With the recent successes that the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point’s Computing and New Media Technologies’ (CNMT) recognition by Princeton as one of the Top 50 Game Design schools in the nation, I was recently interviewed by the Stevens Point Journal about the recognition. Below is the article, written by Brittany Linenberg
UWSP Computer Game Design Program Among Top 50
By Brittany Linenberg
March 15, 2010
Do you want to design the next “World of Warcraft” or “Madden 2010″?
Stevens Point is the place for you.
The five-year-old gaming development program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been named one of the top 50 undergraduate programs for studying computer game design.
“This is a great honor and says a lot about what we do,” said Anthony Ellertson, an assistant professor of Web and Digital Media Development at UWSP.
UWSP offers three classes on gaming design, one of which focuses specifically on game development. Students in that class are required to work in groups and construct their own video game.
“A lot of time was spent on advanced animation and programming,” said Brett Widmann, a senior at UWSP majoring in Web development and computer information systems.
The students split into groups and had to create a storyline, design and animation for their game.
“UWSP has an advantage because the labs that students work in are well-funded,” said Ellertson. “Students have the resources necessary to be successful in the program.”
Another aspect of UWSP’s program that sets it apart is its focus toward online gaming development and the mobile game market. According to Ellertson, over the next five years the program will move very deeply into mobile devices, tablet devices, and Web applications.
“We stay on top of what is happening,” said Ellertson.
Aside from the gaming development course, there is a gaming theory class and a history of gaming class that familiarize students with the gaming industry. Widmann said these classes are valuable for anyone in the Web development program even if they do not plan to pursue a gaming development career.
Although he may not go directly into the gaming development field, Widmann said the concepts learned in the gaming development class will definitely be used in his career after he graduates in December.
“The foundational skills learned will help me in all areas of computing,” said Widmann.
There currently are 160 students at UWSP who are pursuing a major or minor in the Web development program. Graduates have gone on to work for top companies such as Nickelodeon, Disney and Cartoon Network.
To view the original article, click here.
Finally, Dan Neckar’s article that was written for the Pointer can also be found on the Central Wisconsin Hub website. Congrats, Dan!
Again I’d like to thank everyone who has made all of this possible!
