Jacksonville University is now offering an interdisciplinary program in the emerging field of game design , combining new and existing courses in computing science and media arts . It will be the only such four-year program in the region for students looking to enter the growing industry .
The bachelor of science program will prepare students for the complexities of working in interactive media with an emphasis on game design , programming and visualization skills . New courses in game development , design , production , strategies and interface will supplement existing courses in media arts and computing science .
Students will learn to develop console , mobile and VR structures for a variety of industry applications . They ’ ll enter the workforce as software developers and engineers , game developers , UI / UX developers and more .
“ By combining our already-successful programs in computing science and media arts , we ’ re able to provide students with an innovative interdisciplinary program in game design ,” said Bill Hill , professor of media arts . “ With a brand new , top-of-the-line space in the STEAM Institute , our game design students will have only the best resources available to them as they navigate through the program and move on to high-paying jobs after graduation .”
According to Newzoo , a leading provider of gaming industry data and analytics , the global game industry is expected to generate $ 200 billion in revenue in 2023 , with growth in mobile gaming leading the industry ’ s expansion .
Jacksonville University is partnering with the Unity platform for game development and delivery . Unity is the leading video game engine – the complete solution for professionals to create and operate real-time 3D experiences . The power of an entire ecosystem of tools , support , and community is leveraged into student ’ s hands to achieve better results , faster .
The interdisciplinary game design program is housed in the STEAM Institute , opening this year in the newly renovated building . As part of the reimagined space , game design students utilize a state-of-the-art animation studio . The instructional and post-production space allows students to bring ideas to life using 3D modeling .
BY KATIE GARWOOD