Franklin College Launches New Game Development Program for Aspiring Local Tech Talent

Franklin College will introduce a new academic concentration in Game Development in the fall semester. This concentration, part of the software engineering major, is designed to prepare students for careers in the video game development industry, which has a market value of $185 billion. The program will include courses in programming, design, art, audio, user interface, and writing.

The development of this concentration involved contributions from Rize Education and Unity Technologies, known for its popular video game engine. The curriculum focuses on portfolio development and project-based learning, with input from industry professionals and studio heads. This method aims to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Kristin Flora, Ph.D., the dean of Franklin College, stated that the new program supports the college's commitment to liberal arts education and meets the demand for skilled game development professionals. The program also aligns with the college's goal to integrate marketable skills into a liberal arts framework.

The game development concentration is part of a larger initiative at Franklin College to improve digital fluency among students and faculty, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. received in 2020. The initiative enhances digital skills across Indiana’s higher education institutions. Students in the program will use industry-standard tools and can earn relevant certifications.

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