Group 1 - The Ministry of Education of China announced the public listing of new undergraduate programs for 2025, including Game Science and Technology (Engineering) and Esports (Arts) at Communication University of China [1] - A total of 29 new programs were approved for inclusion in the 2025 undergraduate program directory, with 51 universities participating, including the newly added Game Art Design program [5] - The announcement period for the new program applications is from August 14 to September 13, 2025 [4] Group 2 - Communication University of China has been a pioneer in game-related education since 2004, with over 500 undergraduate students currently enrolled in game-related programs [9][11] - The trend of formalizing game education is gaining momentum, reflecting the industry's growth and the potential value of video games, which may lead to more universities developing game-related programs [11][12] - The Ministry of Education emphasizes the need for higher education to align with national strategies, market demands, and technological advancements, promoting a responsive and adaptive approach to program offerings [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant changes in higher education in China, particularly the cancellation of traditional majors and the rise of new fields like artificial intelligence and big data, reflecting the evolving job market and educational needs [4][14][16]. Group 1: Major Cancellations and Trends - In 2024, a total of 1,428 academic programs were canceled, and 2,220 programs ceased enrollment, indicating a shift in educational focus [4][6]. - Engineering accounted for 32.84% of the canceled programs, followed by management (18.73%), with other fields like science and arts also seeing significant reductions [6][8]. - The most canceled major was Information Management and Information Systems, with 160 cancellations, followed by Public Administration with 138 [8]. Group 2: Impact on Students - Current students are directly affected by these changes, facing uncertainty and anxiety regarding their future career paths as their majors disappear [9][11]. - Students express feelings of despair and confusion about their professional identities, as seen in the experiences of students from various programs [9][12]. Group 3: Labor Market Dynamics - The labor market is undergoing transformation, with traditional programs failing to meet the evolving demands of employers, particularly in fields like Public Administration [14][15]. - New job roles in AI and digital sectors are emerging, but there is a mismatch between the skills taught in universities and the requirements of these roles [15][16]. - The demand for specialized skills in AI and data management is increasing, leading to the establishment of new programs in these areas [16][23]. Group 4: Future of Disappearing Majors - The cancellation of certain majors does not equate to a lack of demand for related skills; rather, it signifies a shift towards more relevant and specialized fields [18][21]. - The trend indicates that while some traditional fields may decline, the need for skilled professionals in emerging areas remains strong, necessitating continuous skill development [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent developments in Beijing's higher education sector, highlighting the establishment of new colleges and the introduction of a new undergraduate program in game design, reflecting the evolving educational landscape and industry needs in China [1][18]. Group 1: Establishment of New Colleges - Tsinghua University has established an Education College aimed at cultivating top-tier educational scholars and leaders to contribute to the high-quality development of education in China [3][4]. - Beijing Institute of Technology has signed a cooperation agreement to establish the Future Communication Research Institute in Chengdu, focusing on talent cultivation and core technology breakthroughs in new internet and AI fields [7]. - Beijing Fashion Institute has launched a new Fashion Management College to meet the demands of the fashion industry, aiming to cultivate talents with a global perspective and innovative spirit [8][9]. - China University of Political Science and Law has inaugurated the Rule of Law Research Institute to promote collaborative innovation and serve regional governance needs [11][12]. - Renmin University of China has established the Peace and Development Institute, focusing on national security and international relations research [13]. Group 2: Introduction of Game Design Undergraduate Program - The Ministry of Education has approved the new undergraduate program in Game Art Design, marking a significant step in the talent cultivation for China's gaming industry [19][20]. - China Media University and Beijing Film Academy are among the first institutions to offer the Game Art Design program, which emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum and industry integration [22]. - The Game Art Design program at China Media University aims to develop versatile talents with a strong foundation in game art and design, featuring courses like Game Psychology and Virtual Reality [22][24]. - The program at Beijing Film Academy focuses on cultivating well-rounded game design talents, covering various aspects of game development and marketing [25][26].