Warren Spector joins new Texas game school

A partnership between Warren Spector and the University of Texas at Austin has led to the creation of the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy.

Billed as the "first video game program in the United States led and taught by gaming industry executives", the academy will feature both Spector and Blizzard Entertainment COO Paul Sams as teachers.

"What differentiates the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy is that it will focus explicitly on the bigger creative leadership aspects of game development – on the management and production side and on the creative leadership side," said Spector.

"This is a space that’s not being filled by the other programs, and it will make the academy unique."

Spector, best known as the creator of Deus Ex and Epic Mickey, will also serve as co-chair of the academy’s advisory board.

Made possible by the Cain Foundation and Paul and Susan Sams, the industry-driven program will offer a post-baccalaureate certificate instead of a graduate degree

The founders say this will allow it to be more flexible and remain more relevant than traditional programs.

"By combining the best professors with some of the gaming industry’s top minds and contributors, The University of Texas will immediately establish itself on the cutting edge of gaming design technology and the gaming industry," said Cain Foundation and academy co-founder Wofford Denius.

"But even more importantly, the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy will help our students by enhancing their marketability and providing them with unique leadership skills to advance as leaders in their employment and in the gaming industry."

Admissions are highly competitive, with only 20 slots available for 2014.

Those admitted will recieve a tuition waiver and a $10,000 stipend for fees and living expenses.

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