Moorpark College now offers an associate in science degree in game design for graphic designers who are interested in the world of gaming.

Tim Samoff, instructor of game design and multimedia, feels that the program will be successful not only by teaching students about game design, but also preparing them for real-world experience in the field.

“I am very proud of this degree,” said Samoff. “This isn’t just because I created it, but because I feel like it offers a very well-rounded education to whomever might be interested in this field. I also think that it will equip students very well for the needs of the industry.”

To achieve this new degree, students must follow a path that includes courses in general education, multimedia and game design, industry experience and a team-orientated, video game design class all adding up to 34 to 37 units.

While the program focuses on classes such as Game Design Theory and Mechanics, Level Design and Game Prototyping, the program is interdisciplinary and relies on students to take various supporting classes in other programs, said Samoff.

For over 20 years, Samoff has been designing a developing video games in various different sectors. Six years ago, he was hired by Moorpark College to create a complete program that met the standards of game design being taught at other schools in various parts of the country.

To create the program, Samoff had to gather research, poll the community and students and garner usable advice from professionals he knew in the game industry.

“If this semester is any indication about students’ desires for this program, then we’re going to be doing very well,” said Samoff.

According to Lydia Etman, chair of the digital, media and visual arts department, the game design associate’s degree is a part of the Career Technical Education program, which provides students with knowledge in their desired field in order to succeed.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Etman. “Any time we have programs that are designed like this, so close to the professional community, it’s more power to the students. Therefore, more power to the educational system to do what we’re supposed to do, which is to give skills to students to get a job eventually.”

Dean Loock, 26-year-old graphic design major, agrees that any program that allows students to gain professional experience will bring good results.

“I think that that students should definitely be able to do classwork for a client as part of projects in order for them to grow their portfolios and get real world experience,” said Loock.

Hiring faculty with the right experience is important, according to Samoff, who as of now is the only full-time faculty in the program. Jonathan Bair, a game designer currently working with Mind Factory Studios, has also been teaching a couple of classes for the program

“As we hire for new faculty, we are going to ensure that they come from the industry and have relevant information to share with students,” said Samoff.