Breaking Down Barriers in Game Education: Challenges and Solutions

A recent GDC talk, "From Rosy-Eyed to Dissatisfied: What Game Education Is Missing," highlighted the key problems game students encounter and potential solutions. The talk was presented by Cristina Amaya, president of Latinx in Gaming and director at DreamHack, and Kenzie Gordon, PhD candidate and instructor in Media and Technology Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada. Gordon is also the project manager for The First Three Years, a longitudinal study that follows game students after graduation. The study aims to understand the transition into the games industry and the challenges students face. The research team spoke with around 100 students across the US and Canada, finding that many students are fearful of the industry due to concerns about working conditions, discrimination, and crunch. The study also found that students from marginalized backgrounds face unique challenges, including lack of diversity in faculty, limited opportunities for internships, and difficulty building a portfolio. To address these issues, Gordon emphasized the importance of having intentional conversations about harassment and discrimination in game education, as well as diversifying academia to better reflect the diversity of students. Amaya added that creating pathways for talent growth within the industry is crucial, including providing living stipends, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. The study highlights the need for game education to prioritize student well-being, diversity, and inclusion to prepare students for success in the industry.