Michigan State University becomes a Video Game Design School

Starting in September 2005, MSU is offering a new specialization program in video games, in response to the ever-burgeoning video game industry. The two-year video game design program is geared toward students who are majoring in computer science, telecommunications and studio arts. While many of the courses were already part of MSU's curriculum, they have now been packaged into a full-fledged video game design program.

The current generation of college students has grown up on video games and many of them are very interested in the game field for their careers. Game development is growing as the technology advances and sales of top-selling games are fueling increases in the industry. The average game now costs $20 million to produce and U.S. sales of video game consoles and software were $9.9 billion in 2004.

MSU's program will only accommodate 80 students when the program launches, but it may grow in response to high demand. Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours for a several courses that cover topics including video game design, the history of video games and cultural influences of video and computer gaming. Of course not everyone who enjoys playing video games will enjoy the often stressful career of making them, but for many it may be a dream come true that can start as early as their years at a major university.

Most of the colleges that offer full degrees in video games are technical or art schools (for example, Devry and Digipen). Michigan State's entrée into the market, one of the first by an acclaimed state university, may be a sign of the times.