Has the academic “game design” program become an urgent need in the Palestinian market?

In light of the acceleration of digital transformation efforts, and the intersection of technological technologies in various fields of applied arts, the Palestinian market is standing on the verge of new doors that will open multiple horizons for those interested and specialized in these arts, especially in the “game design” sector, which will witness a turning point in the transfer of multiple knowledge and experiences between... Its users.

This program (i.e. game design) has appeared among Palestinian academic circles recently, as An-Najah National University in Nablus is unique in offering it within the departments of the College of Fine Arts for the third year in a row, as it seeks to meet the needs of different users within a sophisticated interactive environment, through... Integrating multiple forms of media and programming them into various scenarios.

The lecturer in the game design department at the university, Muhammad Al-Shakhshir, spoke to Al-Quds.com about the importance of this program, the study of which revolves around the intersection of different specializations, including animation, graphic design, and programming, which allows the educated person to pursue a range of professional paths available in... The local or global market, as the latter has become in great need of this program, in light of the technical development witnessed in the current era.

The Palestinian market is still emerging in the field of digital games - according to Al-Shakhshir - and he expects that the coming years will witness a bright future for this field, saying: “The local market will witness a qualitative shift in keeping pace with global developments, technological spread and innovations in both programs and electronic devices, which will... It pushes him to grow and flourish faster in the field of game design.”

Al-Shakhshir continues: “Game designers can also work in technology, multimedia and media companies, or even implement personal projects or find jobs in non-traditional fields in various institutions, after learning various programming and design skills, in addition to designing smart programs that can create worlds.” Virtualization using video games and artificial intelligence and the mechanism of employing them in the educational, medical, advertising, and other fields.”

He explained that this program integrates the educational process, which lasts for four years, between the academic community and the labor market, adding that the student in this program learns the basics of programming and the history and theories of multiple design, in addition to game engines and methods related to programming and designing characters based on creative ideas that he seeks to implement step by step. One step at a time to achieve the desired goals.

The budding game designer can acquire basic skills in photography, directing, image processing and design using 3D and 2D programs, as well as producing electronic games, whether entertaining or educational. He also uses computer applications and multimedia programs that help him design publications such as advertisements, magazines, newspapers, in addition to websites. Web" also.

The game designer learns how to prepare scenarios that include ideas with interactive content to create computer-based educational situations, and produce contemporary programs that combine virtual reality and augmented reality, which adds special enjoyment to the educational process in schools and universities.

At present, the electronic games market is growing at a rapid pace in conjunction with the widespread spread of electronic devices and smart programs, as statistics indicate that the size of the global gaming market has reached more than (190) billion US dollars in 2021, and that it is expected to reach more than About $300 billion by 2028.

Al-Shakhshir said: “We urge those interested in the fields of technology and design to step into the game design program, as commercial work, investment, marketing, and other pillars of the contemporary economy have begun to reinforce the modern trends of companies and institutions in creating an economic identity that is compatible with technological development and developments in contemporary life, which opens doors.” There are many opportunities for game designers to engage in the labor market, develop their creativity, and employ their cultural ideas within various interactive materials.”

He points out that if a game designer enjoys working with technical computer programs and achieves impressive achievement in developing creative and imaginative ideas, then obtaining a “Bachelor’s” degree in this field is appropriate for him, indicating that the designer may take a long time to design video games while taking into account a number of technical elements to develop them. These games include programming, coding, and technical construction of the game in terms of control, simulation, and moving technical components, which makes it work smoothly for end users.

According to Shakhshir, the designer’s creativity and good handling of the aesthetic aspects of design is also an important element in game design, as it allows players to engage in exciting and interactive experiences, while the designer’s artistic talent helps in creating more attractive shapes, characters, and landscapes, in addition to the apparent coordinates, game levels, and scopes. The difficulty it develops.

It is worth noting that, in light of the spread of the “Corona” pandemic, the world witnessed a massive wave of digital transformation and increased reliance on the Internet. Many governments also moved towards providing electronic services and transferring the educational process in schools and universities through digital applications, as well as increasing the spread of electronic commerce at that time. This prompted many technology companies and institutions to develop their programs and develop the technical talents of their staff.

This transformation has also significantly helped in bridging the digital gap between generations in different societies, especially in the Arab region, and then various institutions set out to prepare talent and technical expertise that will be responsible for leading the process of technical transformation, harnessing technological fields to serve society, and creating marketing plans that are compatible with technological methodologies. New.

Al-Shakhshir stresses the importance of learning through games and simulations, by employing technological means to develop students’ awareness during the learning process, or for commercial marketing as well, calling on academic, governmental, and private sector institutions to keep pace with developments in life and provide material and moral support for their use, and to shift away from Traditional thinking does not mean its failure, but today is not like yesterday, and from one moment to the next new applications appear in the unprecedented communications and knowledge revolution.