Back to top

Video games aren’t just entertainment – they’ve evolved into complex software systems that push the limits of what computers can accomplish. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation prepares you to build and optimize the technology at the core of these systems – from graphical algorithms to level editors to physics engines.

Jump to Section

Through an in-depth study of mathematics, physics, and computer science – combined with real-world projects where you design and program your own fully playable games from start to finish – this program transforms you into an efficient software developer, able to understand, communicate, and solve problems at every stage of the development process.

Developers from all over the world have made their marks on the video game industry after earning a BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation degree from DigiPen. Will you join them?

Request Information
Pre-Apply Online

Who Should Pursue This Degree?

If you want to develop the software technology that makes video games and interactive worlds possible, the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation program can help get you there. Students have landed positions working on AAA video games right out of DigiPen as skilled programmers, producers, and more. While the program is specifically focused on the computer science skills and graphics technologies used to create cutting-edge 3D games and simulations, as a graduate of the program you will have the skills and experience necessary to develop all manner of software applications.

As a student in this program, you will:

  • Become a Proficient Software Engineer

    Dive deep into core programming languages as you tackle coursework in data structures, graphics rendering, computer networks, and more.

  • Create 2D and 3D Simulations from the Ground Up

    Work with teams to design and develop 2D and 3D video games and simulation software, starting with your own engine technology.

  • Gain Experience in a Collaborative Studio Environment

    Learn how to collaborate with others on a shared codebase as you solve problems and tackle the challenges of game software development.

Academic Roadmap

As a student in this program, you will split your time between courses in mathematics, physics, and computer science and team-based project classes that will allow you to collaborate with students from other disciplines. Each course will build on your foundational knowledge, while the project coursework will give you the opportunity to apply your education in a setting that emulates the professional studio environment.

View a sample course sequence

Admissions Requirements

In order to apply for the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation program, you should have a strong foundation in math, science, and problem-solving. You’ll need to have completed precalculus (or its equivalent) prior to attending DigiPen Europe-Bilbao. Additional coursework in computer science and physics is recommended but not required.

View all requirements

Topics Covered

Students in the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation program will learn how to:

  • Program a variety of simulations and games, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional games.
  • Draft game design and technical design documents to aid in the scheduling and organizational aspects of game production.
  • Implement efficient graphical user interfaces (GUIs), including the management of windows, menus, and dialog boxes.
  • Create robust artificial intelligence algorithms to serve as the cognitive processes for computer-controlled game objects.
  • Apply concepts such as computer networks, TCP/IP, and internet programming to a multiplayer video game environment.

Student Projects

Multidisciplinary team projects make up a core component of the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation curriculum. As a student in the program, you will work with your classmates on a series of original game projects. In addition to building your own 2D and 3D graphics technology from scratch, you’ll have the chance to take on team roles in gameplay programming, artificial intelligence, game design, and other areas—applying classroom concepts toward tangible software products. These are just a few examples of what students in the program have created.

Career Outlook

BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation graduates can pursue a variety of entry- and intermediate-level positions in software engineering, especially in video game development.

Potential Careers

Engine and Tools Programmer

In general, an engine or tools programmer creates customized software systems (such as a level editor or scripting language) that will be used by other developers on the team to create game assets, or just make the overall development process more efficient.

Software Architect

The software architect is responsible for designing the high-level structure for a development project and making decisions related to technical standards. Essentially, the software architect creates the “blueprints” for the project’s codebase.

Gameplay Programmer

The gameplay programmer is responsible for implementing the mechanical features and systems of a video game, often working with designers to turn ideas into working, moving parts.

Entry-Level Job Titles

  • Software Engineer

  • Software Development Engineering in Test

  • Software Analyst

  • Computer Programmer

  • Gameplay Programmer

  • Artificial Intelligence Programmer

  • User Interface Programmer

  • Tools Programmer

  • Game Scripter

  • Technical Designer

  • System Designer

  • Level Designer

  • Content Designer

  • Encounter Designer

  • Game Designer

Senior-Level Job Titles

  • Lead Engineer

  • Lead Designer

  • Technical Director

  • Creative Director

  • Director

Other/Related Job Titles

  • Producer

  • Program Manager

  • Technical Program Manager

Alumni Stories

Jokin Bilbao smiling and standing next to an old military tank, wearing a Bohemia Interactive jacket during a visit to a military exhibition.

Read Article

Three alumni craft military simulation games at Bohemia Interactive: Arma Reforger and Vigor

Mikel Sertutxa, Jonathan Cáceres, and Jokin Bilbao, RTIS graduates, share their experience working at Bohemia Interactive, the Czech company behind games like the Arma series and DayZ.

The alumni Mateo Couso, Kerman Munitxa and Aitor Aginaga, in CAF Signaling.

Read Article

From gaming to railways: How DigiPen Alumni Aitor Aginaga, Kerman Munitxa and Mateo Couso are innovating in CAF Signalling

Three DigiPen Europe-Bilbao alumni now work at CAF Signalling, applying their video game programming skills, like C++ and real-time systems, to automating trains and metros.

DigiPen alumnus Jon Zapata leans against a railing set against a city skyline next to water

Read Article

Jon Zapata Pushes Physics Research Through the Power of Simulation

DigiPen graduate Jon Zapata creates simulations for scientific applications at the Donostia International Physics Center.

Learn More

Speak with an Admissions Representative

Want to learn more about DigiPen Europe-Bilbao? Fill out our information request form or contact us through WhatsApp, and one of our admissions representatives will promptly follow up with you by phone or email.

Request Information
Connect on Whatsapp