AKTU introduces minor course in gaming and animation for BTech students

Lucknow: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has introduced a minor course in gaming and animation for its BTech students. The proposed minor will carry 18 credits and has been designed to align with emerging industry needs in the digital content ecosystem. "The initiative is to introduce gaming and animation in engineering and to train youth in gaming, animation, comics, visual effects and broadcasting, sectors that are witnessing rapid growth and expanding employment prospects," said an AKTU official. "The move could help create a structured talent pipeline and strengthen skill-based education in technical institutions. In fact, it can help students to convert their love for gaming into a career," said the official. "The university will soon constitute a committee to finalise the framework, curriculum and implementation plan for the minor course. In this minor course, 1 credit is equivalent to 30 hours of laboratory work, which means the main focus of the course is practicals where students learn by doing," said AKTU vice-chancellor Prof JP Pandey. This degree will provide a strong foundation in programming, game engine architecture, 3D animation and interactive design, he added. The VC said graduates could work as game developers, gameplay programmers, game designers, 3D artists and animators. The Indian gaming industry was expanding rapidly, with the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic) sector projected to grow significantly. The gaming industry was global, allowing for roles in international studios or remote work for overseas companies.