Cambrian College Launches Innovative Graduate Program in Serious Games

Cambrian College in Greater Sudbury is set to introduce a groundbreaking graduate certificate program in serious games design and development in September 2024. This initiative marks the first of its kind at a public college in Ontario, as stated in a recent news release from the institution.

The program aims to redefine the perception of video games and virtual reality, positioning them as essential tools for learning and business rather than mere recreation. According to the college, “This one-year, two-semester program prepares students to design interactive experiences that transform how industry, educators, and organizations approach learning and workforce development.”

Bridging Learning and Real-World Applications

Students enrolled in the serious games program will harness game mechanics, extended reality technologies, and gamification techniques to develop training tools and interactive experiences addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. The principles of serious games are increasingly utilized in corporate training, healthcare simulations, safety instruction, and community education.

Janice Clarke, Vice-President Academic at Cambrian College, highlighted the growing demand for graduates proficient in merging game design with practical applications. “As industries modernize and adopt more immersive technologies, the demand for graduates who can combine game design with real-world applications is accelerating. This new program puts Cambrian at the forefront of this growing field, giving learners the skills and applied experience to develop game-based solutions that have a real impact,” she stated.

Flexible Learning Options and Career Advancement

The program offers flexibility, allowing students to participate in instructor-led classes either in person or online. Throughout the two semesters, participants will complete a significant serious games project, culminating in a portfolio-ready application that showcases their ability to craft purposeful and innovative game experiences.

Dr. Aaron Langille, the program coordinator, emphasized the program’s objective. “Serious games bridge the gap between learning and doing. This program gives students the technical foundations and creative problem-solving skills needed to design experiences that help people build confidence, strengthen skills, and prepare for real-world tasks in a safe, interactive way,” he explained.

The program also caters to individuals already working in game development, allowing them to specialize beyond traditional entertainment roles and broaden their career opportunities within one of Canada’s fastest-growing digital sectors.

For those interested in exploring this unique educational opportunity, additional information about the serious games program is available on Cambrian College’s official website.