Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Game Design

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Game Design program at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) is designed to provide students with the tools, theory, and craft of visual storytelling in an interactive medium. Through hands-on, project-based learning, MFA students study a range of topics from early digital games to highly-advanced 3D graphics.

Program Overview

In NYFA's MFA in Game Design program, students learn to build their confidence in programming and design. The program is rigorous and challenging, and is recommended for aspiring game designers with ambitious goals in interactive media. Upon completion of the MFA in Game Design, students have expertise in game design, with a selection of their best game content for use in their personal portfolios.

Faculty Highlights

The MFA in Game Design program features instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty of professional game designers. Students also have access to industry-standard equipment and software, as well as the ability to attend exclusive guest speaker events with industry experts.

Curriculum

The MFA in Game Design program is available at NYFA Los Angeles and includes advanced courses and workshops that teach the theories of game design and interactive storytelling. Students master the process of creating 3D art for video games and learn the concepts of agile development. The curriculum also includes:

• The framework to build a fun, entertaining, and engaging game every semester
• Instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty of professional game designers
• Access to industry-standard equipment and software
• The ability to attend exclusive guest speaker events with industry experts

Degree Details

NYFA's MFA in Game Design is a four-semester, full-time graduate program. MFA students complete a variety of projects to build an impressive personal portfolio, which may include paper prototypes, the creation of 2D, 3D, and virtual reality games, 3D animations, and many more.

Projects

MFA students complete a range of projects, including:

• Paper prototypes
• Creation of 2D, 3D, and virtual reality games
• 3D animations
• Other interactive media projects

History and Theory Courses

In addition to their game design courses, MFA students also take courses in the history and theory of game design, including The Ethics of Game Design. These courses provide students with a balanced education that equips them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Locations

The MFA in Game Design is available at NYFA Los Angeles.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition for the MFA in Game Design program is $20,500 per semester, with additional fees for technology, wellness services, and other expenses. The total program duration is 5 semesters.

Start Dates

Start dates for the MFA in Game Design program at NYFA Los Angeles are:

• August 2026
• January 2027

Program Schedule

The program schedule includes:

• 5 semesters of full-time study
• Advanced courses and workshops in game design and interactive storytelling
• Instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty
• Access to industry-standard equipment and software
• Exclusive guest speaker events with industry experts

International Students

Non-native English-speaking students who meet all admissions requirements for a NYFA degree program, except for English proficiency, may apply to the International Pathway Program.