Academy of Interactive Entertainment Lands at the Seattle Center

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), a non-profit academic institution providing vocational training for the digital media industries, signed a lease with the Seattle Center and will be opening their doors to students in June, according to a press release jointly issued by the AIE and the Washington Interactive Network, an industry association representing the local gaming industry.

“The AIE looks to be another welcome addition to Seattle’s growing range of educational resources for students seeking a practical, real-world education,” says Scott Steinberg, lead technology analyst for TechSavvy Global. “Offering results-oriented instruction in digital media, 3D graphics and video game development, the local high-tech and gaming communities are pleased to have such an acclaimed source of insight and talent located just around the corner.

The AIE will provide students with real world skills that employers look for in grads that are applying for a job in game development as a programmer, artist, or engineer, says Dr. Christopher Erhardt who is heading up the new campus. We are offering 2-year advanced diplomas and 1-year certificates in game development targeted at the casual and social game sectors as well as focused courses in Screen & Media, Computer animation and digital post production F/X for students interested in getting into film animation.

With over 150 interactive media companies in the local game industry, the Seattle regions strong interactive media cluster was a major decision point for AIE. Education is a strong cornerstone for growing our local workforce which is a driving need for our local industry, said Kristina Hudson, Director of enterpriseSeattles Washington Interactive Network. In the next few years, we have the unique opportunity to be the global center of game and interactive media development and IP creation, if we stay competitive with our education, taxes, and incentives.