The Princeton Review survey also placed Abertay ninth in the world for its postgraduate gaming courses.
The university was the first in the world in 1997 to offer degree level qualifications in computer games development.
The Princeton Review surveyed 150 institutions offering game design.
The University of Malta was the only other European institution to make either list, coming in at 23rd for postgraduate courses.
Prof Gregor White, head of Abertay's school of arts, media and computer games, said:  "To be featured so highly in this prestigious ranking for a third consecutive year is testament to the hard work, dedication and excellence of my colleagues in the school and across the university.
"To make advances in both lists is an incredible achievement and is particularly pleasing in this anniversary year."
The survey included questions about academic offerings and faculty credentials to their graduates' starting salaries and employment experience.
Princeton Review editor in chief Robert Franek said: "Game design is an exciting field and programmes are springing up in colleges all over the world.
"As we continue to help students find the best programme for their needs and interests, we strongly recommend Abertay and each of the other schools that made our 2017 ranking lists."

Cpl Kylo Gorman's medals for service in Afghanistan and at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee were taken from his car in Bolton-le-Sands on 4 or 5 January.
He said he "wasn't that bothered at first", but the reaction online "got me thinking 'it is a really big deal'".
Lancashire Police said they were investigating the theft.
The Port Talbot-born 28-year-old, who has served five tours of Afghanistan, said he had left the medals in the car after removing them from a uniform he was having altered.
"I didn't think twice about them. I'm based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire during the week and when I came home and the car had been broken into, I realised my medals had gone," he said.
"I want my children to be able to look at their dad's medals and be proud of what I did," he added.
Cpl Gorman, who has also served in the Falklands, Africa and Cyprus, has been in the RAF for 10 years and is due to leave the armed forces in April.
Abertay University's computer gaming courses have been ranked the best in Europe for the third consecutive year in an annual college admissions survey.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
A RAF airman has made an appeal for the return of two stolen medals after hundreds shared his post about the theft on social media.