Games

Program Description

Over the past 40 years, the game industry has dramatically increased in size, scope, and cultural impact. The University of Utah’s Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program has been offering a top-ranked game-centered education for over a decade and today offers both a BS in Games, a Minor in Games, and a co-offered emphasis with the Kahlert School of Computing in the CS/EAE degree. While pursuing one of these degrees, students will learn the basics of game making, where topics range from entertainment product design theories to the creation of serious games which address health, collaboration, or social needs. These degrees offer technical coursework in computing, as well as training in digital game design, game art, and technical art. In the BS in Games, students will take 10 EAE electives where they can focus on their chosen area of interest. Students will also complete additional coursework in allied fields related to EAE such as digital media, storytelling, graphic design, gender studies, and management. The pinnacle of the program is a joint Capstone project in which all game development students will work in teams to make and publish their own video game.

The Student Experience

Take part in the exciting research offered by the lab groups associated with Games, such as the Center for Medical Innovation within the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Students who wish to network or socialize may join one of the U’s gaming clubs. Gamecraft is a video game development club open to all majors, with an emphasis on creating both digital and analog games; Crimson Gaming is a competitive gaming club open to all majors, which hosts game nights, competitive events, and industry opportunities; AFK is a service club open to all EAE majors in which members can participate in service projects that benefit the community.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, students with a degree in game development are prepared for careers in simulation, software development, animation, network architecture, edutainment, and visualization, as well as other positions within the professional gaming industry. Additional education at the graduate level allows students to specialize in a focus area, and offers increased knowledge in game development and design.

Esports

In 2017, EAE created the first varsity-level esports program from any school in a Power Five athletic conference. With strong support from EAE, the University of Utah is leading the nation in collegiate esports, fielding an initial roster competing across four established games. Supported by sports psychologists, nutrition and wellness coaches, and cognitive and behavioral trainers the Utah esports team is Game On.

More Info

• Entertainment Arts & Engineering
• Price College of Engineering
• Department Advising
• Career & Professional Development Center

Catalog

• Games BS
• Games Minor

Exploratory Classes

• COMP 1010 – Programming for All 1: Beginning Program
• DES 2615 – Intro to Design Thinking
• EAE 1010 – Survey of Games