Post by : Bianca Qureshi
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced an exciting new program: a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development. This program will begin in the 2025-26 academic year and is designed to help students learn both the creative and technical skills needed to succeed in the fast-growing gaming industry.
This degree will prepare students to become future leaders in video game design, development, and digital entertainment. It is ideal for young people who are interested in creating games, telling stories, designing worlds, and learning the technology behind making games.
Collaboration with USC
The program has been developed in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts. USC is one of the top-ranked schools in the world and is well-known for its leading game development program in North America.
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By collaborating with USC, AUD ensures that students in Dubai receive a world-class education in game design. The curriculum is designed to match international standards and gives students skills that are recognized globally.
Support from Dubai Media Council
The launch of this degree is supported by the Dubai Media Council. The Council aims to make Dubai a global hub for media innovation, especially in digital entertainment and interactive content.
The program also aligns with Dubai’s broader plans to grow specialized media talent in the city. Recently, the Dubai Media Council established the Dubai Films and Games Commission, which supports the development of films, games, and other digital content.
According to Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy & Performance at Dubai Media Council, this program will help position Dubai as a leader in media and gaming. He said the initiative will create opportunities for young talent to work in an industry that combines creativity and technology.
Two Specializations: Creative and Technical
The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development offers two main paths for students:
Game Design (Creative Path)
Focuses on storytelling, world-building, and visual design.
Students will learn how to make games fun and engaging for players.
Topics include user experience, character design, and artistic creation.
Game Development (Technical Path)
Focuses on the technology behind games.
Students will learn programming, game engines, and software tools.
Covers immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
This approach allows students to choose a path that matches their interests, whether they enjoy creating stories and art or working on coding and software.
Preparing Students for the Future
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC at AUD, explained that the program is designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing media world. She said it combines creative training with technical knowledge so that graduates can work on immersive entertainment and interactive content.
Students will learn how to:
Design exciting game experiences.
Develop games using professional tools.
Use art and storytelling to make games more immersive.
Work in teams and manage game projects.
Understand the ethical and business side of the gaming industry.
This combination of skills ensures that graduates are ready for jobs in game studios, digital media companies, and creative tech industries.
Why This Program Matters
The gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. Millions of people play video games every day, and there is a high demand for skilled game designers and developers.
By offering this program, AUD is helping students in the region gain the skills needed to succeed in global gaming. It also supports Dubai’s vision to become a hub for gaming and digital media.
Hesham Al Olama emphasized that the goal is to create new opportunities for young talent, help them innovate, and ensure Dubai shapes the future of digital media, rather than just following global trends.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
The program at AUD is designed to be hands-on. Students will:
Participate in real game projects.
Collaborate with other students on creative and technical tasks.
Learn how to bring ideas to life from concept to final game product.
This practical experience is important because the gaming industry values real-world skills as much as academic knowledge.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development can pursue careers in:
Video game design and development
Animation and visual effects
Virtual and augmented reality experiences
Digital storytelling and interactive media
Media production and creative technology companies
The degree also provides a strong foundation for students who want to start their own game studios or work on independent game projects.
The launch of the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development at AUD marks a major step forward for education and media in Dubai. It combines international expertise, cutting-edge technology, and creative training to prepare students for a successful career in the gaming industry.
This program not only gives students the skills to succeed globally, but also strengthens Dubai’s position as a world leader in digital entertainment and interactive media. With this initiative, young people in the region have the opportunity to learn, create, and innovate in one of the most exciting and growing industries in the world.
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