Since its inception in 2006, Gamescenes has evolved, leading to its integration into academic curricula at various institutions in the United States and Italy, including the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and Oakland, California and IULM University in Milan.
At the California College of the Arts, Gamescenes became an integral part of the Visual Studies program under the guidance of Maria Makela. It was incorporated into the curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between games, art, and technology. The course allowed students to explore the cultural and artistic aspects of video games and their impact on society. This academic offering provided a platform for students to critically analyze and create games as a form of artistic expression.
Similarly, in Milan, Italy, Gamescenes found a home within the prestigious IULM University. Between 2016 and 2021, it was an integral part of the MA Program in Game Design, contributing to the development of skilled game designers who were equipped with a deep understanding of the artistic and technological dimensions of video games. The course at IULM University provided students with the opportunity to delve into the aesthetics, design principles, and cultural significance of games, nurturing their creative and technical abilities.
Moreover, since 2020, Gamescenes has been incorporated into the Master of Arts in Television, Cinema, and New Media program at IULM University. Renamed as Videogiochi, tecnologia e arte (Video Games, Technology, and Art), the course continues to emphasize the intricate relationship between video games and various forms of media. This expanded curriculum enables students to explore the convergence of video games with television, cinema, and new media, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and creating interactive experiences. It also nurtured a new generation of machinima makers.
The integration of Gamescenes into the academic programs of these higher education schools and colleges exemplifies the growing recognition of video games as an art form and a cultural phenomenon. By offering specialized courses that explore the artistic, technological, and cultural aspects of games, these institutions have provided students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to the ever-evolving field of game design, contemporary art, and visual culure.