Location
Montpellier, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse
Duration
4 years of training
Certification
Titre RNCP38806 – Concepteur de jeux vidéo – Game Designer, Level 6 (Bac+3/4), registered in the national register of professional certifications, by decision of 27/03/2024.
Prerequisites
Baccalauréat or level 4 qualification
Internship
1 to 2 courses
Become a Video Game Professional
4 years to master the key skills of development studios
ESMA’s Video Game course prepares you for careers in video game creation, covering all the skills needed to produce a game: game design, level design, 3D modelling, animation, texturing and UI/UX. In 4 years, you’ll develop solid technical and artistic expertise in line with the demands of the industry.
Immersed at the heart of a teaching programme supervised by video game experts, you will discover professional game engines and develop your artistic and technical skills, while strengthening your creativity and your ability to work as part of a team. The course follows a supervised pathway that enables you to consolidate your fundamentals, become more independent and gradually specialise in line with your career plans.
At the end of the course, your versatile profile will open the doors to video game studios, both in France and abroad, on projects ranging from independent games to AAA productions.
Why choose the Video Games course?
training objectives
Acquire versatility and expertise across the entire production pipeline
- Propose a game concept to a sponsor.
- Monitor the quality of the gaming experience.
- Design and prototype a game.
- Coordinating the various stages in the production of a video game.
- Monitor the quality of the gaming experience.
- Game Art option: Design the graphic elements of a game.
- Gameplay programming option: creating the gameplay elements of a game.
General teaching
3D modeling
Low poly and high poly modeling, texturing, baking, shading, 3D environments, props, and characters.
Gameplay programming
Algorithms, gameplay logic, interactive scripts, player interactions, game mechanics, integration into engines.
2D computer graphics
Graphic elements for the interface and assets, pixel art, matte painting, 2D textures, design of visual narrative elements.
Tools & game engine
Unity and Unreal Engine, asset integration, shader management, real-time lighting, optimization, testing, and debugging.
Game design
Fundamentals of game design, game mechanics, rules and dynamics, level design, interactive storytelling, interaction systems.
UX/UI
Intuitive interfaces, user journeys, player experience design, ergonomics, visual and audio feedback, interface prototyping.
Drawing
Observational drawing, anatomy, perspective, composition, quick sketches, character and environment design, visual storytelling.
Communication
Oral expression, written expression, project presentation.
Professional integration
Portfolio, demo tape, coaching workshops, job search assistance.
Languages
Business English.
Training validated by professional certification
Titre RNCP38806 – Concepteur de jeux vidéo – Game Designer, Level 6 (Bac+3/4) registered on the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles, by decision of the Director General of France Compétences dated 27/03/2024.
Certifiers: ETPA-Ecoles Créatives, Ecoles Créatives Montpellier, Ecoles Créatives Rennes.
The assessments are based on the design and production of a video game prototype. This project, developed under professional conditions, gives rise to concrete deliverables and role-playing exercises assessed by a jury made up of professionals from the sector.
Professional certification is obtained by validating 5 skill blocks, 1 of which is optional:
- Propose a game concept to a sponsor.
- Design and prototype a game.
- Coordinating the various stages in the production of a video game.
- Checking the quality of the player experience.
- Design the graphic elements of a game (Game Art option) OR Design the gameplay elements of a game (Gameplay Programming option).
The certification can also be obtained by VAE.
The teaching and assessment methods can be adapted if there is a need for compensation.
Concrete projects, launched careers.
success rate
in certification
Overall employment rate after 6 months
2022Employment rate in the target profession after 2 years
2021Video game projects created by our students
Create the gaming experiences of tomorrow
ESMA’s Video Game students are trained to meet the demands of the sector, and work in a wide range of studios: AAA games, independent games, serious games, immersive experiences, virtual/augmented reality, interactive advertising, digital communication and cultural and educational media.
They move into jobs that combine technical expertise and creativity, including :
- Experts in modelling and interactivity, they can occupy positions such as 3D Artist, Environment Artist, Character Artist, Level Artist, Texture Artist, Lighting Artist, Technical Artist or VFX Artist in real time.
- In terms of design and gameplay, they work as Game Designers, Level Designers and Narrative Designers.
- Specialists in animation and integration, they move into roles such as 3D Animator, Rigger, Motion Designer or Engine Integrator.
- On the technical side, some choose to specialise in gameplay programming and scripting, and can progress to Technical Designer or Technical Programmer positions.
As they progress, they can move into management and executive roles: Lead Artist, Game Director, Producer, or set up their own studio.
Rates
Find out the tuition fees for the Video Game course at ESMA, corresponding to the 4 years of the professional cycle.
Years 1 to 4
For one year
6 680€
Registration fees
200 per year
3 good reasons to choose ESMA’s Video Games course
A recognised diploma for rapid integration into the sector
The course leads to the state-recognised RNCP qualification of Video Game Designer (Level 6, equivalent to Bac+3/4). Designed to meet the demands of the video game market, the course combines teaching methods and professional requirements to get you up and running straight out of school.
An educational approach focused on production
Over four years, you will progress through supervised projects, real-life situations and the collective production of a video game prototype. This immersion enables you to develop technical and creative expertise that can be put to direct use in the studios.
A school connected to the professional ecosystem
Anchored in a solid network of studios, working professionals and former students, ESMA connects you directly to the world of video games. Workshops, conferences, end-of-year juries and project presentations are all concrete opportunities to meet recruiters and build your network. It’s a dynamic programme that promotes professional integration and puts you at the heart of the industry’s realities.
