Study animation or video games – Choosing amongst the best 2D/3D VFX or video game schools

Before choosing a 3D/2D animation or video game school, it’s essential to understand the specifics of the industry. Video games and animation are dynamic and constantly evolving fields, requiring in-depth technical understanding, boundless creativity and the ability to work as part of a team.   Careers in these sectors can vary from game developer, 3D animator, character designer to special effects director. Our articles on careers in video games and 2D/3D animation can help you.  

Table of contents

Selection criteria for a good video game school, or a good 3D/2D animation school

In the ever-changing world of video games and animation, choosing the right school to train at is a crucial decision. With the growth of these industries, many institutions offer a variety of programs, but not all are created equal. Here are a few criteria to help you choose your future video game school or 2D/3D animation school, depending on your goals!

Reputation and accreditation

The school’s reputation is a key indicator. Accreditations and partnerships with industry companies can testify to the quality of teaching, but also to partners’ appreciation of the school. You can also look at testimonials, follow students from the school on social networks to see what they like or don’t like, go to visits or meetings organized by the school and ask your hosts about the subject, or take a look at the careers of alumni of the school on LinkedIn!

An established reputation

Rubika Montréal is an extension of the renowned Rubika school based in France, which stands out as a leading institution in the field of video games and animation. Rubika Montréal, itself named 2nd best 2D/3D animation school in Canada and 9th best in the world by the American website Animation career review, enjoys an international reputation for the excellence of its design, video game and animation programs. This recognition is a guarantee of quality and commitment to educational excellence.

Location

In fields as specialized and ever-changing as animation and video games, it’s best to study where the action is. Choose a 3D/2D animation or video game school located in one of the world’s major industry hubs (Tokyo, London, San Francisco, Austin, Montreal); you’ll have a better chance of getting in touch with renowned studios, and making a name for yourself early in your career by working on cutting-edge projects.

At Rubika Montréal

This is the main reason for the emergence of the Rubika Montreal campus in Canada: Montreal is an ideal location for the video game and animation industry, ranked as one of the world’s top 5 video game production centers by the Game Industry Career Guide. In addition to offering well-paid, quality jobs in the video game, animation and visual effects industries, Greater Montreal is renowned for its incomparable quality of life. The metropolis stands out as the 2nd best city in the world for millennials in the Nestpick 2018 rankings, and as one of the best destinations to live in, according to The Economist.
montreal ecole animation 3d ecole animation 2d ecole des jeux video ecole jeu video

Curriculum et specializations

A well-structured program that evolves with industry trends is essential to distinguish a video game school or 3D/2D animation school that will allow you to make your mark on the market. The opportunity to specialize, to work on group projects in the pipeline as well as in the studio, to learn the latest technology and keep abreast of industry innovations, and to work on a project-by-project basis to ensure maximum exploration and practice can be interesting assets to check out!

Innovative programs

Rubika Montréal’s programs are designed to reflect current industry needs. They offer a balanced combination of theory and practice, preparing students to meet the real challenges of the sector. At the end of each academic year, a curriculum review is carried out to ensure continuous improvement. Rubika Montréal also offers Prepa, a short 7-month program to bring you up to speed before you enter the longer programs in 2D/3D animation, VFX or video games, if you need technical help or are unsure of your preferred career direction.

Teaching staff

Experienced but above all industry-active lecturers provide invaluable insight into the sector’s challenges and opportunities. When teachers practice their profession outside the school, their programs can be nimbly adapted to market realities, and they can easily answer students’ questions about their careers.

Expert teachers

Rubika Montréal’s teaching team is made up of experienced and passionate professionals, offering students a valuable and up-to-date perspective on the industry. Our teachers can share their experiences, the challenges they face on a daily basis in their studios, and give invaluable advice to our students.

Equipment and resources

Does the video game school (or 2D/3D animation school) include equipment in the price of the courses? If not, you may have to calculate several thousand dollars more to equip yourself with a good computer, software and other art supplies required for the program. Having state-of-the-art equipment at your disposal free of charge, and having access to it at all times for a more flexible schedule in terms of school work and time for your personal projects, is a huge added value for training to current industry standards.

State-of-the-art technology

The school is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that students work with the most advanced tools and software, essential preparation for their future careers. In fact, each student has his or her own dedicated workstation on which all the software needed to complete his or her projects is installed. projets.

Networking opportunities

Industry links and internship opportunities are essential for gaining practical experience and establishing professional contacts. Companies often hire freshly graduated juniors directly from the most prestigious video game and 2D/3D animation schools. Make sure the school you choose has close ties with the big players in the industry and the video game or 2D/3D animation studios that interest you!

Connections with industry

Thanks to its strong links with the industry, Rubika offers excellent networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with leading professionals and studios. Our students have the chance to visit studios and attend lectures and workshops led by professionals.

Job placement rate

A high graduate placement rate is a strong indicator of the quality of a 2D/3D animation or video game school. Indeed, an establishment that aims to train its students for a specific profession should be able to proudly reveal its placement rate. The placement rate corresponds to the percentage of students having completed training in video games or 2D/3D animation who have subsequently landed a job in the field. A job placement rate below 80% should be a cause for concern in the industry, especially in Montreal, one of the world’s video game and animation hubs.

