By Staff Reporter
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, set to begin in the 2025–26 academic year.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, one of the world’s leading gaming schools, the programme will combine creative and technical training to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing global gaming sector.
Supported by the Dubai Media Council, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for digital entertainment and interactive content. It also complements the work of the recently established Dubai Films and Games Commission.
Students will have the option to specialise in Game Design, focusing on storytelling, visual aesthetics, and user experience, or Game Development, which covers programming, game engines, and immersive technologies.
Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy & Performance at the Dubai Media Council, said the programme supports the vision of building a future-ready media industry driven by local talent, fostering innovation and competitiveness in emerging media sectors.
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC, noted that combining creative skills with cutting-edge technical knowledge will equip graduates to shape the future of immersive entertainment.
Graduates will gain the ability to design engaging gameplay, develop optimised games using industry-standard tools, and apply artistic and narrative techniques to enhance player experiences. The curriculum also covers multidisciplinary collaboration, production processes, and the ethical and commercial dimensions of the industry.
With global gaming revenues projected to continue climbing, the new programme positions Dubai as a launchpad for the next generation of game creators, offering students in the region access to world-class training without leaving the UAE.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
