ESA reports 300 institutions offering game design classes

by Griffin McElroy on Aug 17th 2010 3:30AM

Once again, the number of institutions offering gaming industry-centric courses has seen a significant year-over-year increase. According to a study from the Entertainment Software Association, game design, art and programming courses will be taught in 300 of America's colleges, universities and trade schools during this academic year.

Unsurprisingly, California plays host to a majority of these institutions with 40 in-state schools offering game programs, with New York and Texas trailing behind with 26 and 21 schools, respectively. We guess that's why most games take place in cities like Los Angeles, New York City and Fort Worth. (Wait, you've never played a video game set in Fort Worth? Dude, you need to get with the program.)

Source: Gamasutra

Tags: college, education, esa, school, university

Reader Comments (25)

With so many people with so many ideas I can't wait for the future of gaming

@JohnnyUtah

I can't wait for them to tighten up the graphics on level 3.

@JohnnyUtah That's true, but there's also a chance it could swing the other way and become a clusterfudge of mediocrity.

@Huma

What the hell are levels?

@JohnnyUtah

GAH, the 5 sf troll is alive

Nice to see so many people tightening up the graphics on level 3.

@rTwelve

Nice.

@rTwelve
Just make sure to use the same sound effect as we did in the last level too!

What they need is to give out free acting classes. Seriously have you seen 1 of these commercials?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwlE1aASc4g

@The MARIO - Why is it that a lot of these places seem to be headquartered in Phoenix?

As for the bad acting, I'd be willing to bet that they were unpaid arts students willing to work for the minor nod on IMDB.

@BananaBoat

Yes man but Jesus me and my friends can do better, These guys probably don't even play video games.

I'd love to see a study that finds the legitimate institutions with connections to video game studios, and a degree program that will actually prepare you for a development job.

A few years back when I was applying to universities, there were no decent options for video game design. There are a few now, but the cost of the out of state tuition is hard to justify considering what an entry level game developer makes. Instead of going that route, I'm working toward a business degree with hopes of breaking into the field that way. If it doesn't work out, at least I'll be qualified to do something other than stripping (tell me I'm not the only one that saw that story?)

I'm interested; Anyone here in one of those game development programs advertised on TV? If so, have you ever met an alumnus that actually landed a job at a developer? One of the first things I did when researching my current university was research on which corporations the university had good relations with, and what sort of job placement assistance was offered. I'm wondering if the "video game design schools" advertised on TV offer anything of the sort.

@BananaBoat I feel like as is the case with most schools, game or otherwise, the ones that advertise on TV like that aren't exactly Ivy League. Judging only from knowing a few who haven't graduated, the most reputable road to go down is taking the courses at an already recognized school like the Vancouver Film School, or Rochester Institute of Technology, Rennslear Polytech

@TheDarkWayne - The reputable schools need to do a better job of marketing themselves. It's difficult to differentiate between the schools that can actually prepare you for real work, and the ones that just want your money (well...they all just want your money, but at least you get an education out of a reputable school).

Having said that, it could just be that there are far too many willing students compared to how many openings are available at these smaller schools. The fly-by-night TV schools take advantage of this and rake in a ton of cash.

"300 institutions offering game design classes [...] Unsurprisingly, California plays host to a majority of these institutions with 40 in-state schools"

Sorry guys, but 13% does not make a majority, that would require at least 50% or in this case 150+ schools.
What California has is a plurality, which is the largest subset in the grouping.