Best Colleges for Video Game Arts Programs?

I'm really interested in pursuing a career in video game arts and I'm trying to find the best colleges that offer strong programs in this field. Does anyone have recommendations or experiences they can share about schools with good video game arts programs?

Absolutely! Pursuing a career in the field of video game arts can be exciting, creative, and rewarding.

The University of Southern California (USC) is often mentioned at the top of this list. Its School of Cinematic Arts has a well-established Interactive Media & Games Division, and they offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program is known for its balance of artistic and technical curriculum.

Similarly, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers a BS in Game Design and Development and emphasizes both the programming and the visual design aspects. Its students often excel at national game development competitions.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has an Entertainment Technology Center, where students can earn a Master's in Entertainment Technology, which is quite renowned.

The University of Utah is another exceptional choice. It has an Entertainment Arts and Engineering Program where students can secure a Bachelor’s degree or a Master's degree, and it's consistently ranked high among game design programs.

Full Sail University, a less traditional university focused on entertainment, media, arts, and technology, offers a range of video game-related programs.

Lastly, a newer entrant is Northeastern University which has begun offering a Game Design major in the College of Arts, Media, and Design. They have a unique co-op program offering real-world experience prior to graduation.

Remember that the "best" college will depend significantly on your personal goals, stylistic preferences, and the specific area of video game arts that you're interested in. The schools I've listed provide a wide variety in terms of style, focus, and pedagogy.