Game Studies is a new and exciting program – we're glad you’re here. Please see below for ways to connect and get involved in our Game Studies Community!
On This Page
For questions about the Game Studies minor, please contact
Megan Janssen, Undergraduate Advisor for English and Drama.
Upcoming and Recent Events
Repairing Play: Dr. Aaron Trammell Talk and Play Along
April 16 @ UTM
This event has passed. Please check back for photos and videos from the event.
Roll of Shaw at UTM
May 8 @ Deerfield Hall
UTM students and faculty participated in an interactive play preview with Shaw Festival actor and creator Travis Seetoo.
This event has passed. Please check back for photos and videos from the event.
Plan to see The Roll of Shaw this summer at the Shaw Festival.
Serious Play Conference
August 12-14 @ UTM
Serious Play will be back in 2026! In the meantime, check out the Serious Play award winners.
Student Clubs & Groups
Erindale Gaming Organization 👾
Contact: Instagram
UTM Against Dragons (Dungeons & Dragons 🐉)
Contact: Instagram
UTM Esports 🎮
Contact: Instagram
UTM English and Drama Student Society 📖🎭
Contact: Instagram
Game Studies’ Chris Young on the Conversations in Game Studies Podcast
UTM's Chris J. Young discusses how the Canadian independent video game maker scene has evolved thanks to such robust tools as the Unity Engine, as well as how Unity managed to become a silent giant in the video game industry thanks to its strong grip on the indie scene and mobile platforms.
Congratulations students, faculty and staff on a transformative year of Game Studies at UTM! Here are a few of our 2023/2024 highlights:
- Game Studies Fall Lecture Series
- Interactive Storytelling Game Jam (Oct. 11, 2023)
- The Day of Play and Bolton Collection Launch (Nov. 9, 2023)
- Demo and Discussion of Anomaly with Frog in Hand/Diaspora Games (January 24, 2024)
- Game Studies Minor Mixer (March 13, 2024)
- Tri-Campus Teaching in Game Studies Symposium (March 27, 2024)
- Talk and Play-Along with Dr. Aaron Trammell (UC Irvine) (April 16, 2024) on Repairing Play: A Black Phenomenology
- ICCIT Student Showcase (April 2024)
- Workshop of The Roll of Shaw with Travis Seetoo (May 8, 2024)
- Hosted the Serious Play Conference (August 2024 -- back at UTM in 2026)
Additional Resources
Upon completion of the Game Studies minor, students will be able to:
Writing, presentation, and communication
- Write and edit
- Express ideas creatively and artistically
- Master intercultural communication and public speaking
- Present in class and at game conferences
- Craft compelling and accessible analysis and presentations
- Work independently and collaboratively on design documents
Design
- Explore a variety of game engines
- Produce design and multimedia assets
- Apply iterative design techniques
- Playtest games to identify design issues and other feedback
Research
- Research archival materials at the Syd Bolton Collection
- Gather ideas and data
- Evaluate research and arguments
- Use research to inform criticism and design
Critical Thinking
- Analyze games and writing on games
- Apply theoretical models through practice and discussion
- Evaluate evidence and sources to make persuasive arguments
Students who graduate with a Game Studies minor can expect to enter an industry driven by innovation, creativity, and growth. Some careers students will be well equipped for are:
- Game designer
- Game programmer
- Game artist
- Educator
- UI/UX designer
- UX researcher
- Games journalist
- Narrative designer
- Project manager
A full list of Game Studies courses can be found in the UTM Academic Calendar.
Make the most of your time at UTM by exploring the Game Studies Program Plan.
Discover the newest Game Studies courses and faculty.