Online courses could help students win game design competitions

Online courses could help students win game design competitions

Individuals who are studying video game design at campus-based or online universities may be able to win scholarships through competitions, such as the Indie Game Challenge.

Through the contest - which is sponsored by the Guildhall at Southern Methodist University, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and GameStop - students and professionals are able to go head-to-head to compete for more than $350,000 in cash prizes and financial aid awards.

More than 250 teams of professional and student designers entered the 2010 competition, which is in its inaugural year.

A total of 12 entrants will be selected to attend the Design, Innovate, Communicate and Entertain Summit, where each team will have the opportunity to present their designs to executives from companies such as Sony, Nintendo, Electronics Arts, Capcom, Microsoft, NAMCO/Bandai, THQ and Ubisoft.

At the conference, these finalists will also be able to explore commercial avenues for their creations and receive input from industry professionals.

A total of five members from each team will be invited to attend the contest's awards ceremony on February 19, when the top winners will be named.

Individuals who wish to take advantage of similar opportunities may consider enrolling in online degree programs, through which they can stay abreast of emerging trends in the gaming industry.