NYU is expanding their program in Game Design with a new Bachelor’s degree program, in addition to their already established MFA program in Game Design. The inaugural class of 20 students will start spring of 2015.

The new Game Center will be a department within the Tisch School of the Arts with core classes in game studies, game development and game design at NYU’s Brooklyn campus. The applications for current NYU students went live on Sept. 2 and will remain so until Nov. 1. 

Following the approach of an art school, department administrator Kevin Spain said the applicants will provide a portfolio, which will consist of a personal statement and an interdisciplinary creative project or a game analysis. 

Spain said the program is unique because it is part of its own department and not the engineering department. Because the program is associated with Tisch, games are considered a creative culture at NYU.

Several faculty members were part of the development of the course and have worked collectively to shape the curriculum of the new Bachelor’s program. 

“We are very proactive and engaged and we constantly work with game developers and with local artists,” professor Charles Pratt said.

Pratt has been teaching classes at the Game Center and has been a full-time faculty member for two years. Pratt said the proximity to the industry was vital to the program. 

“Being in New York is going to be a defining feature,” Pratt said. “I am looking forward to the new class and to what they make and what they think.”

Assistant professor Andy Nealen said he appreciates the format of the program as it allows students to take electives. 

 “I like the breadth of it,” Nealen said. “The program is so broad that the students will become well-rounded human beings capable of excelling in various fields after they graduate.” 

Nealen said the density and presence of varied cultures in New York and the essence of independent art style will allow students to create unique games rather than the specific flavors that seem more prominent on the West Coast.

“The barrier to entry is very low here for students and for the public,” Nealen said.

Spain said the program has attracted student interest. 

“We have received several emails regarding the spring term,” Spain said. “We are looking forward to bringing more undergraduate students to Brooklyn and growing the program with young minds and future creators.”

 A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Sept. 4 print edition. Email Arsh Harjani at [email protected].