Comprehensive game studies prepare students for the industry
Source: Breda University of Applied Sciences - Academy of Digital Entertainment

The gaming industry is currently exploding, as technology becomes even more advanced with the rise of cloud-based technologies and mobile gaming.

According to Variety, “The video games market could become a $300 billion industry by 2025, with the growth of mobile gaming and innovative offerings, like cloud gaming,” according to a new report from GlobalData.

“In 2018, the video games market generated $131 billion, with mobile gaming outpacing revenue made by pc and console gaming.

“Looking ahead, the biggest revenue drivers anticipated continue to be mobile gaming, as well as innovative technology like cloud gaming and VR gaming.”

No longer seen as a frivolous waste of time or a way to keep kids entertained, more adults are also playing games today to relieve stress and pass the time – a pursuit made more accessible thanks to smartphones and iPads.

In the US, approximately 65 percent of adults play video games, according to a report by the Entertainment Software Association. Each year, the percentage of Americans who play games has increased.

Source: Breda University of Applied Sciences – Academy of Digital Entertainment

“The study shows that these individuals represent a cross-section of the American population and are diverse, active, engaged in their communities, and see video games as a positive force in society,” it writes.

“In fact, more than three-quarters reported that video games provide them with mental stimulation (79 percent) as well as relaxation and stress relief (78 percent).”

There are multiple job opportunities in this booming industry for gaming programmers, artists and designer/producers.

Game programming, visual art and design all have a demand for employees. Consequently, game studies and courses are becoming more popular due to the industry’s rapid growth.

At Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, both Bachelor and Master-level degrees are offered to students who are interested in the field.

The university recently moved up five spots to No.4 in the Global Top Ten of The Rookies rankings 2019, also earning the Best Educational Institute in Europe award from Grads in Games.

Preparing students for a range of jobs through game studies

The Creative Media and Game Technologies degree at Breda University of Applied Sciences is a comprehensive +AAA gaming course where graduates can gain employment in regular positions within the video games industry, as well as special effects (VFX), web-based games and mobile games development.

It’s PlayStation’s first Academic Partnership programme, and the school is Houdini-certified. Houdini is the industry-standard software used for visual effects in gaming and film.

The programming knowledge and skills acquired in this degree is equivalent to those learned in a four-year computer science degree.

Students are trained in creative, technological and commercial skills so they are prepared for a career in a field which requires broad knowledge of game development and skills in their area of expertise such as 3D visual arts, high-end video game development, animation, audio, gameplay, level design, production or programming.

 
Taught by award-winning faculty members from companies such as Ubisoft, Rockstar, Guerilla and many others, students learn through engaging game studies and become well-versed in the latest industry trends.

For students who want to delve further into advanced game studies and already have a few years of work experience in industry, the Master Game Technology is ideal.

The programme was developed in collaboration with the international game industry to enable students to analyse research and development from different angles, as well as actively research and develop possible solutions.

It prepares graduates to become leaders in the gaming industry, as the programme was designed after industry partners asked the university to train students with high-level skills in researching, testing, and resolving contemporary issues related to the content, creation and culture of video games.

Students are also exposed to up-to-date knowledge through guest lectures from a variety of global industry experts who cover current research practices in game studios.

Upon graduation, students are equipped with thorough research skills and strong communication skills, positioning them as experts in the field.

Source: Breda University of Applied Sciences – Academy of Digital Entertainment

Acquiring skills to become innovative in the gaming industry

Students also learn how to become self-driven individuals through the educational structure of the programme.

The Role-Based Learning and Project Based Learning (PBL) aspects of the Bachelor programme allow students to gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to complex questions, problems or challenges.

This enables them to become innovative, analytical individuals who can use the resources around them to find solutions and create new concepts.

During the four years of the programme, students work in a simulated game development studio on different game projects, where most of their time is spent working in groups and attending workshops.

Similarly, in the Master programme, courses are designed to teach students how to think critically about research methodologies and game-related research.

The course also strongly promotes innovative thinking and taking ownership of one’s own learning so graduates can become independent thinkers with the ability to lead teams.

For innovative game studies that prepare students for exciting and thriving careers in the gaming industry, Breda University of Applied Sciences is the place to be.

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