An article in yesterday's New York Times highlights the fact that the Rochester Institute of Technology has started the nation's first Master's Degree program in computer game design. Based in its department of Information Technology, the upstate New York college's program is a distinct contrast to those of other institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon or the Art Institute of San Francisco, that offer courses in game design. Other programs tend to be more focused on the artistic aspects of games rather than the technology.

The story provides an interesting read on the skills and development that individuals need to design games, as well as some predictions of where the industry is going. According to the article's estimate:

The $20 billion computer game industry will grow to a $100 billion-a-year business within a decade.

NY Times: Game-Design Courses Gain Favor

Rochester Institute of Technology IT Department

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