School of Interactive Games and Media
State-of-the-art facilities like MAGIC Spell Studios, where you'll get to work with industry-standard tools and collaborate with student and faculty experts to bring your vision to life.
Community of engaged students and faculty, including one of the nation's largest Esports organizations.
Renowned co-op program, ranked 5th in the nation by US News & World Report for "hands-on career prep."
6th
Top undergraduate game design program, according to Princeton Review, 2025
12th
Top animation schools and colleges, Animation Career Review 2025
3rd
Ranked game design program, US News & World Report 2025
Overview
The School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM) comprises faculty from a variety of academic backgrounds with a shared interest in computing as it relates to interactive media, games, simulations, VR/AR, experimental interfaces, and media-centric systems of all varieties. IGM provides an educational environment that supports and encourages creative and collaborative academic inquiry by both faculty and students. IGM’s programs, coursework, research, and development efforts provide students with the knowledge and skills to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in media-centric, interactive software development, while simultaneously advancing the field and helping to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
Undergraduate Programs
The game design and development major empowers students to explore the entertainment technology landscape and related areas, while still pursuing a broad-based university education. The degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field, such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.
Graduate Programs
The Master of Science degree in game design and development covers the breadth of the game development field through course work in topics such as computer graphics, game engines, interactive narrative, and game design. The degree is specifically for students who aspire to careers within the professional gaming industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.
Latest News
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August 28, 2026
The Princeton Review cites RIT as a top university for career outcomes
RIT once again made The Princeton Review Best Colleges list and was ranked among the top 50 schools for “Colleges that Create Futures” in its Best 392 Colleges 2027 edition.
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August 25, 2026
New York looks to level up its video game production
Albany's Times Union speaks with Jenn Hinton, director of games industry relations, about New York’s efforts to grow its video game industry through expanded tax incentives and partnerships between game studios and universities. (This content may require a subscription to view.)
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July 28, 2026
Bright Spot: 25 RIT summer campers get laptops to keep building video games at home
WHAM-TV features RIT's video game development camp where middle school-aged campers received their own laptop computers.
Research Areas
IGM faculty advance their knowledge and practice across many disciplines, encompassing a wide range of topics that incorporate games and interactive media. Common areas include serious games, interactive experiences, and engine development, and you can view the expanded topic list here. Throughout students’ tenure in both undergraduate and graduate programs, they gain opportunities to work with our faculty on their research.
For more information about IGM faculty and access to research about games and media across RIT, please access the following links:
- IGM Research
- Key Research Areas in Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
- Research at RIT
Featured Work and Profiles
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Game design student scores co-op promotion at AI robotics firm
Nic Drouillet’s work on Moxi, an AI-powered healthcare robot, during his co-op at Diligent Robotics highlights the versatility and technical breadth that come with a game design and development degree...
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RIT students launch studio to bring bad game ideas to life
The Salesman, the first game produced by the studio, has already sold 8,000 times—at $5 for the game.
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Student showcase alternative controllers at Game Developers Conference
RIT new media students were featured at one of the most popular exhibits at the annual San Francisco convention.
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RIT-created virtual reality game Changeling VR arrives on Steam
Elouise Oyzon More than 300 RIT students have published Changeling VR, a new narrative mystery game on Steam.
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NMID students create award-winning interactive game experience
Best Interactive Project winner Overboard was developed in partnership with the Strong Museum of Play, the world's largest museum dedicated to play.
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Grad’s job is all fun and games
Rohit Crasta, lead game designer for The New York Times, helps create some of the most popular digital puzzles
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Interactive Media Symposium
Step into the hub of Interactive Media at RIT during this year’s inaugural Interactive Media Symposium hosted by the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM). Celebrating the academic and practical achievements of the RIT creative community, this event brings together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals in one space.
Join us in person in the MAGIC Spell Studios on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 for a great day of learning and celebration!
Industrial Advisory Board
The IGM Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) consists of a broad range of industry representatives. The board helps us stay current with industry trends, offering insight on everything from curriculum to teaching methods. IAB plays an integral role in helping us maintain a balanced, vibrant school.