NYC University Unveils Bachelor's Degree in Digital Game Design

Video games are a major aspect of modern media. Theres no denying that. And now, the City of New York recognizes that fact, creating a new university program for a degree in game design.

Announced on the NYC government website (caught by GI.biz), the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has announced a new, already funded course coming to the City University of New York. The program will provide students with a public and affordable option to get a Bachelors degree in the video game industry, while also promoting the city as a game development location and to diversify the gaming field.

New York City has always been the centre of innovation, but it is time that New York City level up and finally become a leader in the digital gaming space. It's time to take advantage of all the talent we have here in New York by investing in the future of gaming, explained Adams.

This is expanded on by University president Vincent Doudreau, who sees the media format as something engrained in how we take in media today.

Young people in our communities, growing up in an environment where gaming and digital consumer skills are ubiquitous, are exquisitely prepared to make gaming a pathway to solid careers for themselves and supporting economic development for the city.

Funding for the course comes from part of a recent $2 million investment in the Universitys Career Pathways program, which comes from the Mayor's Office for Media and Entertainment (MOME).

Degrees in the games industry aren't exactly new. Plenty of places offer courses in things like game design, development, art, and music. One issue, however, was WHO was offering them. At first, such programs were only offered by private universities, which can be exclusive and expensive compared to public colleges. Those seeking such degrees were often left with scarce selection within their livable range. With all of that in consideration, paired with the level of fame that New York City has in the United States, its a fantastic opportunity. Even so, the more places of education that offer game industry courses, the better, we say.