Program Overview

Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Game Design

The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Game Design is offered at the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles campus. This 16-month, four-semester program provides students with fundamental skills in game design, game analysis, programming, and story.

Overview

During the AFA program, students form digital game studios with classmates, gaining real-world experience and training in agile development methodology and professional tools. Throughout the Game Studio course, which includes mentorship from faculty and advisors, students create a functioning digital game per semester.

Faculty Highlights

The program features experienced faculty, including Brandii Grace, the Los Angeles Chair, who shares insights into the game design industry.

Alumni

Notable alumni include Francesco Panzieri, a Visual Effects Artist, and Alexandra LoRusso, a 3D Animation & VFX Artist.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• The framework to create a project per 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

The AFA Degree in Game Design and Development at NYFA Los Angeles is a 16-month, four-semester program.

Projects

During their time at NYFA, game design students create a variety of original content, including four functioning digital games for their personal portfolio. These games are created in collaboration with classmates and mentors.

History of Visual Arts Courses

AFA students take select History of Visual Arts courses that support the Game Design curriculum.

Locations

The AFA in Game Design program is offered at NYFA Los Angeles, located at 3300 W Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505.

Program Schedule and Tuition

The program schedule and tuition are as follows:

• Location: Los Angeles
• Program Start Date and End Date: August 2026 – December 2027
• Tuition: $19,500 per semester
• Departmental Program Fee: $1,500 per semester
• Program Duration: 4 semesters
• Additional Fees:
  • Technology Fee: $80 per semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 per semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee: $150 (domestic students), $200 (international students)
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee: $200 (first semester), $120 (subsequent semesters)

Featured Content

The program features various guest speakers and industry events, including:

• NYFA Game Design Faculty: Interview with Brandii Grace
• New York Film Academy Named Top 25 School for Game Design & Animation
• A Conversation With NYFA Alum Jeffrey Lay on What It's Like to Create a Video Game Funded by a Kickstarter Campaign
• Masters of Game Design Series: Exploding Kittens Creator Elan Lee Shares His Story with NYFA
• Masters of Game Design Series: Bill Roper Talks Games With NYFA

Student Showcase

The program showcases student work, including games and projects created during the program.

Accreditation and Approval

The New York Film Academy is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).