Game Design and Development

The Game Design and Development program at Hampshire College offers a unique, interdisciplinary educational experience that combines creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking to prepare students for careers in the dynamic gaming industry. This innovative program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to develop their own game projects from concept to completion while gaining a comprehensive understanding of game theory, storytelling, programming, and visual design. Students are encouraged to explore various aspects of game creation, including narrative development, interactive design, user experience, and the social and cultural impacts of gaming.

Hampshire College’s progressive approach promotes individualized study, enabling students to tailor their curriculum to their specific interests and career goals within game design and development. The program incorporates coursework in computer science, digital arts, narrative studies, and psychology, fostering a well-rounded skill set essential for modern game creators. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated labs equipped with industry-standard software and hardware, as well as opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects with peers, faculty, and external partners.

Throughout the program, students gain practical experience through project-based learning, internships, and participation in game jams and competitions. The curriculum encourages experimentation and innovation, emphasizing the importance of critical reflection on the cultural and ethical implications of games. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in game design, development, multimedia arts, virtual reality, and related fields, or to continue their education in graduate programs.

Hampshire College’s supportive learning environment and dedicated faculty foster creative innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring students develop both the technical proficiency and the conceptual sophistication necessary to excel in the evolving landscape of game design. With a commitment to social responsibility and experiential learning, the Game Design and Development program prepares students not only to build engaging, meaningful games but also to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment and digital storytelling.

• Introduction to Game Design
• Game Development Workshop
• Pixelbending
• Women in Game Programming
• Analog Game Design
• The Art and Science of Digital Imaging
• Computer Animation I, II, and III
• Designing Treasure Hunts
• Introduction to Game Programming
• Introduction to Game Design
• Interdisciplinary Game Project
• Radical Innovation in Digital Arts

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Game Design and Development at Hampshire College offers an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to creating interactive digital experiences. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to explore the artistic, technical, and conceptual aspects of game creation. Students engage in comprehensive coursework covering game programming, storytelling, visual design, user experience, and game mechanics, enabling them to develop as well-rounded creators capable of producing engaging, meaningful games. Hampshire's approach fosters critical thinking and creativity, allowing students to experiment across different media and integrate insights from fields such as literature, art, computer science, and social sciences. The curriculum is flexible, supporting personalized projects and collaborative work, which prepares students for diverse careers in game development, entertainment, education, and research. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including well-equipped computer labs and game development studios. Additionally, the program encourages participation in internships, workshops, and game jams to strengthen practical skills and industry connections. Hampshire College's emphasis on experiential learning and original research ensures that graduates are equipped with innovative problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of digital aesthetics and player engagement. The program's goal is to produce thoughtful game designers who can influence cultural and technological trends within the gaming industry and beyond. This comprehensive program prepares students to contribute to the evolving landscape of game design, fostering a new generation of creators committed to artistic excellence and social relevance.