From CNBC: 2024-12-09 15:45:01

Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City is showcased against a picturesque mountain backdrop. The city has become a thriving business hub attracting capital, companies, and employees. The video game industry in Utah has seen exponential growth, generating over $2.3 billion in revenue last year and is projected to hit $4.5 billion in the next five years.

The University of Utah’s innovative video game program has been a key driver behind the industry’s success. Notable alumni include Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, and Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari. The program has produced games generating over $2 billion in lifetime revenue, attracting global talent and ranking in the top game design schools.

The University of Utah’s gaming initiative started within the computer science department and evolved into the entertainment arts and engineering program in 2010, focusing on gaming and interactive entertainment. By 2021, it became the university’s 10th-largest major, attracting 1,200 undergraduates annually. The university has committed $25 million to further support program expansion, with Princeton Review ranking it as one of the top game design schools.

University of Utah alumni play a significant role in the gaming industry’s success, with graduates contributing to best-selling games like “Hogwarts Legacy,” which exceeded $1 billion in revenue last year. Utah’s contributions to the gaming industry date back to pioneering work in 3-D graphics, leading to the creation of successful game studios and collaborations with major companies like Disney. Epic Games, based in North Carolina, launched the popular game “Fortnite,” with involvement from Salt Lake City developers and alumni from Utah universities.



Read more at CNBC: University of Utah video game program fuels $2 billion industry