Emerson College Expands Game Design Curriculum to Meet Industry Demand

As the video game industry continues to soar, reaching an estimated $200 billion in value, Emerson College is taking proactive steps to expand its game design and development curriculum. This strategic move aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in this rapidly growing field, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.

Unlocking the Potential of Interactive Storytelling

Bridging the Gap Between Cinematic and Interactive Experiences

Emerson College's Visual & Media Arts Chair, Shaun Clarke, recognizes the growing demand for professionals who can seamlessly blend cinematic techniques with interactive game design. "The skills needed to make a movie overlap a lot with skills to put together a video game," he explains. "When you play a video game nowadays, they are extremely cinematic. It takes people familiar with cinematic language to operate and be effective in the video game space."This convergence of cinematic and interactive elements has opened up new avenues for storytelling and immersive experiences. Students at Emerson are eager to explore this intersection, as they recognize the vast potential it holds for creating captivating and engaging narratives within the gaming realm.

Analog Foundations for Digital Mastery

Before delving into the digital realm, Emerson's game design curriculum lays a solid foundation in analog game design. VMA Associate Professor Sara Zaidan teaches courses that cover the fundamental tenets of game design, including the challenge, rule-making, and the elements of a successful game. These principles apply equally to both analog and digital game development, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the design process.In Zaidan's classes, students have the opportunity to put these principles into practice by creating innovative games, such as the "Difficult Hopscotch" game showcased at the Emerson-facilitated Day of UnCommon Play. This hands-on experience not only hones their design skills but also allows them to explore the nuances of game mechanics and player interaction.

Embracing the Digital Frontier

To complement the analog foundations, Emerson is also expanding its digital game design curriculum. Laurie Mazza, a new Visual & Media Arts Assistant Professor, has joined the faculty to help students navigate the digital realm. Her expertise in game engines, scripting, and immersive technologies, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.Mazza's approach emphasizes the importance of developing a "real-world mindset" in game design, encouraging students to embrace the flexibility to change course or pivot their ideas as needed. This adaptability is crucial in the fast-paced game development industry, where tight deadlines and unexpected challenges often require designers to think on their feet.

Harnessing the Power of Immersive Experiences

Emerson's game design curriculum also benefits from the expertise of VMA Professor John Craig Freeman, who specializes in augmented reality and virtual reality. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies into the program, students can explore the boundless possibilities of creating immersive and interactive experiences that captivate audiences.The expansion of Emerson's game design and development curriculum is poised to have a significant impact on the stories, creations, and audiences that students can reach. "This has the potential to immensely impact what our students can create, stories they can tell, and audiences they can reach," says Zaidan. "It's a very strong tool as media makers and storytellers."As the video game industry continues to evolve and grow, Emerson College's commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge positions them as a leader in preparing the next generation of game design and development professionals.