NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts is opening up a brand new bachelor’s program in game design. Twenty NYU students are going to be accepted into the program this January, which will educate them in how to create videogames as artistic experiences. 40 first year applicants will be let in afterward in Fall of 2015.
The fact that game design is being recognized by the academic world is awesome. However, the program itself may be slightly problematic. It’s probably a great program, don’t get me wrong, however up until now game developers have been hiring designers that have not ever completed college work in game design. Many of these students are likely looking at this program as a fast track to a career in game design, however game design careers tend to come about through practical experience. So I think there is going to be a rude awakening for many of these students once they dip their foot into the boiling ocean that is the gaming industry.
That being said, if the program is well designed it might emphasize the need for practical experience. Perhaps even better, it can set up students with game design internships that could eventually lead to a career in the industry, and that’s always a plus.
Source: New York Times