SAN ANGELO, TX -- Angelo State University students can now prepare to join the rapidly growing video game and digital entertainment industry as ASU has added a new Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in video game art and animation degree that is now enrolling students for the upcoming spring 2027 semester.
The new degree program has been implemented in response to the continuously expanding demand for skilled artists and animators proficient in digital tools and collaborative production environments. According to Mordor Intelligence, the gaming market is expected to grow from $269 billion in 2025 to more than $435 billion in 2030, as games and other interactive entertainment products also intersect with education, healthcare, film animation, simulation, and virtual reality industries.
Additionally, Texas state legislators in 2025 approved a $1.5 billion program to incentivize the film and video game industries, so as Texas continues to grow as a hub for digital media and creative technology, Angelo State now offers a specialized degree that prepares students for these fields.
"This degree program will focus on the artistic and aesthetic aspects of game development, rather than just programming, so it complements our computer science offerings without duplicating them," said Dr. Sergio Ruiz, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. "Students will develop expertise in concept art, digital illustration, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, environment design and character development, culminating in professional-quality capstone projects that will help them build their portfolios. We will be preparing students for high-paying, forward-facing careers in the high-demand gaming and digital media industry."
The B.F.A. in video game art and animation is offered through ASU's Department of Visual and Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Humanities.
"The Department of Visual and Performing Arts, which houses the disciplines of art, music and theatre, is very excited to usher in the newly-approved B.F.A. in video game art and animation program," said Dr. Constance Kelley, department chair. "This new, cutting-edge undergraduate degree will not only expand the areas of concentration in which students may choose to specialize within our art program, but will also be the first degree program in our department to be offered in a hybrid format with both in-person and online classes. That flexibility will make it available to many more students."
The curriculum for the new degree consists of 120 credit hours and includes courses in foundational topics, such as:
- Character Design and Development
- VFX for Games
- Advanced 3D Modeling and Sculpting
- Level Design and Game World Development
- Environment Art and Level Dressing
- User Interface and Player Experience Design
Along with preparing ASU students for professional careers, this degree will strengthen ASU's connection to the region by promoting collaborative projects with local and regional schools, community organizations and small businesses.
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