Video Games, Creative Industries and Society specialization

What is the Video Games, Creative Industries and Society specialization?

Video games are more than entertainment—they are profitable digital products, powerful communication tools, and popular art forms at the heart of the global creative industries. As a leading edge of technological innovation, a dynamic means of cultural storytelling, and a source of fun, joy and play for billions, video games exert far-reaching economic, social and cultural influence in the digital age. The Video Games, Creative Industries and Society specialization in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media Studies (CDMS) offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that integrates the professional, sociological, cultural, and ethical frameworks and skills of communication and social media studies with the entrepreneurial, technical, and creative dimensions of interactive game development, design and storytelling. Students will take most of their courses through the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ CDMS program, complemented by specialized courses in the Faculty of Business and Information Technology’s Game Development and Interactive Media (GDIM) program. Through this specialized interdisciplinary program fusing communication, design, entrepreneurship, art and creativity, students will learn about video games and other digital products in relation to: the industries that produce and sell them, the technologies that we use to interact with them, the legal, policy, and ethical frameworks that shape them, the stories they tell and the representations they communicate, and the broader psychological and social impacts they have on everyday life. This specialization’s professionally and socially relevant curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in applied theory, research, analysis, and communicative, creative and digital literacies and practices, with a focus on video games and the wider creative industries. Rooted in Ontario Tech’s commitment to “tech with a conscience,” the program challenges students to think professionally, act creatively, and engage ethically with the fast-changing world of digital media, including video games, Hollywood films, TV series, advertising, podcasts, and social media such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Graduates will be well-prepared for diverse careers across the creative and digital media sectors—as developers, digital storytellers, social media managers, online community organizers, entrepreneurs, content creators, researchers, and critics—ready to lead and shape the future of media in society.

How can I apply?

Although admission to the CDMS - Creativity, Digital Arts and Entertainment Industries program is competitive, the specific grade average required for admission varies from year to year and preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. At a minimum, current Ontario secondary school student applicants to the program must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), and demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency. To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.

Experiential Learning

To learn more about the CDMS - Video Games, Creative Industries and Society program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., co-op, the practicum, the internship, and community engagement projects), check out the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ Experiential Learning Office.

What courses will I take?

Visit Communication and Digital Media Studies in our Academic Calendar for program maps and course descriptions. Be sure to select the correct year of study at the top of the page.