# Video Game Design Degrees The NYU Game Center Now Offers Gamers a Chance to Major in Beloved Hobby By Meghan Young | Published 2014-08-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-game-design References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3034071/nyu-undergrads-can-now-major-in-video-games) & [gamecenter.nyu.edu](http://gamecenter.nyu.edu/academics/undergraduate-program-2/) Gamers and artists alike will be kissing the feet of those in charge of programs at the NYU Game Center since they have just introduced a video game design degree. A very exclusive program, it may only except 20 students at a time, but it is guaranteed to attract a hundred times that or even more. One reason why graduating with a video game design degree would be so covetable is that part of the program involves [Play Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monumental-game-center), which allows students to 'critically play' games. Although video game design degrees don't sound like something new as technology-focused colleges offer such programs, NYU is one of the first liberal arts-leaning schools to do so. [Fast Co Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fairground-ai-creator-tv) writes, "It signals a shift in mainstream attitudes towards gaming, as the ivory towers of the academic world are beginning to recognize the artistry and innovation that goes into creating these virtual realities." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Video Game Design Degrees:** The rise of video game design degrees in liberal arts-leaning schools presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the education industry. - **Technological Shift in Academia:** The recognition of video game design degrees by traditional academic institutions indicates a changing perception of gaming as an art form, creating potential for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry. - **Integration of Critical Play:** The inclusion of Play Labs in video game design programs provides avenues for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education:** The introduction of video game design degrees in liberal arts-leaning schools opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the education industry. - **Gaming:** The growing recognition of gaming as an art form through video game design degrees creates potential for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry. - **Technology:** Technological advancements and the integration of critical play in video game design programs present opportunities for disruptive innovation in the technology industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Google-Backed UX Research Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scad.md) - [Esports Management Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-sunderland.md) - [Scottish Esports Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dundee-and-angus.md) - [Hands-On Esports Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/syracuse-university.md) - [University Esports Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manchester-university.md) - [Irish Esports Degrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wylde.md) - [Educational Esports Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmaz.md) - [Inclusive Gaming Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-amplify.md) - [Educational Esports BTEC Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minervas-virtual-academy.md)