Wave Staff Report
CULVER CITY — West Los Angeles College 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 Indie Cade, the internationally recognized festival celebrating independent game developers. Students enrolled in 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’s Group’s 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. Good Gamer’s Group 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 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.
“At West Los Angeles College, we’re committed to preparing students for careers in the creative economy by connecting classroom learning with meaningful industry experiences,” said college President Matthew Jordan. “Whether students aspire to become game designers, artists, programmers, producers, or esports professionals, we’re creating opportunities that allow them to develop their talents while building pathways into one of Los Angeles’ most exciting industries.”
To showcase student innovation, West Los Angeles College will host its inaugural WLAC Games Expo in early December. Modeled after the college’s successful Student Film Festival, the Games Expo will feature student-developed video games created throughout the academic year, providing students with an opportunity to present their work to faculty, industry professionals, fellow students, family members and the community.
Major companies driving the local Los Angeles labor market include Riot Games, Electronic Arts, PlayStation (Sony Interactive Entertainment), Netflix Games, and Warner Bros. Games. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Los Angeles metropolitan area employs more than 200,000 professionals in arts, design, entertainment, sports and media occupations, including more than 10,000 special effects artists and animators, with average annual wages exceeding $135,000.
As one of the nation’s leading hubs for entertainment and interactive media — four of the companies listed are headquartered or have major offices less than five miles from the college — greater Los Angeles offers exceptional career opportunities for graduates pursuing game design, animation, digital art, and creative technology careers.
More information on WLAC’s gaming programs can be found on the school’s website: WLAC.edu. Classes start Aug. 31, and enrollment is open.
West Los Angeles College is an ACCJC accredited community college offering university transfer, career preparation, and Adult Education paths as well as Bachelor’s Degrees in Avionics and Dental Hygiene. Among West’s unique programs is the Center for Climate Change Education which helps integrate climate change education across the curriculum and offers students learning and advocacy opportunities. The college earned a spot of the prestigious national Aspen list of 150 Best Community Colleges in 2023.
