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ESA: Record Number of U.S. Universities Offer Game Design Courses
by Danny Cowan
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October 1, 2009
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Research conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has found that a rapidly growing number of colleges and universities in the United States are offering courses and degrees in the field of video game development.
The ESA's study found that 254 universities in 37 states and the District of Columbia currently offer classes in game design, programming, and art. The number is up from last year's findings, which noted just over 200 colleges offering similar courses.
By the ESA's count, California is home to 46 colleges and universities that conduct classes relating to video game development -- more than any other state. New York hosts 21 such colleges, Texas has 20, and 19 universities offering game development courses are based in Florida.
Rich Taylor, ESA senior vice president for communication and industry affairs, describes the increase as a result of gaming's growing prominence in business and education, as well as in the entertainment industry.
"Today, video games are not only the fastest growing entertainment medium, they are also increasingly used in education and business for professional training and e-learning," said Taylor. "These new college programs underscore the importance of the video games industry, which is well-poised to create additional employment and professional opportunities in the coming years."
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Even if there are 50k developers (not support staff), that means jobs need to grow 10% each year. Not happening. Education is great, but let's be realistic with the numbers.
Edit: I read classes as more extensive programs at first...but it still stands that there are educational institutions out there profiting off people's desire to make games.
I definitely feel you there. However, I think the entertainment software ("game") development industry is one of the few that has experienced year-over-year growth despite the global depression... at least here in America it has, anyways, and I'm referring specifically to financial growth.
When the recession lifts sometime early next year you will see a lot of growth of jobs in this industry, so at the least a higher percentage of those graduating with game development degrees will be able to find work. If not, then they'll still be able to put their skills to use in other areas.
Example: I'm attending ITT Technical Institute's DEGD degree program. The focus is primarily on game development, but many of the associates' level classes (which are prerequisite to the bachelors' level classes) focus primarily on introductory programming, math, composition, web development, non-3D animation (flash), and 2D web & print graphic production. I'm still pursuing my bachelors' DEGD degree and have a year to go but I am currently employed as an in-house graphic designer creating or modifying print/web graphics for a digital services & mammography imaging firm in central florida.
Rumor has it there are a few new game development studios opening up in the Sanford/Lake Mary area, too - just north of Orlando (aka 'The House of Mouse').