Hawaii is not comparable to California or Florida when it comes to having an abundant game design and interactive media landscape. In other words, it is more compact than larger states in that category. Nonetheless, it does have decent contributions to the gaming industry. For instance, it was home to Blue Planet Software before merging with The Tetris Company in 2020. Likewise, it is becoming an artistic inspiration for games, such as The Crew: Motorfest. Most importantly, it still offers admirable pathways for students interested in building game design or gaming-related careers through some of its game design schools.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Hawaii, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings and relied on EduRank to select the best options in the state. Our focus was on identifying schools that provide the strongest preparation for professional game design careers. This approach ensures a consistent evaluation while prioritizing choices that equip students with knowledge and practical skills for the evolving gaming industry.
How to Use Our Criteria
While our list is based on statistics and facts, we acknowledge that it is not absolute and is open to interpretation. We also recognize that each student has varying needs regarding program focus, campus culture, cost, lifestyle, and the like. With that said, our rankings are solely intended to provide guidance and highlight programs that can help students land a career in game design.
Three Game Design Schools in Hawaii (2026)
University of Hawaii – West Oahu
The University of Hawaii – West Oahu offers a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media Video Game Design and Development degree. This dedicated game design program guides students through the complete game development cycle. In connection, some of the learning outcomes include being able to use visual and code-based scripting, build game prototypes, analyze game trends, create a cohesive game experience, and perform duties at par with professional or industry standards. Accordingly, graduates can pursue careers as a game designer, level designer, interactive media producer, and much more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3673 of 14,131
- US ranking: 953 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Bachelor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $20,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Hawaii at Manoa does not have a standalone game design major. Nevertheless, students can apply for game-relevant courses such as Video Game Design and Development and Narrative Game Design. These options make students efficient in designing, building, and demonstrating video games and storytelling through computer games, all of which are skills that are transferable to game design. Some possible career pathways after taking these courses are interactive developer, gameplay programmer, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 513 of 14,131
- US ranking: 159 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Hawaii Pacific University
The Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu provides a bachelor’s degree in arts with a major in Cinematic Multimedia Arts, in which learners develop design, narrative, and technical skills in animation, game design, and motion graphics. At the same time, the Computer Science department of the university offers a course in game programming. Plus, it even houses an Esports Arena, fostering bonds among students interested in gaming. With these offerings, graduates are likely to become visual designers, motion graphics artists, or even professional gamers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2756 of 14,131
- US ranking: 704 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $21,000 to over $32,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mention: Kapiʻolani Community College provides a New Media Arts track with a focus on Animation. It prepares students for 3D animation and video game development careers and can serve as a good starting point to build a foundation before opting for a four-year program.
Why Study Game Design in Hawaii?
If the objective is to have a large selection of game design schools, Hawaii may not be for you. However, if the goal is to have a respectable institution that teaches game design along with a community and scenery that makes everything work like a beauty, this state is the one. Yes, the game design offerings are limited, but they have valuable options to enter the gaming industry. In addition, the rich environment of Hawaii can be used as an inspiration for game narratives, character development, and world-building. On top of these, the state is known for having a strong community that promotes collaboration, enhancing your experience with teamwork, which is a necessity in the gaming space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Hawaii?
A: Although the university options are limited, it is not impossible to study game design in the state.
Q: Are there dedicated game design degrees in Hawaii?
A: Considering the lack of options, the program that stands out is the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media Video Game Design and Development at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu.
Q: Is there an alternative to preparing for a game design career?
A: If a university is out of the conversation, the Kapiʻolani Community College offers a New Media Arts program with a specialization in Animation, which can be used to establish a game-related foundation.
