Senior Exhibition Showcases Innovative Video Games by ATU Students

The Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is hosting a senior exhibition at the Norman Hall Art Gallery, displaying five video games created by students in the game and interactive media design program. The event will run until Friday, April 11, with gallery hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. A reception for the exhibition is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, between 2:30 and 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to all interested parties. Besides the video games, the exhibition also features two monitors showcasing additional projects completed by the students.

This year's exhibition highlights an impressive array of student talent, evident through the diversity and creativity of their work. Among the showcased games is "Job Hopper," a collaborative effort by Aaron Campbell, Don Cuebas, Olivia Wills, Randy Leggett, and Taylor Walczak. Another standout title is "Goat Retribution," developed by David Palos, Kai Miller, Samantha Odom, and Ryan Huggins. These games reflect not only technical proficiency but also imaginative storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics.

In addition to these notable titles, other games such as "Don't Peek," crafted by Jordan Freeman, Samantha Odom, and Mathew Marzette, and "Basilica," designed by Shayne Burt, Tyler Harp, and Kai Miller, further demonstrate the range of skills within the program. Lastly, "Hot Lap" by Christian Montano, Taylor Walczak, and Donny Jones adds another layer of excitement to the collection on display.

The ATU launched its game and interactive media design bachelor’s degree in fall 2016, aiming to prepare students for various careers in animation, simulation programming, web design, and interactive visualization construction, beyond just the video game industry. This exhibition serves as a testament to the program's success and the potential it holds for future graduates.

Beyond the featured games, attendees can explore additional projects displayed on two monitors throughout the gallery. These supplementary works provide a broader perspective on the innovative approaches taken by ATU students in their studies. Visitors are encouraged to attend the reception to meet the creators and gain insight into their creative processes, celebrating the achievements of this talented group of emerging designers.