Course
Games Development
Registration opens on 1 March 2026.
Stay tuned!
Specialise and programme complete games with logic, structure and innovation.
The Specialisation Course in Games Development at ETIC_Algarve is a professional and specialised training course that takes your skills in the field of Animation and Video Games to the next level. Ideal for those who already have basic training and want to specialise, this course allows you to deepen your knowledge and gain an internationally recognised qualification.
During this specialised training in video games, you will develop advanced skills in:
- Gameplay systems and game mechanics
- Development tools and game engines
- Programming applied to video game development
- Research methodologies and critical analysis in game production.
The course combines theory, research and practical experience with real projects, preparing you for a successful career in the video game industry, both nationally and internationally.
This specialisation is recognised and validated by Teesside University, allowing you to pursue an academic path that can lead to an internationally recognised degree.
Upon completing this Specialisation Course, you will have the opportunity to participate in an ERASMUS+ European mobility project, enjoying an enriching international experience through an internship.
PREREQUISITES
- Completion of the 2-year Technical Course in Video Games at ETIC_Algarve, or a 120-credit certificate that has been completed and whose equivalencies can be attributed. In both cases, the average must be equal to or greater than 13 points.
- Portfolio in the specific area of the course
- Level of proficiency in English with the scores required in the application process.
Trainee Support
Concern for the well-being of students is a constant priority, which is why ETIC_Algarve has been providing its community with various services that contribute to their personal and human growth.
Whether it is support for entering the labour market, support for personal development, or financial support granted through the recent Training Grant, there are several ways in which we facilitate and promote the growth of our trainees.
Bolsa Formação
JUMP Internships
Personal development
Specialised Training
1 year
Classes from September to June
After work hours, Monday to Friday, from 7pm to 10pm
Number of Trainees
Maximum 16
And after the course?
Erasmus+
Upon completion of this training, you will have the opportunity to participate in our ERASMUS+ European mobility project.
ETIC_Algarve offers the possibility of a 320-hour internship for trainees who meet the requirements of JUMP – Support for Professional Integration.
Career opportunities
- Video Game Developer
- Video Game Programmer
- Gameplay Software
- Technical artist
- Level Designer
- Visual Effects Designer
Contents
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Advanced Development Techniques
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This module is designed to expand students’ knowledge of the modern development techniques and principles most commonly used in the video game industry.
It is aimed at students with some programming knowledge and offers them the opportunity to specialise in gameplay programming, tool creation, VFX and level design.
Trainees will conduct research on modern design principles and, based on this research, create a proof of concept to support their development work.
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Beta Arcade
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This module is designed to provide you with work experience as a member of a Game Development team, closely reflecting industry practices.
You will collaborate in teams to develop and present a game demo.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
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Games Projetct
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This module functions as a kind of thesis, where you will carry out a large-scale study under supervision.
The project involves the creation of a significant artefact related to your course, culminating in a written report and a live version, which includes the presentation, demonstration and discussion of your work.
You will receive guidance on developing appropriate work discipline, combined with a professional mindset. You will be expected to take responsibility for planning and executing an extensive project, taking into account legal, social, ethical and professional issues.
This project allows you to explore in depth an area of interest of your choice, potentially one in which you wish to specialise.
It will demonstrate your ability to analyse, synthesise and creatively apply the knowledge acquired throughout the programme, while highlighting your critical thinking and professional awareness.
Trainees will be assessed individually through two components: a research report on the chosen design and a proof of concept based on their research.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
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Masterclasses
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Throughout the course, masterclasses with international professionals are planned to bring added value to the trainees’ projects.
Trainers
Resources and Equipament
- Room equipped with one computer per trainee, with Windows environment
- Huion Kamvas and Wacom drawing tablets;
- Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset;
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Audition, After Effects, etc.; Spriter; Blender, Unity; Reaper; FM Mod, Unreal Engine, among others.
Portflio
Application Process
Enrolment takes place between April and the start of classes in the second half of September, while places are still available on the courses.
Enrolment can be completed once the admission requirements have been verified and upon payment of the enrolment fee and presentation of:
- 1 passport-style photograph in digital format
- Portfolio appropriate to the specific area of the course
- Certificate of Qualifications
- Certificate of Completion of the 2-year course in Video Games/Completion of the 2-year course in Video Games at ETIC_Algarve or a Certificate of 120 credits that the Candidate has completed. In both cases, the average must be equal to or greater than 13 points.
- Applicant and Guarantor Documents (Identification Document + Taxpayer Card + Proof of Address: water, electricity, telephone bill or driving licence)
- Letter of Recommendation in English
- English proficiency level with scores from one of the following tests is required: DUOLINGO, minimum 115 (95 in all components); IELTS, minimum 6.0 (5.5 in all components); TOEFL IBT, minimum 80 (20 in all components)
- Filling out and signing the registration form and training contract.
Are you interested?
Registration will reopen on March 1, 2026.
If you are interested in this course, please fill out the form.