Thank you for your interest in GSP @ Hunter College! Read the program eligibility requirements carefully prior to submitting your application.
Overview
The Game Studio Program is our game development program open to all students at CUNY with less than 90 credits completed, regardless of experience level. Students are placed into teams of 5-7 to create games in an environment that replicates an indie studio, and returning Juniors and Seniors are placed in a AAA studio environment. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for the games industry, and to add an official structure for students studying game design and development at CUNY
All participants receive 1-on-1 academic advising each semester, internship search and grad school application assistance, and portfolio reviews. Students also participate in professional development workshops, networking trips, and international game design competitions. Students may be eligible to receive academic credit starting in their second year of the program.
As a chapter of the International Game Developers Association, students in our program also can take advantage of our connections to professionals in both AAA and indie design studios, regardless of if they are currently an IGDA member. Participants also enjoy all of the benefits of our regular members, including access to our 100+ textbook library, 600+ game library, study groups and tutoring for relevant classes, and more.
Eligibility
Students at all levels are encouraged to apply, however, we strongly suggest applying within your first 3 semesters of undergraduate study to take full advantage of the program. Students are separated by both graduation year and experience level and will stay with the same studio until they graduate. Sophomores and above will need to declare an area to focus their study.
Through this program, students will be able to effectively major in game development through the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies. Students who are undecided may enter the program under any major, but they should expect to officially transfer into CUNY BA by the end of their first year in GSP (exceptions are made, inquire within). Students are subject to the CUNY BA admissions requirements but will receive assistance if they do not meet them upon entering the program. Once fully enrolled in the program, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
The program requires an average of 6 hours of participation a week. This includes time dedicated to in-person group work with your team, professional development workshops (PD), trips, program-wide activities, and any other solo/group work times you schedule with your team.
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Note: COVID-19 instructions have not been relased yet to the CUNY community. Fall 2021 may or may not be a virtual program. If we are cleared to be back in-person, we may continue to be hosted at Hunter College, or potentially will be at another accessible location in Manhattan.
All participants are required to be present at the Hunter College main campus Fridays, 7-8PM for group work, workshops, playtesting, and feedback (religious exemptions can be granted). First-year participants must also be free Wednesdays 1-3PM. Solo/group work outside of this time can be held anywhere and on your own schedule. Trips will be scheduled at various times for flexibility. Common times weekday evenings 5-9PM, and weekends.