Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development. Set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year, this programme aims to equip students with the necessary creative and technical skills to thrive in the expanding global gaming industry.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme was developed in collaboration with the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Cinematic Arts. USC is recognized as one of the world's top-ranked schools and is home to North America's leading gaming programme, ensuring that students receive a globally competitive curriculum.
The initiative receives backing from the Dubai Media Council, as part of its efforts to position the city as a hub for media innovation. This aligns with the Council's strategy to develop specialized media talent and bolster Dubai's leadership in digital entertainment and interactive content. The recent establishment of the Dubai Films and Games Commission under the Council's direction reinforces this goal.
Students enrolling in the new degree programme can choose between two concentrations: Game Design and Game Development. The Game Design concentration emphasizes storytelling, world-building, visual aesthetics, and user experience, while the Game Development concentration focuses on programming, software tools, game engines, and immersive technologies.
Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy and Performance at the Dubai Media Council, stated that the initiative is part of their vision to position Dubai as a global leader in media innovation. By collaborating with leading institutions on world-class academic programmes, they aim to foster a future-ready media industry powered by local talent. This Bachelor's programme contributes to the Council's vision of developing Dubai into a global gaming hub and shaping the future of emerging media sectors.
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD, highlighted the significance of the new programme in preparing students for a rapidly evolving media landscape. The programme, supported by the Dubai Media Council and in collaboration with USC, aims to combine creative training with advanced technical knowledge to equip a new generation of talent in immersive entertainment and interactive content.
Graduates will gain skills in designing engaging gameplay experiences, developing functional and optimized games using industry-standard tools, and applying narrative and artistic techniques to enhance player immersion. They will also gain experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, game production, and the ethical and commercial aspects of the industry.