The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today pointed out that the number of colleges and universities offering game design/development courses and degrees continues to rise in the U.S. There are now 254 institutions of higher learning offering these programs across 37 states and the District of Columbia.
California leads all states with 46 schools offering game degrees, while other states in the top 10 include New York (21), Texas (20), Florida (19), Illinois (16), Pennsylvania (12), Massachusetts (11), Washington (9), Georgia (8), Arizona, Michigan, and Colorado (7). The ESA noted that the increase in degree programs "reflects the growing importance of video games on the economy and culture of the United States."
“Today, video games are not only the fastest growing entertainment medium, they are also increasingly used in education and business for professional training and e-learning,” commented Rich Taylor, senior vice president for communications and industry affairs at the ESA. “These new college programs underscore the importance of the video games industry, which is well-poised to create additional employment and professional opportunities in the coming years.”
As Taylor alluded to, not only are more colleges offering game degrees, but business are using games or game-related tech for serious purposes. A study conducted last year by KRC Research indicated that 70 percent of major employers utilize interactive software, including games, to train employees. 75 percent of those businesses plan to expand their usage within the next three to five years. Apart from a game design focus, schools are starting to use games more often in their teaching curriculum as well.
