West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is expanding educational pathways in game programming, game art, game design, and esports through new industry partnerships, dual enrollment opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in Southern California’s thriving interactive entertainment industry.
One of the program’s most exciting opportunities is its collaboration with IndieCade, the internationally recognized festival celebrating independent game developers. Students enrolled in GAD 210: Capstone Game Development are currently participating in IndieCade’s annual Climate Jam, a six-week game development challenge that invites teams to create original games inspired by this year’s theme, “Plant a Seed.”
Good Gamer Group’s (GGG) partnership with the college includes a sponsorship to support the Wildcat’s intercollegiate esports season this fall while creating direct connections between students and the gaming industry. GGG is an organization dedicated to connecting gamers with career and professional development opportunities throughout the industry.
This fall also marks the launch of a dual-enrollment Game Design course in partnership with Culver City High School. Introduction to Game Design (GAD 101) will be open to up to 40 students who will earn college credit while exploring careers in game development, programming, digital art, and interactive media while still in high school.
Michelle Long Coffee/WLAC
