Ten years ago, the thought that video games would be treated with respect as an artform in academia was unheard of. Now, the Princeton Review ranks schools for game design, the School of Cinematic Arts houses thinklabs and advanced-level courses in video game design and the National Endowment for the Arts granted Tracy Fullerton, the Chair of SCA’s Interactive Media Division, funds to finish Walden, a game. Game design has become a pervasive part of the entertainment industry, and on September 12th and 13th, Sony Computer Education America will be holding two days of events, including an talk from CEO Jack Tretton, which will further the reaches of the game industry and solidify the relationship between PlayStation and USC.

“It’s an opportunity to engage with tomorrow’s leaders,” Jack Tretton explains of the events, “to tell the students a little about our products, about our business and to give them a chance to ask questions and learn more about our industry.”

Two tents will be set up just outside of the George Lucas Building on Watt Way at the USC Campus. The event will culminate with a keynote address from Tretton at 11:00 AM on the 13th.

Offering advice for current students, Tretton notes, “You want to follow your passion. If you’re passionate about something, you don’t look at it as work, you look at it as entertainment. It’s not just about sitting in front of a TV and playing a game for hours at a time, it really [has become] mainstream entertainment. If you’re a fan of the entertainment business, game design is something you should look towards.”

The specifics to the events are listed below.

PlayStation on Campus
September 12th - 10:00 - 5:00 pm
September 13th - 10:00 - 3:00 pm

PS3 and PS Vita Gaming Stations will be placed outside the George Lucas Building on Watt Way.

PlayStation HR Reps will be on-site September 12 & 13; drop off your resume and find out about what great opportunities PlayStation has to offer.

Tents: 20 gaming kiosks featuring New and Pre-Released Games such as PlayStation All Stars: Battle Royale, LBP Karting, Madden 13, NHL 13 and more.

Free PlayStation swag will be given out on both days:
Swag includes PlayStation bottle openers, PlayStation Koozies, PlayStation Cups, PlayStation Sunglasses, Bracelets, Backpacks and more, free PS Plus 30-Day Trial Cards and more.
 
Sep 13: 11 AM - 12 PM Keynote speech from Jack Tretton, the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America in SCA 108.
 
Giveaways:
- Custom USC PS3 and PS Vita will be given away. PS3 and PS Vita will feature an etched USC logo.
- PS MLB 12 Prize Pack: PS3, MLB 12 The Show, Move Software Bundle.

Ways to win:
- Sep 12: 10 AM to 2 PM Compete at the tents on PlayStation All Star: Battle Royale contest for your chance to win the Custom Etched PS3 and PS Vita prize pack.
Contestants do not need to stay the entire time, but the winner will be announced between 2:15 - 3:00. (Must be present to win.)

- Sep 13: 10 AM to 2:15 PM Compete at the tents on MLB12 The Show, Home Run Derby Contest. Competition takes place. Contestants do not need to stay the entire time, but winner will be announced between 2:15 - 3:00. (Must be present to win.)

Be sure to register at the truck via Play Wish Win system. Ask a PlayStation Crew Member for assistance. Sign ups will take place on both 12th and 13th.