Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the experiences of graduates from the Animation and Game College of China Academy of Art, focusing on their transition from education to the gaming industry, showcasing their projects and the challenges they face in securing employment in a competitive environment [1][4][22]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The graduation exhibition features a variety of student works, including game demos and illustrations, demonstrating the artistic skills and visual effects of the students [4][5]. - The exhibition marks the first graduating class of the newly established Animation and Game College, which was split from the Film Academy in 2022, with a total of 120 undergraduate and 50 graduate students [5][6]. Group 2: Individual Experiences - One graduate, referred to as "顶楼," created a narrative puzzle game set in 1930s Shanghai, reflecting women's historical challenges and societal changes [6][8]. - "顶楼" faced difficulties in securing internships, realizing the importance of presenting herself as a product during interviews, which ultimately led to a successful job offer in the gaming industry [9][10]. - Another graduate, "么一," initially pursued a UI design internship but found the work monotonous and unfulfilling, leading her to decline a full-time position [11][12]. - "么一" completed her graduation project, an interactive game titled "呼～," which emphasizes player interaction through breathing, and plans to release it on Steam [15][21]. - A third graduate, "寻," transitioned from illustration to game design, expressing a desire to create independent games rather than conforming to the rigid structures of large companies [16][18]. Group 3: Industry Insights - The gaming industry is characterized by high competition and a focus on specific skill sets, making it challenging for graduates to find suitable positions that align with their creative aspirations [9][11][17]. - Graduates are increasingly drawn to independent game development as a means to explore their creativity and avoid the constraints of traditional corporate roles [18][20]. - The article emphasizes the importance of networking and gaining practical experience through internships, which are crucial for securing positions in the gaming industry [10][12][17].

Core Insights - The establishment of a formal game design major in Chinese higher education marks a significant shift in the academic landscape, with 29 new programs added, including "Game Art Design" [1][14] - The increasing number of students pursuing game-related degrees reflects a growing interest in the gaming industry, although concerns about job placement and industry readiness persist [2][15] Group 1: Industry Trends - The game design major is now recognized as an independent discipline in China, with only three universities currently offering such programs [1][14] - Internationally, universities like NYU and USC have established comprehensive game design programs, but there are concerns about the practical applicability of the curriculum to industry needs [4][5] - The gaming industry is perceived as experience-driven, making internships and project work crucial for job placement [15][17] Group 2: Educational Gaps - Many graduates from game design programs report a disconnect between academic training and industry requirements, with some courses focusing more on theory than practical skills [8][9] - The curriculum in some institutions lacks direct relevance to industry practices, leading to a need for students to self-educate and seek additional experiences [9][13] - There is a notable difference in the effectiveness of game programs between domestic and international institutions, with some foreign programs offering more hands-on experience and better job placement rates [13][14] Group 3: Employment Landscape - The job market for game design graduates is competitive, with many students feeling pressure to gain relevant experience early in their academic careers [15][17] - Graduates from game design programs often find themselves competing with candidates from other backgrounds, as many industry roles do not require a specific degree in game design [13][15] - The employment rates for graduates vary significantly by program, with technical roles generally having higher placement rates compared to artistic roles [18][22]