<p>Computer games use most of the same concepts that other computer software uses:</p>
<ul>
<li>they need efficient algorithms to keep time and space use down</li>
<li>they interact with the operating system, like all programs</li>
<li>they use the network to contact other players and the game world</li>
<li>they store state in a database that needs to be accessed and changed efficiently</li>
<li>they need security against cheaters</li>
<li>they need to be designed and developed with a reasonable software engineering process</li>
</ul>
<p>Of course, they may make more use of graphics and artificial intelligence than many other types of computer software.</p>
<p>So a computer science degree program that includes courses which cover the above concepts should be good preparation for game software development. Add some art and physics (mechanics) courses as well.</p>