Clark BSDT partners with MassDigi on summer studio program – 4/24/23
The Becker School of Design & Technology at Clark University has partnered with the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute on a new summer studio program for undergraduate and graduate students that will give participants a chance to enhance their game design and development knowledge from the classroom and BSDT Studio into practice over the summer. The competitive program, MassDigi Summer Studio, will run for nine full-time weeks beginning on June 4.
“We’re very excited to offer this opportunity to the Clark student community,” said BSDT Dean Paul Cotnoir, PhD. “Through this unique partnership with MassDigi, an organization we have collaborated with for years, our students will get additional access to an important, commercially focused experience that challenges them to make and publish a game over the course of a summer. But, perhaps more importantly, the program’s business-minded, team-based approach, which reinforces the BSDT model, will give all involved an invaluable chance to continue to build on their academic foundation and Game Studio experience. Another huge plus is the chance to work with peers from other schools and disciplines, using industry-standard production methodologies and tools in a real-world setting.”
MassDigi, which is based at WPI, is the center for academic cooperation, entrepreneurship and economic development across the Commonwealth’s games community. MassDigi has an established track record of working with student teams to launch games having published over 40 titles to platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Valve’s Steam.
“We love working with young people at the beginning of their careers,” said MassDigi Executive Director Tim Loew. “Nothing beats the energy, drive and curiosity that students bring with them and we are honored to be partnering with the Becker School of Design & Technology at Clark, one of the top game design academic programs in the world, to offer a summer studio.”
Over the summer, students in the studio will not only build games with guidance from MassDigi staff, they will also network with game industry mentors, organize local playtesting sessions, attend a Boston demo day and hold an open house in Worcester.
“At BSDT all our work reflects an intentional effort to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all with passion for making games,” said Ulm, Professor of Interactive Media and Director of BSDT’s undergraduate program. “This partnership with MassDigi reflects that and is consistent with Clark’s values and priorities. It really gets to the heart of what we are trying to do.”
Clark students interested in the program may apply here before April 28. In addition to being eligible for academic credit from Clark, students in the program will also receive a $1,000 award from MassDigi.
