Game Education Summit North America 2010 - Presentation

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 02:00 PM - 50 Min | Technology and Management Track

Game Wizards: How to Create a AAA Game Production Team for Training & Development at the College Level
Tue, 2010-06-15 14:00 - 14:50
Technology and Management Track
Eric T. Elder
Game industry Development Representative
Education Management Corporation, Art Institutes

Presentation Summary:

This session describes the creation, execution and results of the Game Wizards Video Game production Team at the Art Institute of California – Los Angeles. Game Wizards Alums have been placed at some of the biggest names in the game industry including: Electronic Arts, Activison (Luxoflux, Treyarch, Neversoft, Infinity Ward) and THQ (Heavy Iron).

Paper Abstract:

Presentation Topics & Focus

 

History of Game Wizards

The Game Wizards team was founded in the Summer of 2003 as a school club and has now become an integral part of the curriculum and has produced 17 titles.

Keys To Success

Why has the Game Wizards methodology been so successful?

  • The Right People
  • Building the Brand
  • Team Work

Placement

How do we measure that success?

  • Your percentage of grads working
  • Where?
  • Titles Worked On
  • What type of job ?
  • Salary

Testimonials

Quotes from Game Wizards alums who are now game industry professionals on how the program impacted their careers and their lives.

Game Titles

A look at the 17 titles that have been produced over the last 7 years including: Mage²s Mayhem, Mask of Eternity, Thunder Flash, Detox, Boiler Plate and most recently Exodus.

Process

A glimpse into the process of how the team functions and operates and how it has changed over the years. Also discussed is how the class is similar to the industry and how it differs.

Awards

The Game Wizards placed 2nd in the Make Something Unreal $1Million Dollar competition. This is the largest independent video game competition in the world and offers over $1,000,000 in prizes.