The Computer Game Science (CGS) major at UC Irvine combines a solid foundation in computer science with a focus on designing, building, and understanding computer games and other forms of interactive media. The fundamentals of information and computer science — along with coursework in mathematics, statistics, physics, and film and media studies — provide students with the concepts and tools to study a wide scope of computer game technologies.

CGS emphasizes design, teamwork, and the understanding of computer games and related technologies and media in a social and cultural context. The term “computer game” includes games that run on cell phones, mobile devices, PCs, consoles, Macs, web pages and even inside automobiles. CGS majors design and create games for entertainment, and also for education, training and social change.

CGS is ideal for anyone interested in learning the technical components of creating games — computer programming, graphics, network design, database management, artificial intelligence and much more — and working in teams to design and implement exciting new games.

Students who major in Computer Game Science will:

• acquire a solid foundation in computer science and software development;
• learn how to create interactive and human-centered computer game designs;
• employ an interdisciplinary approach to computer game design and development, drawing on coursework in modeling and design, graphics, software engineering, hardware architectures, AI, algorithms, distributed systems, human interfaces and aesthetics;
• be able to analyze and discuss computer game systems as communication, teaching and entertainment media that can be a force for education, social change and activism;
• graduate with an extensive portfolio of implemented games.

Several factors contribute to the strength of UC Irvine’s Computer Game Science program.

• OVERALL EXCELLENCE. Ranked 28th nationally by U.S. News and World Report, computer science education at UCI is broad, deep and cutting-edge.
• LOCATION. Irvine and Orange County are home to a remarkable concentration of game development studios large and small, including industry giant Blizzard Entertainment. We consulted with these companies (many of which employ or were founded by UCI alumni) while planning the CGS major, and they look forward to offering internships and jobs to our students.
• COLLABORATION. We partner with nearby Laguna College of Art and Design, which offers a Game Art major. Their student artists work with our CGS students to develop innovative, visually engaging games.