Since 2017 , SMU Guildhall has published 25 games on the Steam gaming platform , which are showcased alongside commercially produced titles and have garnered over a million downloads and positive reviews by gamers worldwide . In addition to publishing success , the work of our students has been recognized by game studios and publishers across the globe including Epic Games , which has routinely featured our students ' work in their semi-annual Best-Of " sizzle " reel .
SMU Guildhall Director Gary Brubaker recalls that in 2003 , the idea of getting a degree in video games and making a career in the field raised eyebrows ; it was even joked about on late-night TV talk shows .
Fast forward to 2023 , and we see expansive evidence of the impact , value , and importance of what we do . Research forecasts that the global video games market will grow to $ 521 billion in revenue with 3.1 billion users by 2027 ( Statista ). And impressive initiatives are being implemented across the world using game technology , systems , and methodologies in both research and training within the medical and mental healthcare , education , defense , and business industries — and beyond . SMU Guildhall faculty and reasearch teams have likewise been heavily involved in research initiatives regarding lifesaving cancer treatment and surgical training , adult literacy , dating violence prevention , and more .
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