UTSA’s Game Design program is rapidly expanding with new courses, industry partners and community members. Game design is one of the cyber degrees offered under the university’s Multidisciplinary Studies Program. The degree plan, first introduced during Fall 2024, includes three focus areas: digital art and media, game programming and game studies.
The game design program assists students in creating their portfolios with hands-on experience while providing professional networking skills outside of the classroom. University College Program Manager Reyna Tostado formed a partnership with UTSA’s Student Success Center and local organizations, including Dev San Antonio and Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio.
“Right now within our Student Success Center, we have provided speakers to show the work-life balance for game developers, so they can get an inside scoop of what life will be like,” Tostado said. “They also talk about what skill sets they need within those speaking events.”
Recently, the game design program collaborated with GGSSA to host a “Global Game Jam” at the UTSA Main Campus. In this annual game development competition, teams and individuals create a video game from scratch in 48 hours. The event allows students to compete against people from over 100 countries.
“It’s a tough process,” said Diego Barron, a junior in the game design program. “And under 48 hours, it really challenges you to think and overcome barriers, especially when you’re creating a new game, to make it intriguing.”
The Global Game Jam opened a door for more collaborations with developers and the possibility of expanding the program to online modules and graduate programs.
“The San Antonio Tech Ecosystem and Tech Block are all very excited about the program, so seeing their excitement shows us how maybe we should have some graduate offerings or certificates,” Tostado said.
New courses are being added every semester and will explore a variety of topics, such as the history of the video game industry and how gameplays affect the users.
“I think it’s all about getting your foot in the door, whether it’s a game jam or networking at an event,” Tostado said. “I know the greater gaming Society they host and collaborate with a ton of other partners on events. So, getting connected, but also with programs and companies outside of UTSA while you’re still early in your career, so you have a full four years to really build on those relationships, so you’re ready to have a career when you graduate.”
Texas is one of the top 5 states for jobs in the industry and had an economic impact of $6.5 billion in 2023, which is encouraging UTSA to create and build a pipeline for this industry.
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