The American video game industry achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023, generating over $101 billion in economic impact and sustaining over 350,000 jobs, according to the Entertainment Software Association’s annual impact report.
Amid this national prosperity, Utah has emerged as a significant player in the gaming sector. CNBC reported that Utah’s video game revenue witnessed an impressive 230 percent growth over the past decade, contributing a staggering $2.3 billion to the state’s economy in 2024, with projections estimating an increase to $4.5 billion by 2029.
A crucial factor driving this growth is the Utah Division of Games at The University of Utah (The U), led by Chair Michael Young. Under his direction, the Utah Division of Games has rapidly evolved since it began offering specialized classes in gaming in 2008. Today, it occupies a prominent position as the eighth-largest major on The U’s campus, boasting around 1,000 enrolled students.
The University of Utah has a rich history in technology and computer science, having played a pivotal role in the development of modern 3D graphics. Young notes that the university’s computer science department was a significant force in the graphics landscape during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.
Notable alumni from The U’s program include Edwin Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, and influential figures such as Doug Bowser, the President of Nintendo of America, and Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari. These connections have made The U an attractive venue for young talents aspiring to enter the gaming industry.
The rise of local companies further highlights Utah’s importance to the national gaming scene. Avalanche Software, a division of WB Games Inc., significantly contributed to the success of the blockbuster game “Hogwarts Legacy,” which grossed over $1 billion in sales after its release in 2023. Avalanche is home to numerous alumni from The U, including studio head John Blackburn. Young emphasizes the variety in size and scope of studios in Utah, noting that the presence of both large studios and small independent firms has been instrumental in the industry’s expansion.
The faculty at the Utah Division of Games, such as Rogelio Cardona-Rivera, reflects the department’s ability to draw talent. Cardona-Rivera joined the department in 2017, captivated by the caliber of the students and their ability to produce industry-grade games. He states, “Not many faculty can say they’re working with students who are producing industry-grade games,” expressing excitement for the opportunity to shape the future of entertainment technology with his students.
As an indication of the department’s success, Cardona-Rivera notes the growing alumni network. “Every year, we have an alumni party at the Game Developers Conference, and it’s getting more difficult to find a venue because we have alumni doing so much across the game industry,” he says.
The Utah Division of Games is dedicated to equipping students with the practical skills they need as local video game development flourishes. Young emphasizes the importance of cultivating a ‘maker mindset’ among students, which involves developing artifacts—design documents, files, guides, and materials—that showcase a developer’s creative processes and outcomes. These artifacts not only help market video games but are also crucial for students as they seek employment in the industry.
Additionally, the curriculum’s focus on teamwork and project-based communication furthers students’ readiness for the workforce. Young describes this approach as their
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