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 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.