Industry-Integrated Game Design Education at AUD
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) recently hosted a two-day intensive Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) Masterclass on February 5–6, 2026. This masterclass was conducted as part of the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development program, demonstrating AUD’s commitment to providing students with hands-on experience using professional tools and real-world production workflows.
The masterclass was delivered in collaboration with WILD UNLIMITED, NOETA Academy, and DMCC, bringing together industry expertise and academic instruction. Students were introduced to Unreal Editor for Fortnite and guided through the complete creative pipeline of building, testing, and preparing interactive experiences for release within the Fortnite ecosystem.
Hands-On Learning Through Real-World Application
Over the two days, participants progressed from foundational tool familiarity to applied practice in UEFN workflows, environment creation, and interactive gameplay implementation. A particularly engaging component was a build challenge where students created a playable digital replica of the AUD campus inside Fortnite.
This exercise provided students with practical experience in translating real-world environments into interactive digital experiences while strengthening essential skills in design thinking, iteration, collaboration, and technical execution. Such projects mirror the type of work students will encounter in professional game development environments.
Comprehensive Game Design Curriculum
AUD’s Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development is structured to prepare students for diverse careers across game design, interactive media, and emerging digital technologies. The program combines creative design, storytelling, programming fundamentals, user experience, and production pipelines.
What distinguishes this program is its emphasis on experiential learning and direct engagement with industry partners. Students graduate with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical dimensions of game development, aligned with global industry standards. This approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to enter the competitive gaming industry.
Contributing to Dubai’s Gaming Ecosystem
The masterclass aligns with Dubai’s broader ambition to expand its gaming and interactive media ecosystem. It contributes to talent development in line with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), which aims to grow the sector’s economic impact and position Dubai as a global hub for gaming and interactive media.
By providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and industry-standard workflows, AUD is helping to build the skilled workforce needed to support Dubai’s gaming industry growth. This educational investment supports both individual career development and the broader economic objectives of the region.
Industry Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Following the masterclass, AUD hosted the Wild Meetup on February 6, 2026, bringing together partners, educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from Dubai’s gaming and creative technology sectors. This event provided students enrolled in the Game Design and Development program with opportunities to connect directly with industry leaders.
The meetup featured an industry panel moderated by Sam Shami, Founder and CEO of WILD UNLIMITED. The discussion brought together diverse perspectives from DMCC, AUD faculty, and various gaming companies, offering students valuable insights into career trajectories and industry trends.
Building a Connected Gaming Ecosystem
Together, the masterclass and leadership meetup underscored AUD’s role in delivering industry-aligned game design education while contributing to the growth of a connected and future-focused gaming ecosystem in Dubai. These initiatives demonstrate how academic institutions can serve as bridges between education and industry.
For students interested in pursuing careers in game design and development, AUD’s program offers a comprehensive pathway that combines technical skills, creative development, and industry connections. The university’s approach ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also understand the broader context of the gaming industry and their potential role within it.
Explore the Game Design and Development program at AUD to learn more about how you can build your career in the gaming industry while gaining hands-on experience with professional tools like Unreal Editor for Fortnite.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to join AUD’s innovative Game Design and Development program and start your journey in the exciting world of interactive entertainment.
