Brock’s video game program

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A new program at Brock University is creating a lot of buzz. The university’s game program is set to launch this September. Not only will students be playing video games as a part of their course load, but the program helps students create their own games, which could one day be sold on store shelves.

Katia Tarasuk, a grade 12 high school student secured one of 50 spots at Brock’s new game program. Over 360 people applied for the one-of-a-kind program.
“We thought we got some interest, but we are a little astonished about the amount, which is a lot higher than we expected.” Michael Winter, Program Director.

The idea of a video game specific program first popped into program director Michael Winter’s head almost 8 years ago. Thanks to a partnership with Niagara College students can earn a university degree and an advanced college diploma in just 4 years. Students will not only be behind the controls, but also the design.

The program offers two streams, one in game design which allows students to create game art as well master the skill of writing a story line. The other in game programming, which consists of coding and software design. Over the course of the program students will be able to create original games and in their final year the best ones will be presented at an prominent gaming showcase in Toronto.

Winter says there are jobs in the gaming industry, an industry that has seen a sudden boom over the last 5 years and one that has grown bigger than the film and music industry.