Champlain College Rises to #9 in Princeton’s “Top Schools for Best Game Design” List

In the Princeton Review’s “2025 Top Schools for Game Design” list, Champlain College has secured an impressive #9 ranking, climbing three spots from last year. This achievement coincides with the 20th anniversary of Champlain’s Game Studio, solidifying its place among the top institutions for aspiring game designers.

Champlain’s Game Studio stands out for its focus on collaboration, a crucial skill in the gaming industry. The program emphasizes building lifelong skills by bringing together different game majors for hands-on classes that simulate a real game studio environment. This collaborative approach prepares students for the realities of professional game development, where effective communication between designers, programmers, artists, and producers is essential.

The game industry has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Twenty years ago, there were limited opportunities for students to pursue specific courses related to game creation. Today, Champlain offers one of the top opportunities to enter the gaming field. As JoAnn Patel, Program Director of the Game Art major, notes, “The game industry has recognized that there is now solid training from certain colleges out there that prepare students for the game industry.”

A Comprehensive Game Curriculum

Champlain’s Game Studio Experience offers students the opportunity to major in the following areas:

• Game Art
• Game Business & Publishing
• Game Design
• Game Production Management
• Game Programming
• Game Sound Design
• Interactive Narratives for Games & Digital Media

This diverse range of specializations allows students like Isa Flaherty to focus on the aspects of game development that interest them most. “I couldn’t choose between the Game Design major with a Programming minor or just Game Programming. I love that I was able to double major because now I get to do both,” says the second-year student.

Preparing for a Successful Career in Game

The program’s focus on career outcomes ensures that graduates leave with industry-standard skills and a strong portfolio. Students spend their senior year creating a prototype game, pitching it through the “Greenlight” process, and then working in large groups to finalize a publishable game. This hands-on experience, combined with the collaborative environment, prepares students for successful careers in the gaming industry.

Cole Jordan, a second-year Game Production Management major, highlights the program’s impact: “I love the game program because it allows me to live out my dream of making games for a living. They also have a good job turnout for graduates and it gives me hope for the future.”

As one of the top schools for game design, Champlain College continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the gaming industry, providing students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this dynamic field.