MSU celebrates 25 years of game development excellence

Michigan State University’s Game Design and Development Program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the last quarter-century, the program has grown from a single course into a nationally recognized academic powerhouse that continues to prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

“For 25 years, we’ve empowered Spartans to become creators, collaborators and leaders in game design and development,” said Brian Winn, professor and founding faculty member of the program. Winn also directs the Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab. “This milestone is more than just a celebration of time — it’s a recognition of the people, projects and passion that have shaped MSU’s impact on the game industry.”

Fueled by passion, shaped by purpose

Winn, a member of the first generation of video game players, grew up creating games on his own without formal training. When he arrived at MSU as a graduate student in the early 1990s, he searched for courses in game development — but none existed.

“The closest course I found was Dr. Carrie Heeter’s 1994 class on ‘Hypermedia Design,’ which was about creating interactive multimedia for CD-ROM,” Winn said. “That sparked something in me again and soon I was working in the Communication Technology Lab and teaching courses in web design and multimedia. Eventually, I created the course I always wanted to take.”

In 2000, Winn launched MSU’s first-ever special topics course in Game Design. Its popularity quickly led to a permanent course offering in 2001 and by 2005 the university had formalized a game design specialization.

“There were several challenges, including building appropriate computer lab spaces and, as the program grew, expanding our faculty,” Winn said. “Finding people who had both game industry experience and academic credentials was key.”

What followed was a cycle of growth — rising demand for courses led to expanded facilities, more faculty and a deepening investment in both game design education and research. Today, MSU’s program includes multiple undergraduate and graduate pathways.

Leveling up

“Celebrating 25 years of our game development program is a proud moment,” said Mike Stern, chair of the Department of Media and Information. “From what started as a single course and student club has over the past two decades become one of the most prominently recognized and ranked programs nationally.”

Since 2000, the game industry has undergone major shifts — from physical games sold at retail to a digital-first, globally connected and highly diversified ecosystem. MSU has not only kept pace but helped shape this transformation.

“When we started, the focus was on AAA games for consoles, distributed physically,” Winn said. “Now we’re in a world of digital storefronts, mobile platforms, indie games and democratized development through engines like Unity and Unreal.”

In response, MSU’s program has continually evolved — adding new courses, strengthening ties with the game industry and expanding research in serious games, user experience and the societal impact of play. The program’s unique approach — interdisciplinary collaboration, a focus on soft skills and a commitment to hands-on experience — has helped set it apart nationally.

“We partner with game studios to provide an authentic, real-world experience in our capstone course,” Winn said. “Students are mentored by industry veterans while working on semester-long projects. That’s a huge part of why our graduates are so successful.”

Research has also become a pillar of the program. Labs such as the Games for Entertainment and Learning, or GEL, Lab and the SPARTIE Lab are exploring how games can drive learning, behavior change and societal impact.

Celebrating a legacy of game innovation

This month, the program hosted a two-day celebration to mark its 25th anniversary. Alumni, faculty, students and industry professionals gathered for panels, showcases and social events.

The weekend's events included remarks from the dean, faculty introductions and a look back at two decades of innovation. Alumni panels gave current students firsthand insights into both game industry careers and alternative paths where game skills are in demand. Student game projects were also showcased and the day wrapped up with an alumni mixer at the Lansing Shuffle.

“There was a lot of energy, passion and positivity throughout the weekend,” Winn said. “The most common question we heard was, ‘When are we doing this again?’”

As it looks ahead, MSU’s Game Design and Development Program is focused on preparing students not only for current industry demands, but for a future where games continue to evolve as a powerful medium for expression, learning and innovation.

“The technologies, tools and platforms will change,” Winn said. “But what doesn’t change is the need for creative problem solvers — students who can work on interdisciplinary teams, communicate effectively and think critically about the impact of their work. That’s the kind of education MSU provides.”

From a single course to a nationally ranked program, MSU’s journey in game development is a testament to vision, perseverance and the power of play. After 25 years, one thing is clear: The game is just getting started.

This story originally appeared on the College of Communication Arts and Sciences website.