Game Design and Development (BA)

Create games that inspire with Wilfrid Laurier University’s Laurier’s Game Design and Development (GDD) program. You’ll learn to design and develop video games, board games and escape rooms that push the boundaries of gameplay while combining storytelling, technology and creative expression. 
 
Build skills in game design, writing, prototyping, programming, visual design, critical thinking and problem solving while exploring how games can represent diverse perspectives and ideas. With hands-on learning and industry-focused skills, you’ll prepare for careers as a game designer, developer, producer, writer, artist or creative professional in the growing interactive media industry. 

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you'll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose Game Design and Development?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Learn from the Pros
    Gain insights from faculty members with hands-on game design experience. Work closely with them to transform your initial prototypes into publishable games, enhancing your skills and portfolio.
  • Enhance Your Degree
    Interested in pursuing a career in teaching or business? You can pursue a teaching pathway or Master of Business Administration (MBA) pathway, preparing you for a career that blends education or business with game design.
  • Flexible Career Options
    Tailor your degree to match your career goals with degree enhancements like a Psychology Minor, a Combination BA with English, or a Minor in User Experience Design. Explore diverse avenues in game design to fit your interests.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Build and Showcase Your Portfolio
    Develop a robust portfolio with project-focused courses, create and release games through coursework and student groups and gain practical experience to impress potential employers.
  • Live and Learn
    Join the design makers residence community. Immerse yourself in the Design Makers Residence Learning Community, where you’ll live and collaborate with fellow Game Design and Development students from day one.
  • Hands-On Opportunities
    Participate in game jams and grant-funded faculty-led research projects on campus and in the community to gain valuable experience and expand your professional network.

Courses and Program Enhancements

Explore what you'll study and how you can enhance your degree to fit your academic and career goals.

What Courses Will I Take? 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree? 

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term), January (winter term) or May (spring term)

Career Options

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our Game Design and Development (BA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • application or web game designer
  • educational/training game designer
  • escape room designer
  • junior design director
  • quality assurance analyst
  • game designer
  • game writer
  • game design consultant
  • indie game entrepreneur
  • project manager
  • simulation designer/developer
  • social media coordinator

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier Alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Human and Social Sciences at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Human and Social Sciences (HSS) students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for HSS Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $1,830 $2,778
Textbook Fees $1,500 $1,500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Brantford Campus

The Brantford campus blends small-city charm with big opportunities. It’s home to more than 2,400 students learning in modern classrooms inside beautifully restored buildings, with access to recreation at the Laurier Brantford YMCA and one-stop student services within One Market. With affordable living options, 20+ programs to choose from, great walking and biking trails and a welcoming community, Laurier Brantford is the ideal place to live and learn.

There are many ways to tour our Brantford campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students work together on laptops on campus

How Will I Learn in This Program?

You’ll attend some scheduled classes in a physical classroom and participate in some online. Some online components may be live at scheduled times (virtual synchronous), while others can be completed independently (virtual asynchronous). When you register for classes each term, you’ll choose from online and in-person course options.

While part of the program is delivered online, some courses may require in-person exams, either on campus or at an approved testing location near your home.

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Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


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Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?