PJC to offer video game design degree
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Photo Illustration by Nikola Stamenkovich

Rich Cacace, a Gulf Breeze resident and professor of Computer Science at Pensacola Junior College has always maintained that computers are fun. Now, he can prove that theory, as PJC officials announce their newest degree program, Simulation and Game Design.

The degree track, which is a combination of general education classes, 18 credit hours of visual arts classes and 21 credit hours of computer class work, would give students an Associate's degree in Applied Science (AAS). The degree program begins this month.

"With this program, we've become the third community college in the state to offer students an opportunity to break into this exciting and growing industry," said Cacace.

For people like Grant Corbin, 17, and Jordan Smith, 16, video games are much more than an entertaining, computergenerated alternative to reality. They can be a way of life.

Corbin, who operates two local content websites: www.pensacolabeachtoday.com a n d www.panhandlegamers.com, also orchestrates LAN parties, a social event at which gamers gather together, connect their computers or game systems together via Local Area Networks (LAN) and battle for video game supremacy over the course of several hours or days.

Since forming Panhandle Gamers (PHG) close to one year ago, Corbin's group has hosted four such events and is working on its fifth. PHG5 will take place Jan. 20-21 at the Hilton Garden Inn on Pensacola Beach and more than 35 gamers have already registered to participate.

Smith, a GBHS student, is currently developing a podcast with friends about gaming called "Master Damage," and said he's camped out in front of retail outlets for 10 hours at a time to be the first to get his hands on an Xbox 360.

"[Gaming] gives a sense of community," Smith said. "It's about just getting together and having fun. It's about escapism. Life's so mundane, it's good to get away from it sometimes."

Corbin also said Cacace will be on hand at PHG5 to announce the college's Simulation and Game Design program.

"I think a lot of people would be interested in it," Corbin said. "Alot of people would be fascinated to make their own game."

Although the University of West Florida does not offer a specific game design degree, Academic Specialist Michelle Lockhart said the university does offer two game design classes and a comprehensive Computer Science bachelor's degree.

Lockhart said UWF also offered a two-week game design workshop to high school students last summer and plans to do the same in 2007. UWF officials also recently announced their IT (Information Technology) Academy will now provide several Microsoft certification opportunities for residents of Northwest Florida.

Certifications include Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), Systems Administrator (MCSA), and Systems Engineer (MCSE). ASP.NET, Cisco CCNA, Linux, geographic information systems (GIS), web database development and digital art courses are also available. Certification can be obtained in 16 weeks and can ladder into a degree.

PJC also offers several computer related AAS programs including, Network Administration (CITAAAS), Network Engineering (CIEAAS), Network Security (CISAAS), Telecommunications (CITAAS), Computer Programming and Analysis (COMP-AAS) and Internet Services Technology (INST-AAS). Many opportunities are

becoming available for those interested in pursuing a career in game design, and the gaming industry expected to generate $30 billion in 2007.

Smith, who also writes a tech column for the GBHS paper, said he was looking into several vocational schools that offer game design degrees and was interested to learn that the PJC program would allow him to stay close to home.

Multimedia production schools like Orlando's Full Sail can be pricy and the institution is not accredited by the same association that approves PJC, UWF, Florida State University and the University of Florida.

"We usually don't accept vocational credits because they're not accredited by the same organization," Lockhart said.

Because the aesthetic qualities of games for today's high dollar consoles are vastly superior and more sophisticated than the twodimensional, prehistoric, pixilated worlds of "Frogger," "Pong" and other Atari classics - the gaming industry has grown into an economic driver and indispensable component of American culture.

According to Rocsearch, a global market research and support services company, the worldwide market for video games, computer games and interactive hardware and software is expected to surge from $20.7 billion in revenue in 2002 to $30 billion in 2007.

For more information about PJC's program, contact Cacace at 484-2052, rcacace@pjc.edu. Students may register at any PJC campus or online at www.pjc.edu. For more information about UWF's Computer Science programs contact the Computer Science Chairperson, Dr. Leo ter Haar or Michelle Lockhart by calling 474-2542.