One of the emerging game design cities in Arizona is Phoenix. While it is yet to house several game design schools and major AAA studios, the city does have reputable offerings. For instance, it has some educational institutions that develop skills essential to the game industry. Likewise, Phoenix serves as a key location for a few independent game companies, such as Breakthrough Gaming and Grey Dog Software.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Phoenix, Arizona, 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 Schools in Phoenix, Arizona (2026)
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University gives students two pathways to enter the game industry as professionals. Its main offering is a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degree. The curriculum is designed to train students in creating user-centered experiences for various platforms by honing their artistic and strategic skills. Some of the core courses include Game Design, Introduction to Gaming, Visual Art for Games, Introduction to Game Engines, 2D Motion Design, and many more. The duration of the program varies — 15 weeks for the on-campus format and seven weeks for the online format.
For a more technical focus, students can apply for a Bachelor of Science in Game Development degree program. This option is also offered in-campus and online, and covers multiple game development aspects, such as 2D/3D graphics, AI, animation, game engine architecture, and software development. Students will also benefit from hands-on experiences when taking courses like Virtual Reality and Game Development, Mobile Game Development, AI for Game Developers, and others.
Graduates will become professionals and will possess practical knowledge and skills for careers in game design and game development.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 2698 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 688 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Phoenix: 1 of 6
- Control: Private for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
Tuition and fees at Grand Canyon University range from about $10,000 to over $16,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Paradise Valley Community College
Paradise Valley Community College has an active Associate in Applied Science in Video Game Production degree, which helps learners become familiar with planning, designing, and producing games. Additionally, the curriculum allows students to specialize in audio and sound, game art, narrative, or scripting and coding, which comes as certificates of completion. Upon completion of the program, students can pursue careers as character animators/modelers, environment artists, game designers, game developers, game writers, level designers, and others.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: N/A (not yet reported)
- Current ranking in the United States: N/A (not yet reported)
- Current ranking in Phoenix: N/A (not yet reported)
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: N/A (not yet reported)
- Acceptance rate: N/A (not yet reported)
- Graduation Rate: N/A (not yet reported)
Tuition and fees data for Paradise Valley Community College have not been published by the ranking and data provider (Edurank).
Why Study Game Design in Phoenix, Arizona?
Phoenix, despite not having several options for game design schools, delivers a quality selection. With a balanced combination of university programs and community college pathways, the acquisition of foundational game design knowledge and skills is a sure thing. Plus, relatively lower tuition and fees make schools here more appealing and student-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Phoenix provide game design education for interested students?
A: Yes. The city offers formal degrees and related coursework in game design through its universities.
Q: Which program is the most focused on dedicated game design?
A: Students who are looking for a standalone game design program should enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design at Grand Canyon University.
Q: Are there online options for game design studies in Phoenix?
A: Yes, Grand Canyon University allows game design students to take a game design program in an online format.
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.
