IGT funds degree program

NEVADA – As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "International Game Technology is making it possible for college students to major in something their parents probably hoped they wouldn't spend too much time with in college: computer games.

"Reno-based International Game Technology, the largest slot-machine manufacturer in the world, is making it possible for college students to major in something their parents probably hoped they wouldn't spend too much time with in college: computer games.

"IGT wants the graduates. How else will they find their next big casino slot hit like Wheel of Fortune or House of the Dead?

"So hungry is the manufacturing giant for talented employees that it has donated $500,000 to the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Engineering to fund a computer game studies undergraduate degree program.

"University officials have touted the donation as an example of how a university can partner with industry to meet the demand for local skilled workers.

"…UNR used the grant to hire two new faculty members to teach in the department, and it plans to offer a bachelor's degree in game engineering…"