From Player to Creator

Every September 12, the gaming community hits pause to celebrate National Video Games Day. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, we don’t just play—we build. Our students design worlds, code mechanics, and animate characters that leap off the screen.

Gaming isn’t just entertainment; it’s a $200+ billion industry hungry for talent. Analysts forecast the global video game market to reach $188.9 billion in 2025. At UAT, National Video Games Day isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reminder that the controller in your hand could be the keyboard, stylus, or headset that builds your career. With UAT’s project-driven model, students ship prototypes and polished portfolios long before graduation.

Pick Your Player Class (Degrees at UAT)

• Game Design (BS) – Level design, balancing, production, UX

• Game Programming (BS) – C#/C++, networking, gameplay tools

• Game Art & Animation (BS) – 3D modeling, rigging, PBR texturing, animation

• Virtual Reality (BS) – XR interaction, spatial computing, optimization

• Artificial Intelligence (BS) – NPCs, machine learning, procedural content

👉 Each degree ends with a Student Innovation Project (SIP)—a capstone prototype showcased to peers, faculty, and industry.

What You’ll Actually Do Here

• Prototype fast. Game jams and rapid sprints start in semester one.

• Collaborate like a studio. Designers, programmers, artists—same table, same deadline.

• Publish portfolio pieces. Public builds, Git repos, short videos, clear READMEs.

• Get real mentorship. Faculty who’ve shipped titles, tools, or pipelines know what studios want.

Tempe Advantage: Study in the Phoenix Metro Tech Hub

• Campus in Tempe, AZ, minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

• Lower cost-of-living LA or Seattle, with the same skill pipelines

• Community access: indie dev meetups, maker spaces, esports, and studio internships

Careers You Can Target

• Design: Systems, Level, UX Designer

• Programming: Gameplay Engineer, Tools Programmer, Network Engineer

• Art: 3D Artist, Animator, Technical Artist

• XR & AI: XR Developer, AI/ML Engineer, Simulation Developer

• Production & QA: Producer, PM, QA Analyst

FAQ

Q: Do I need prior coding or art experience?
A: No. We’ll place you at the right entry point and build from there.

Q: Can I mix design, programming, and art?
A: Yes. Many students stack electives or minors across programs.

Q: What engines and tools will I learn?
A: Unity, Unreal Engine, Git/Perforce, JIRA, Maya/Blender, Substance, and profiling tools.

Q: How soon will I build my first game?
A: Semester one. Expect early prototypes and polished projects by mid-program.

Q: Can I study online?
A: Some coursework is online, but the Tempe campus experience gives you the full studio collaboration and lab access.

Celebrate National Video Games Day at UAT

👉 [Explore UAT Game Degrees]
👉 [Schedule a Tempe Campus Tour]
👉 [Request Info Today]
👉 [Apply Now]

Turn National Video Games Day into your origin story.