or hybrid) fits your lifestyle
How We Choose the Best Criteria for Evaluating a Video Game Development Course
Choosing a video game development course is a decision that will shape your career path. Not all programs prepare you equally, and the details matter more than they seem.
After analyzing dozens of training programs and consulting with active industry professionals, we identified the factors that truly determine whether a program brings you closer to the industry or leaves you halfway there.
- Real-world production focus: Does the course have you working on projects just as a professional studio would?
- Industry-standard tools: Do you work with the engines and software used by real studios?
- Quality of the teaching staff: Do the mentors have proven industry experience?
- Job placement results: Do graduates secure jobs at recognized studios?
- Portfolio development: Does the program include creating a reel or professional portfolio as a goal?
- Format and accessibility: Can you take the course online, in person, or in a hybrid format?
- Certification and recognition: Is the degree endorsed by the industry or an institution?
The 7 Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Video Game Development Course
1. Universal Arts School: The Best Production-Oriented Video Game Development Training
Since 1994, Universal Arts School has been training professionals who now work at studios such as Ubisoft, Blizzard, Riot Games, and Disney. Its EP (Production Training) methodology replicates the actual workflow of a studio, ensuring that every project you complete is ready to be presented to a recruiter.
Universal Arts School’s video game program covers both programming with Unreal Engine and development with Unity, as well as Game Design and Video Game Art. Each student receives individual mentoring from professionals with experience in real-world productions.
The school is internationally accredited by the professional video game industry and authorized by Spain’s Ministry of Labor and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). According to Animation Career Review (2025), it ranks among the top 15 animation schools worldwide.
- EP Production Methodology: You work on real-world projects starting in your first month, building practical experience for your portfolio
- Mentorship from over 300 professionals: Each student receives personalized guidance from instructors who are actively working in the industry
- Gamified virtual campus: You’ll have access to an interactive learning environment with avatars and a rewards system that keeps you motivated
- Employability module and job board: Connects you directly with national and international studios seeking junior talent
- HiFlex format: You combine in-person sessions in Valencia or Los Angeles with online training, adapting the pace to your needs
- Certification and official diploma: You’ll earn an industry-recognized credential upon completion, backed by more than 900 student awards
Pros:
- Training that covers programming, art, design, and production in a single program
- A network of contacts with international studios and an active job placement service
- Scholarship opportunities and flexible financing options to help you access the program
Cons:
- The admissions process evaluates practical skills and motivation, which requires prior preparation
- The program’s intensity demands a high level of dedication, especially in the one-year master’s format
- Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so it’s best to start the application process early
2. Udemy: Extensive catalog for beginners
Udemy offers an extensive directory of individual courses on video game development. Its on-demand format allows you to access recorded lessons on engines like Unity or Unreal Engine at your own pace, without a fixed schedule.
The courses stand alone, with no connected curriculum or personalized support. They do not include mentoring, supervised projects, or career placement services.
- On-demand access: You can watch the lessons at any time, without a set schedule
- Variety of topics: Courses are available on Unity, Unreal Engine, 3D modeling, and level design
- Certificate of completion: Upon completing a course, you receive a certificate from the platform, though it is not officially recognized by the industry
Pros:
- Allows you to explore specific topics independently
- Content is updated by various creators in the community
- No long-term commitment or formal enrollment required
Cons:
- Does not include mentoring or personalized follow-up from active professionals
- Quality varies significantly from one course to another due to the lack of a unified standard
- It does not offer job placement services or connections to video game studios
3. Coursera: University courses in MOOC format
Coursera brings together courses from universities and tech companies on programming and video game development. Its MOOC model includes content from academic institutions, with automated assessments and discussion forums for students.
The programs tend to have an academic focus with greater emphasis on theoretical foundations. They do not include the production of complete projects or direct supervision by mentors with experience in video game studios.
