SciITech
The Battalion
Page 6A • Thursday, October 2,20(13
Getting TAGD
Texas Aggie Game Developers brings the world of video game creation to A&U
By George Deutsch
THE BATTALION
The popularity of video games has overwhelmingly increased
over the past two decades, but not all Texas A&M students are
content with merely playing them. Long before games are ready
for prime time, they must be conceptualized and developed, and
one University organization, the Texas Aggie Game Developers,
is in the process of creating video games for public consumption.
Video games are increasingly finding their niche within the
realm of academia, and no one could be more excited about this
than student game developers themselves. The Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, the University of California at Irvine,
Southern Methodist University and the Georgia Institute of
Technology all now offer at least one
type of course in game design or
criticism, according to The
Christian Science
Monitor. Experts
predict that this trend will translate into better game developers,
and in time, better games.
TAGD President Jacob Foshee, a graduate computer science stu
dent, said he is disappointed that A&M doesn’t offer game develop
ment courses, but he remains hopeful that they will be offered in
the future. Foshee said A&M students are an untapped resource of
game-creating talent. He said he hopes TAGD can bridge the gap
between industry professionals and aspiring students.
“I believe very strongly that A&M has the academic caliber to
create game developers,” Foshee said, “but because there’s no one
on that track, it’s hard to recognize that fact.”
TAGD’s efforts thus far look promising. There is currently a
coin-operated game in the works that may one day find a home
in a building on campus, and Foshee said he is currently working
on an untitled, turn-based strategy game under the code name
“space game.”
“Imagine playing chess, but with spaceships,” Foshee said.
TAGD will soon be a recognized branch of the International
Game Developers Association, an industry organization for pro
fessionals that allows student members to join.
The IGDA is one of many avenues students have to meet
industry professionals.
Larz Smith, senior computer science major, said that “asfoi
what’s good about TAGD, it’s being able to make contacts in
the gaming industry, especially in regards to a potential
employment opportunity.” Without TAGD, students at A&M
would have fewer means of interacting with industry profes
sionals, Foshee said.
The remaining question is whether people will buy and play
games developed by students. Freshman business major Colin
Weber said he doubts it.
“I probably wouldn’t buy (a student-created game) because it's
not well known,” Weber said. “Best-selling games, well, people
buy them for a reason.”
The future of groups like TAGD may still be up in the air, but
the video game industry has shown no sign of slowing down. As
Foshee said, “We want to give people something in addition to
their degree.”
Aggies interested in TAGD can check out the group’s Website
at www.gettagd.com.
Cracie Arenas • THE BATTALION
THURSDAY
FRIDAY SATURDAY
.25^ Mixed Drinks'
1.00 Longnecks
~ 1.00 You-Call-
D rinks
,9-11
ALL LADIES
FREE
‘TIL I 1:00 PM!
Guys 21 & up
FREE till 10 pm
Doors open at 9 pm
Classic Country
& Dance Night
ed Drinks ^
ngnecks \
i-Call-lt J
.25^ Mixed Drinks
* 1.00 Longnecks
J 1.00 You
Drinks
9-11
ALL LADIES
FREE
ALL NIGHT!
Doors open at 9 pm
LADIES
NIGHT
.25^ Mixed Drinks
* 1.00 Longnecks
$ 1.00You-Call-lt DrinI
All Ladies FREE
‘til I 1:00 p.m.
Guys 21 & up
FREE‘til 10:00 p.m.
Doors open at 9 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!
4$^
The Office of Honors Programs and Academic Scholarships would
like to thank and congratulate thisjear’s Teacher Scholars and
University Undergraduate Research Fellows Advisor of the Year:
Thank You!
Gui lah hui dui dui nia
Ju falem 11dent
Biyan bolzin
Amesegenallo
Aahood
Basimeh
Juspajarkatam
Tarshaekkur eU-yir*rn
Na gode
Mahalo nui loa
Dhanyawaad
Ua koj tsaug ntau
Dios manguy ic
Nagy on koszondm
Obrigada
Arigato gozaimasu
lerhna kasili
Komawoyo
Gratias tibi ago
Nuoiirdziai dekoju
As hi naling
Hsa khawn hsk ta mi' law
2003-2004 Teacher Scholars
Dr. Patricia Phi Hippy
Department of English
Dr. David McWhirter
Department of English
2003 Advisor of the Year
University Undergraduate
Research Fellows
Brenda L. Bethman
Department of Women's Studies
Thank You!
Aug keun Cacutahvixensa
Ngua tsaa xlay’be hii
Dakujem vim
A dank aych
Cowatti
Muchas Gracias
Dhanyabad
Webaale
Mar aba
Nashukuru
Grisce
Dzakuja
At kun
Zikomo kwambili
Hvala lijepa
Dekuji
Cl rubai
Ic saeege cow pancas
Mudu, epenau
Abui ngan
' Aw a' abdab
Merci beaucoup
Proudly Supporting Texas A&M University’s Tradition of Excellence
Office of Honors Programs & Academic Scholarships - A Department in the Division of Academic Affairs
The Association of Former Students helps to make these programs possible with its continued and generous support.
Considering
going to
graduate
school?
Make plans to attend the
Graduate School Application Workshop
Tuesday, October 7 (5:30-6:30pm)
HOKoldus
and
Graduate/Professional School Day
Thursday, October 9 (10am-3pm)
MSC-Flagroom
Sponsors: The Career Center & Office of Professional School Advising
Career Center
Cfj Texas A&M University
http://careercenter.tamu.edu
209 Koldus 845-5139
With you every step of the way
7A
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