Las Vegas boasts a reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World. It is famous for high-stakes gambling, luxurious casino resorts, fine dining, and neon-lit nightlife. However, this energy has not fully translated into a large traditional video game industry, despite being home to a handful of game studios, such as EQ Studios, JV Games, and Utopos Games.
With that said, the city still plays a role in the broader gaming sector, particularly in casino game development. As a result, the type of game-related education available at the game design school in Las Vegas is often connected to interactive media and gaming innovation rather than traditional video game design. Nonetheless, there are alternative programs that provide foundational skills for students who want to pursue video game design careers.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Las Vegas, Nevada, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings, and we relied on EduRank to select the best options in the city. 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.
Top Game Design School in Las Vegas, Nevada (2026)
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s main game design offering is not a traditional game design program. Through the International Gaming Institute, the school houses the Center for Gaming Innovation, which delivers a specialized game design program focused on casino innovation. In detail, the classes will introduce students to the realm of casino games, particularly to the aspect of designing, creating, patenting, and commercializing gambling technologies. The game development aspect of this program will be on lottery, online social games, slots, sports betting, and table games.
In contrast, students who aim to enter the traditional video game design industry can apply for a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Media degree, which is also offered at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Its rigorous curriculum features courses, such as Design Fundamentals, Design & Media Studio, Web and User Interface Design, Animation, and Motion Graphics. As preparation for the design and creative visual media fields, the program will focus on experiential design learning and technical skills.
With regard to possible career pathways, Center for Gaming Innovation classes can lead to careers in casino game technology and the like. On the other hand, the possible careers after completing the BS degree are motion graphics specialist, animator, graphic designer, concept artist, and more.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 436 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 138 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Las Vegas: 1 of 3
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation rate: 50%
Tuition and fees at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas range from about $8,000 to over $25,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Why Study Game Design in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Las Vegas offers a unique environment for game-related education due to its deep connection to the global casino and entertainment industries. More specifically, students will benefit from a program that combines commercial game development, simulation, and entertainment technology. Meanwhile, those interested in traditional game design programs will have to opt for offerings that cover relevant coursework. Nevertheless, the city has companies and studios in both the casino and interactive media sectors, providing potential career opportunities for students in either pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to study game design in Las Vegas?
A: Yes, students can study game design in Sin City, but it will not be in the traditional sense, as the program here is tied to the city’s gaming environment.
Q: What is the top gaming-related program in Las Vegas?
A: One of the primary gaming-related opportunities in the area is the Center for Gaming Innovation classes at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas.
Q: Are there online game design courses in the city?
A: Unfortunately, there are no available online programs in Las Vegas. Students would have to turn to Henderson to apply for an online video game design training course at Nevada State University.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Please note that statistics can fluctuate over time due to updates and real-world changes.
