Dallas College Students Level Up Their Networking Skills

May 21, 2026

On Friday, May 9, Dallas College game design students hit the next level, trading solo play for multiplayer networking at a lively mixer on the Richland Campus. The event combined student-built games with real-world connections to industry pros. 

The mixer featured two guest speakers who highlighted different aspects of the video game industry, including Shawn Ketcherside and James Huffman. 

Ketcherside is a seasoned industry veteran with 25+ years of experience at studios including Ritual, BioWare, PeopleFun and more. Ketcherside spoke about the current state of the gaming industry, the impact of AI and shared insights from his extensive career.  

Huffman is an indie game developer currently working on The Bold Bogey (planned for release on Steam). Huffman shared his inspiring journey of starting in a completely different career field, discovering his passion for game design, taking classes at Dallas College, and ultimately pursuing his dream as a developer. 

Huffman gave several pieces of advice to students who wanted to pursue making games independently. He suggested doing a little bit of work every day. That improvement does not happen if you are not doing something. Ketcherside’s advice to students who want to be involved in the industry was to network heavily and participate in game jams frequently.  

The game design program at Dallas College has options for students to equip themselves with the necessary tools for game development. One flexible and cost-effective option is the game development certificate. Another option is an associate degree in applied science at the Richland Campus.  

“How do you learn to make games? By building them,” said Josh Carter, instructor for the Game Design Program’s level design, portfolio, and project development courses. “As soon as they take their intro classes, we throw them into the deep end.” When it comes to postgraduation plans, he said, “Some people go to UNT or UT Dallas, some end up doing contract work and some end up going straight into the industry.”  

At the game mixer event, current students showed off the games they designed and created. Those games can be played online here.  

Students have found the game design program to be a great foundation in jumpstarting their journeys into game design and the industry.  

“The classes help you build your portfolio,” said Lucy Williams, an environmental and 2D artist who is currently pursuing an associate of applied science. “They set you up to either dip your feet into the industry or continue your education towards a bachelor's degree.” 

If you’re interested in game design, you can check out the program’s YouTube channel and learn more about the program online. 

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