University of the Sunshine Coast

Gympie’s video game enthusiast Will Averillo was so impressed with the power and artistry of video games that he took his career in the burgeoning game design industry to the next level.

The 2020 Gympie High State School graduate has just started a Bachelor of Design (Game Design) at USC and is taking the degree offered online for the first time by the University.

“The flexibility of studying online suits my personal situation and allows me to earn a degree in my field of choice without having to leave Gympie,” said Will.

“For me, video games are one of the most flexible art mediums – it can be something as simple as Tetris for an exploration of the human psyche – and that versatility is powerful,” he said. .

“I spent most of my youth gaming and being fascinated by games and digital media, so much so that enrolling in USC to study game design and production felt like a big deal. logical progression. “

Will fulfilled his aspiration to formally create games in high school and earned an IV certificate in digital and interactive games through TAFE while learning basic coding and design skills in his spare time.

With the gaming industry becoming one of the fastest growing and most innovative industries, Will said earning a degree will give him the skills and knowledge to develop his passion into a fulfilling and successful career.

USC’s three-year Bachelor of Design (Game Design) offers students the opportunity to create emotionally rich and stimulating experiences through games and simulations, and to specialize in the art of play, interactive storytelling and programming.

Electives allow students to further their education in a range of diverse fields, including Indigenous studies, education, healthcare, marketing, and international relations.

They can also gain hands-on experience in the development of personal computers, smartphones and tablets, and augmented and virtual reality.

“I hope to gain a vertical slice of industry experience by completing the bachelor’s degree in design and then using it as a stepping stone to further education or employment,” Will said.

Applications to study at USC in Semester 2 are now open