From Rubika Mtl to a flourishing career

Rubika Montréal boasts a placement rate of just over 90%. Rubika graduates are in high demand, and this is a testament to the quality of education and the relevance of the skills on offer here.
Double diplomas
At the end of their studies, our students obtain a double diploma, an exceptional opportunity for students wishing to maximize their professional potential on the international scene. By offering both a Canadian and a French degree, Rubika Montreal opens doors in two of the world’s most influential education systems and job markets.
International presence
Rubika is distinguished by its international presence, with campuses in France (Valenciennes and Montbéliard), India (Pune) and Reunion Island, as well as strategic partnerships in Mauritius, Kenya and Vietnam. This global footprint enriches our educational offering, providing students with a unique, global perspective. Our students benefit from opportunities for exchange and collaboration. This international presence opens the door to a vast network of professionals and alumni around the world.

Program duration

The length of the program, in the case of longer programs, can offer a more in-depth exploitation of subjects, more time for complex practical projects exploring all aspects of training, and provide a more solid and comprehensive foundation for students wishing to stand out in the job market. It may be tempting to choose a more expeditious program to enter the industry more quickly, but as we explore in these articles on video game careers and 2D/3D animation careers, there are many careers in the field, and it’s best to spend a little time at school to target your specialty and enter this fast-moving and demanding field with a solid foundation!

Feelings with the school

This is an often underestimated but essential criterion when choosing an educational institution: your gut feeling. Gut feeling refers to the general impression and feelings you get during your initial interactions with the school, whether with the administration, the teaching staff, or even during a visit to the campus. Indeed, initial contact with the school, whether by telephone, e-mail or during a visit, is indicative of its atmosphere and values. A warm ambience, welcoming and attentive staff who willingly offer individual time to advise you, and a friendly atmosphere are all signs of an environment that values student well-being, education and success. It’s important to trust your instincts and impressions when you first interact with an institution. This can provide valuable clues as to whether the school is a good match for your values, expectations and particular needs.

Personalized student follow-up at Rubika Montréal

Personalized student follow-up is a fundamental aspect of Rubika Montréal’s pedagogical approach. We firmly believe that everyone is unique, with their own strengths, challenges and aspirations, and that this too requires a unique approach. Personalized support goes beyond academic teaching to include mentoring and professional advice. Our teachers help students navigate not only their studies, but also their career choices and personal projects. A key element of our support is regular, constructive feedback. This ongoing communication ensures that students are constantly guided and can adjust their learning path accordingly.
A school on a human scale
Rubika Montréal has a student body of 200, maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere conducive to a pleasant learning environment. Each student is recognized as an individual, and supported on the path to achieving his or her aspirations. The team knows each student individually.

Student life

Those who embark on studies in video games or animation, beyond a passion for techno, are often driven by the pleasure of playing, the playful and creative aspect of the field. An environment that’s conducive to meeting people and playing, and peers who are as passionate and enthusiastic as you are, are invaluable assets not only to your success, but also to your well-being during your studies and to the creation of your social and professional circle for the future. Make sure that the school you choose promotes social clubs and student activities of all kinds, student participation in decision-making and daily school life, and a climate of mutual support.

Student life at Rubika Montréal

Your school years are the best years of your life. At Rubika Montreal, we make it happen. You’ll be surrounded by other people with a passion for video games and animation. Your school year will also be punctuated by student events organized by the BDE (Bureau des Étudiants): integration parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, laser game outings, video game and chess tournaments, etc… These activities will ensure that you don’t feel isolated, even when you’re far from your family, while giving you the chance to develop yourself without affecting your studies.  

The educational experience at Rubika Montréal

The Rubika Montreal experience is not just academic; it’s holistic. Students are encouraged to develop their creativity, work in teams and build a solid portfolio. Graduation projects are the cornerstone of their training, enabling them to produce a concrete, studio-like project of which they can be proud, and which showcases all their artistic and technical skills.

Other schools to consider

While Rubika Montréal is a prominent example, there are other notable schools around the world, such as the DigiPen Institute of Technology in the USA, ArtFX in France, and the Vancouver Film School in Canada. Each of these institutions offers unique programs and opportunities specific to its region. Other award-winning and renowned schools are also industry flagships, and will undoubtedly prove their competence and unique qualities. Ultimately, choosing the right video game school or 2D/3D animation school is a decision that must be made after thorough research and reflection on one’s career goals. Rubika Montréal, with its innovative approach, expert teaching staff and close links with industry, represents an excellent choice for those aspiring to excel in these dynamic fields. However, each student must evaluate the options according to his or her specific needs, taking into account reputation, curriculum, available resources and post-graduate career opportunities. You now have all the keys you need to make an informed choice about your future 3D, 2D or VFX animation school, or your future video game school! 😉 If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to consult our FAQ. You can also book a one-to-one meeting with a member of our team! !