Written by Tyler Anderson, Opinion Editor
Video games grew out of being a niche market around the time the Nintendo Wii debuted. Never before had a gaming console been so widely accepted as a must have for every family gathering. It rapidly became a living room staple. Now, video games are nearly impossible to avoid.
According to the 2017 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), about 65 percent of American households are home to someone who regularly games. The ESA also reported the industry’s revenue reached $36 billion in 2017, an increase compared to 2016.
It’s difficult to ignore the presence video gaming has in our culture. Efforts to link violent video games to real-world violence (a theory that has been regularly debunked) has had virtually no impact on this growth. However, this growth has not been embraced by Murray State. At a time when enrollment is down, the administration would be wise to explore the potential of this popular field of work.
Murray State currently offers two courses specific to video games: CSC 275 and 575. These build upon other courses in digital modeling and design. Both are a great starting point for those interested in how video games are made and give students experience in the basic art of crafting games. But there is the potential for so much more.
Many for-profit institutions, such as Full Sail University, have long-since recognized this potential for enrollment growth. Students can also expect to pay outrageous tuition fees at these institutions. According to CollegeFactual.com, the average tuition paid per student for the 2016 school year at Full Sail University was $22.7 thousand. Despite the fact that the online diploma route only lasts 29 months, there are zero savings in comparison to many public universities.
The quality of instruction at for-profit institutions has been under increased scrutiny the past few years. With shady practices and a focus on profit over student learning, one would have the right to question the intent of these institutions and the quality of education one might receive.
Murray State has a long-held tradition of producing strong leaders in the modern workforce because of the quality of our instructors. I wager many would rather have the face-to-face experience at an institution with a history of student excellence than chance their money being squandered.
While taking on another program at a time when some are in danger of being cut might seem counterproductive, there is money to be made. Video gaming is not a small industry; it continues to grow each year with no currently predicted growth ceiling. Murray State should reach out to potential and current students to gauge interest in such a program.
The foundation for video game creation at Murray State has already been set. With room for growth concerning game theory, production and marketing, now is the time to build upon what has been established. This would be another logical step toward realizing our university motto of “Opportunity Afforded.”
