In the past year, the Division of Games at the University of Utah has undergone a period of extraordinary growth, cementing its status as a leading program in the field of interactive entertainment. Established in 2017, the Division’s innovative Bachelor of Science in Games has catapulted from the 11th largest major on campus in 2023 to the 8th largest in 2024, marking a significant achievement and reflecting the growing influence and appeal of game design and development.
A Year of Milestones
The Division of Games’ ascent is marked by several key milestones. This year, the program welcomed its largest cohort of graduate students into its Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE) program. This advanced degree, which focuses on preparing students for professional careers in entertainment arts and game development, highlights the increasing demand for specialized knowledge and skills in this thriving industry.
One of the most noteworthy changes for the Division of Games has been its recent move into the College of Architecture and Planning. This transition is more than just a shift in administrative structure; it represents a strategic alignment that enhances the division’s integration with other interdisciplinary and design-focused disciplines. The move to the College of Architecture and Planning allows for greater collaboration and synergy between game design and architectural principles, fostering innovative approaches to interactive and immersive environments.
Expanding Horizons with New Faculty and Global Reach
The Division of Games has also significantly expanded its faculty this year, adding three new members to its team. Among these new hires is Assistant Professor, Lecturer Jared Bruhn, the division’s first faculty member to teach at the Utah Asia Campus. This international expansion underscores the division’s commitment to global education and its growing influence beyond the borders of the United States. Lauren Buck, an expert in virtual reality and games, will join the Division in January as an assistant professor. Nina Feng, a skilled educator and scholar who has worked on the integration of games in teaching and learning, joined the department this semester as an assistant professor, lecturer, and will spearhead new efforts around teaching and learning among the Division’s teaching assistants, adjuncts, and full-time faculty.
The BS in Games at the Utah Asia campus has also experienced a dramatic increase in enrollment, with the number of Division of Games majors soaring from just 2 students in 2023 to a remarkable 46 students in 2024. This surge in enrollment at the Utah Asia Campus reflects the program’s global appeal and the university’s dedication to providing high-quality education in game design and development on an international scale.
Michael Young, Chair of the Division of Games, reflects on this transformative year with enthusiasm. “Our growth and achievements this year are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Moving into the College of Architecture and Planning not only strengthens our interdisciplinary approach but also opens new avenues for collaboration and innovation. We’re excited about the future and committed to continuing our mission to advance the field of game development. The dramatic increase in global enrollment and the expansion of our graduate undergraduate enrollments in Salt Lake are a strong indicator of a continued trajectory of success.”
Looking Ahead
The Division of Games at the University of Utah continues to set the bar high for excellence in interactive entertainment education. In 2024, the Division was ranked #1 among US public universities by US News and World report, and Princeton Review ranked the program #1 at the undergraduate level and #2 at the graduate level for public universities worldwide. The program’s rapid rise in campus rankings, the expansion of its graduate offerings, and its strategic relocation to the College of Architecture and Planning all signal a bright future ahead.
This year begins a major investment from the Office of the President at the U, with support of $25 million dollars to grow the Division’s research capacity. The Division will seek to hire four or more tenure-line faculty and several career-line teaching faculty this year through this support, as well as expand its research and teaching lab facilities. The Division hopes to add two more teaching faculty at the Utah Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea, as well.
By fostering an environment that blends innovative design with cutting-edge technology, the Division of Games is not only advancing the field of game development but also preparing its students to lead and innovate in this ever-evolving industry. As the gaming world continues to grow and change, the University of Utah’s Division of Games remains at the forefront, shaping the future of interactive entertainment and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.