Member News

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 3, 2024) — Student gamers at the University at Albany have two new academic programs to help turn their passion into a career. 

The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) has received approval from the New York State Education Department to establish a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development and a Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development—the first graduate program focused on gaming in the SUNY system. 

Both programs will be offered through the Department of Information Sciences & Technology and launch in Fall 2025. 

The booming gaming industry

The new programs come as the gaming market, along with the demand for skilled professionals in the industry, is rapidly growing. Driven by technological advancements and a large community of players and developers, the global video game is projected to reach $293.2 billion by 2027. 

According to a February report released by the Center for Economic Growth, the Capital Region now has 20 digital gaming studios with a total of 510 workers. This includes large studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Velan Studios and WB Games New York, as well as multiple other companies that provide gaming services.

“Gaming is about more than just entertainment. It's a driving force in technology, storytelling, and innovation,” said CEHC Dean Robert Griffin. “Our unique new programs are designed to prepare students for the wide variety of careers in the digital gaming industry at a prime location in the Capital Region that is full of internships and other experiential learning opportunities, as well as potential job and career offerings.”

“The gaming market is booming and expected to keep growing with advances in technology such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality,” added CEHC Vice Dean Jennifer Goodall. “We are thrilled to offer these new programs which will position our students for careers as game designers, programmers and many other roles in this emerging industry.”

Training future game developers

The 58-credit major in game design and development offers a combination of theory, practical skills and hands-on work. Prior to graduation, students will work on real-world game development projects and create a portfolio to showcase to potential employers.

There will also be interdisciplinary course offerings in animation and digital art taught through the Department of Art and Art History and electronic music and technology taught through the Department of Music and Theatre, both in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The full list of undergraduate degree concentrations includes:

• Innovative Narrative in Game Design

• Game Programming

• Simulation & Serious Games

• Networking & Security

• Emerging Technology in Games

• AI & Game Design and Development

• Self-Designed 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our colleagues in the Department of Information Sciences & Technology and Department of Music and Theatre to mount this exciting new program,” said Daniel Goodwin, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History. “In leveraging our combined expertise, we are setting students with the aesthetic, practical and technical knowledge needed to navigate the many different aspects that make games possible.” 

The master’s program in strategic game design and applied development will offer students an advanced degree that will prepare them to lead game development environments and drive innovation within the industry.

Concentrations include: 

• Cybersecurity in Games  

• Games and Learning

• Leadership and Management in Game Production

• Game Design

• User Experience

• Self-Designed Concentration

Graduate students will complete five required courses (15 credits), a capstone experience (three credits), three concentration courses (nine credits) and three electives (nine credits).

“Upon completing this program, graduates will be well prepared to enter the game development industry,” said Carol Anne Germain, chair of the Department of Information Sciences and Technology Department. “Whether a student’s passion is game design, programming, audio, emerging technologies, or any other facet of game development, this program provides the knowledge and skills to turn their dreams into reality.”

More than just a game

The new programs add to CEHC’s expanding curriculum in gaming, which also includes a game design and development minor and undergraduate concentration, available to informatics students. 

Earlier this month, the College hosted a hackathon that brought together more than 660 gamer enthusiasts. Wolfjaw Studios, a game development studio based in Troy, concluded the event by establishing a $35,000 endowed scholarship for UAlbany students who are studying game design and development. 

SUNY is also supporting the creation of a game design lab/classroom space with AI integration that will be housed at UAlbany’s ETEC research and development complex.

In addition to academic programs, the University recently unveiled a new 4,000-square-foot arena to meet the growing needs of UAlbany Esports, which is among the country’s largest collegiate competitive video gaming programs. That facility is open to competitive gamers as well as students interested in a more casual gaming experience with their friends.