In a pioneering move likely to redefine the future of game development education, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) has announced a transformational relationship with Epic Games the makers of the worldwide recognized Unreal Engine. This cooperation will build a cutting-edge academic curriculum geared to equip students with industry eading abilities in game design real time 3D production and immersive technologies.
Why This Partnership Matters
The gaming business is expanding, with the worldwide market anticipated to top $300 billion by 2026 (Statista). Yet a chronic skills deficit left many studios unable to locate competent workers. UNCG’s relationship with Epic titles directly tackles this difficulty by incorporating Unreal Engine the same engine behind hit titles like Fortnite and Gears of War into its curriculum.
Dr. Jane Doe Dean of UNCG’s College of Arts & Sciences explains: This program isn’t just about teaching software it’s about educating students to lead in a quickly moving profession. Partnering with Epic Games assures our students learn from the best utilizing technologies that power today’s most inventive companies.
What the Program Offers
The Unreal Engine Academic Program at UNCG will integrate theory with hands on practice featuring:
1. Industry Standard Training:
- Master Unreal Engine’s real time 3D creative tools.
- Build immersive environments, characters and gaming mechanisms.
- Learn scripting animation and optimization methods.
2. Career Focused Curriculum: o Courses co-developed with Epic Games’ expertise.
- Access to special seminars guest speakers and Epic’s $100M MegaGrants supported projects.
3. Portfolio Development:
- Collaborate on capstone projects mimicking actual studio procedures.
- Showcase work on Epic’s ArtStation and Unreal Engine Marketplace.
Benefits for Students
- High Demand Skills: Unreal Engine knowledge is desired by AAA companies (e.g., EA, Ubisoft) and sectors including cinema, architecture and VR/AR.
- Networking: Direct access to Epic Games development community and UNCG’s alumni network.
- Scholarships: Financial assistance for underrepresented groups in tech to foster diversity.
The Bigger Picture: A Win for Education and Industry
This relationship represents a rising trend of universities and tech firms partnering to tackle the skills gap. Epic Games Tim Sweeney has long campaigned for democratizing game creation tools stating: Empowering kids with Unreal Engine isn’t just about games it’s about developing innovators who’ll define the future of interactive media.
For UNCG the program reinforces its position as a magnet for innovation. Prospective students receive a competitive advantage while studios acquire a pipeline of work ready talent.
How to Get Involved
- Prospective Students: Applications open Fall 2025. Visit UNCG.edu/gamedev for more.
- Educators: Explore Epic Games free Unreal Engine teaching materials via the Epic Educator Hub.