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]