The gaming industry is a growing segment of the Austin economy. The Game Development Institute will help develop skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Prospective students and their families got a hands-on look at video and computer game careers during an open house held October 24-25 to unveil the college’s new Game Development Institute.

Visitors had an opportunity to meet with game development faculty, enjoy computer games, see demonstrations, and tour the specially outfitted facilities that opened this fall at the Northridge Campus, 11928 Stonehollow Drive.

“ACC opened the Game Development Institute to provide world-class training opportunities for game artists, designers, and programmers,” says Spencer Zuzolo, director of the institute. “The college worked with industry leaders to develop degrees that specialize in game programming, game design, and game art.”

The Game Development Institute provides a critical skills pipeline for the growing high technology and entertainment segments in Central Texas, according to Linda Smarzik, dean of the Computer Studies and Advanced Technology Division.

“The game development industry in Central Texas is projected to account for almost $1 billion in total economic impact in 2010,” Smarzik says. “They are eager for new talent, and we’re excited to support growth of this important business sector.”

Zuzolo helped launch ACC’s Continuing Education program four years ago and organized the college’s popular GampCamp!, which draws more than a hundred youth each summer to design and develop their own games.

“The video game industry is eager to hire enthusiastic workers with solid skills,” Zuzolo says. “Our students can leave ACC armed with the skills they need to begin their careers.”

The Game Development Institute is a collaboration of the college’s Continuing Education Division, the Visual Communication Department, and the Computer Science Department.

“Computer Science is excited about joining with the Visual Communication’s art and design programs to be able to train the students how to write the programs for developing games,” says Mary Kohls, Computer Science chair.

Visual Communication Chair Priscilla Wicker agrees. “The Visual Communication 3D art and animation program was a natural fit with game development, allowing prospective game students to gain knowledge in both art and design,” she says.

For more information visit austincc.edu/gdi.