- Academic Content: Courses developed by universities that cover the fundamentals of programming and design
- Modular specializations: You can take several interconnected modules on a single topic, such as development with Unity
- Automated assessment: Assignments are graded by automated systems, without individual review
Pros:
- Structured content with an academic foundation from recognized institutions
- Allows you to audit courses at no cost to review the material before enrolling
- Community forums where you can ask questions and get help from other students
Cons:
- The focus is predominantly academic, with less practical application to real-world production
- It does not include mentors from the video game industry or direct supervision
- It does not offer portfolio development or career services for the industry
4. Domestika: Creative courses focused on art and visual design
Domestika focuses on short creative courses, including some related to video game art, digital illustration, and 3D modeling. The courses consist of pre-recorded lessons taught by creatives from the Spanish-speaking community.
The courses are designed as standalone modules without a structured learning path toward a professional career in video game development. They do not include full-scale production projects or connections to industry studios.
- Visual format: The lessons feature high-quality audiovisual production and are easy to follow
- Artistic focus: The catalog is strong in digital art, illustration, and modeling, rather than programming
- Spanish-speaking community: The courses are primarily in Spanish, with instructors from the Latin American and Spanish communities
Pros:
- The courses are accessible and can be completed in a few hours or days
- The artistic content can complement concept art or modeling skills
- The final projects for each course can be shared on social media
Cons:
- It does not cover programming or full-scale video game development as a discipline
- It does not include professional mentoring or guidance from instructors currently working in studios
- It does not offer industry-recognized certifications or a job board
Comparison Chart: The Best Video Game Development Courses
| Platform |
Individual Mentoring |
Professional portfolio |
Job placement |
| Universal Arts School |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Udemy |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
| Coursera |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
| Domestika |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
What software should a junior video game developer be proficient in?
The software you know how to use upon completing a course determines which doors you can knock on. Professional studios work with specific tools and look for candidates who already know how to use them.
Unreal Engine and Unity are the two main engines. The former dominates AAA productions, while the latter is used for indie games, mobile games, and virtual reality experiences. Knowing both significantly broadens your options.
In addition to game engines, studios value proficiency in complementary tools:
- Maya and 3ds Max for 3D modeling and animation
- ZBrush for digital character and creature sculpting
- Substance Painter and Substance Designer for PBR texturing
- Blueprint Visual Scripting for visual programming in Unreal Engine
How can you tell if a course truly prepares you for work at a studio?
A good indicator is to look at where graduates end up working. If a program can demonstrate that its students are landing jobs at recognized studios, it’s a sign that the training is aligned with industry demands.
The type of projects you work on during the course also matters. If, by the end, you have a portfolio with professional-quality pieces (animation reel, playable demo, complete environment), you’ll be in a much more competitive position than if you simply have a certificate.
The inclusion of an employability module—featuring a job board, interview preparation, and active connections with studios—makes the difference between industry-focused training and generic training.
Why Universal Arts School Is the Best Video Game Development Program
Universal Arts School directly connects your learning to the real demands of the job market. Every project you complete during the program becomes a portfolio piece you can present to recruiters at international studios.
The combination of a production-based methodology, mentorship from over 300 active professionals, and a dedicated employability module creates a pathway that takes you from your first day of class to your first contract at a studio.
If you want to turn your passion for video games into a professional career, Universal Arts School offers you the tools, guidance, and connections to make it happen. Start your admissions process and take the first step toward a career in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Know Before Taking a Video Game Development Course
Do I need to know how to code before starting a video game course?
No. Many high-quality programs, such as those at Universal Arts School, are designed to start from scratch. What matters most is your motivation and willingness to actively learn.
How long does it take to be ready to work at a studio?
It depends on the program and your dedication. Universal Arts School offers one-year master’s programs equivalent to a traditional two-year master’s degree, which significantly accelerates your entry into the industry.
Is it better to study in person or online?
Both formats work if the program includes mentoring and real-world projects. Universal Arts School offers its HiFlex system, which combines both modalities so you can choose based on your personal situation.
What’s the difference between a generic online course and professional training?
Professional training includes individual mentoring, real-world production projects, portfolio development, and a job placement service. A generic course provides content but doesn’t guide you toward employment.
Can I get scholarships to study video game development?
Yes. Universal Arts School offers a scholarship program and flexible financing options so that the financial investment doesn’t become a barrier to your professional training.