The Entertainment Software Association reported this week that more colleges and universities than ever are offering degrees and certificate programs in video game design, programming, and art.
According to the organization, 254 institutions currently offer programs focused on video game creation. Notably, the University of Pennsylvania offers a master's degree in computer graphics and game technology. The ESA said 54 programs have been added since 2008, representing a 27 percent increase in the number of video game-related degree programs across the United States.
"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," Rich Taylor, senior vice president for communications and industry affairs at the ESA, said in a statement. "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."
The ESA found that California has the most video game-related degrees, with 46 institutions offering programs. New York, Texas, and Florida follow California, with institutions offering 21, 20, and 19 programs, respectively.
The increase in the number of video game-related degree programs might have something to do with the industry's growth over the past decade. According to the ESA's 2009 Essential Facts about Computer and Video Games booklet, "68 percent of American households now play video games, and 42 percent of American homes have a video game console."
The organization also cited a poll conducted for it by KRC Research, claiming that "70 percent of major employers utilize interactive software, including games, to train employees. And 75 percent of these businesses plan to expand their usage within the next three to five years."
So it seems that it might be a good time for students to entertain a video game degree. And if the ESA's contention that more schools are planning to add gaming programs is true, students might soon have many more options to choose from when they pursue a career in the industry.
If you could start from scratch, would you pursue a career in the game industry, joining one of these programs? Let us know in the comments below.
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A story in The New York Times yesterday reports that the video game industry has finally woken up and realized that in order to stay strong going forward, it can't rely on 13-year-old pimple-faced kids to promote its agenda.
According to the report, Michael D. Gallagher, chief executive of the Entertainment Software Association, the industry's lobbying arm in Washington, told the Times that its political action committee (PAC) will be up and running by the end of March and will represent Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, among others.
We will be writing checks to campaigns by the end of this quarter," Mr. Gallagher said. "This is an important step in the political maturation process of the industry that we are ready to take now. This is about identifying and supporting champions for the game industry on Capitol Hill so that they support us."
Am I the only person who thinks it's about time this industry has woken up and realize that political payoffs are the only way to get somewhere in this country? If you want to finally destroy these idiots who think we should kill creativity in video games, look no further than your friendly congressman from the 10th district with his hat in hand.
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