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Over the past 40 years, the game industry has dramatically expanded in size, scope, and cultural significance. The University of Utah’s Games program—formerly known as the Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program—has been offering a top-ranked game-centered education for over a decade. Today, it offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Games, a Minor in Games, and a co-offered emphasis in the CS/EAE degree in partnership with the Kahlert School of Computing. While pursuing one of these degrees, students learn the fundamentals of game development, with coursework covering topics from entertainment product design theories to the creation of serious games that address health, collaboration, or social issues. These degree programs include technical coursework in computing, as well as instruction in digital game design, game art, and technical art. In the BS in Games, students take 10 Games electives, allowing them to focus on areas of personal or professional interest. They also complete additional coursework in allied fields such as digital media, storytelling, graphic design, gender studies, and management. The program culminates in a joint Capstone project, where all game development students collaborate in teams to create and publish their own video game. Student Experience Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research through lab groups associated with the Games program, such as the Center for Medical Innovation within the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Those interested in networking or social engagement may join one of the university’s gaming clubs. Gamecraft is a video game development club open to all majors, focused on creating both digital and analog games. Crimson Gaming is a competitive gaming club, also open to all majors, that hosts game nights, tournaments, and industry-related events. Career Opportunities Graduates of the Games program are well-prepared for careers in simulation, software development, animation, network architecture, edutainment, and visualization, as well as other roles within the professional gaming industry. Pursuing graduate-level education provides additional specialization opportunities and a deeper understanding of game development and design. It provides a strong foundation in mathematics, computational skills, digital experience design, and game development. Esports In 2017, the EAE program established the first varsity-level esports program among schools in a Power Five athletic conference. With robust support from EAE, the University of Utah has become a national leader in collegiate esports, initially fielding teams in four established titles. The esports program is supported by sports psychologists, nutrition and wellness coaches, and cognitive and behavioral trainers—ensuring that the Utah esports team is truly Game On.
