Pratt Institute’s Associate Degree Programs in the School of Art will launch a two-year Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Game Design and Interactive Media (GDIM) starting in fall 2017.
The forward-thinking degree program will provide students with the key skills and knowledge needed to meet the burgeoning demand in the field for creative professionals who are fluent across the entire landscape of digital and analog game design. Leveraging Pratt’s creative strengths as a leader in art and design education, the curriculum specializes in gaming from an artistic standpoint, and will cover game design, production, artistry, interactivity, prototyping, and programming. It is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the work field, either with an established company or as an independent game designer.
“It is a tremendously exciting time for creative professionals entering the field of game design, with the success of independent designers and emerging new platforms,” said Susan Young, chair of the Associate Degree programs. “The industry is evolving to offer opportunities along a continuum of digital and analog games, from photorealistic digital experiences, to hybrid digital and physical games such as Pokémon Go, to traditional board games. This program equips students with the creative tools, conceptual foundation, and practical skills needed to thrive and innovate in this new landscape.”
The multidisciplinary nature of the new Game Design and Interactive Media program also stresses software and production skills that have applications in the game design industry and the medical, web, therapeutic, and architectural industries as well as in education. Throughout, the program will embrace the complexity of gameplay by encouraging students to collaborate and create innovative new gaming configurations.
“Pratt has an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Both are essential to great game design, and will be integral to the success of the next generation of game designers who will lead and transform the field with new ideas that span multiple platforms and environments,” said Glen Schofield (B.F.A. ‘83), Pratt alumnus and co-founder of Sledgehammer Games.
The program comprises 67 credits, to be taken over the course of four semesters.
Learn more about the Game Design and Interactive Media degree program.