For the second year in a row, the University of Utah’s Division of Games has earned top global recognition, ranked No.1 in the world among public institutions for undergraduate game design and No.2 for graduate programs, according to the 2025 Princeton Review rankings.
These back-to-back honors reflect more than just success—they underscore the sustained excellence and unique character of a program that has become a powerhouse in games education. With a culture rooted in creativity, collaboration, and innovation, the Games Division is nationally and internationally recognized as a launchpad for future industry leaders.
Professor Michael Young, chair of the Games Division, celebrated the announcement while attending the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco:
“To receive these rankings in consecutive years is a phenomenal achievement! It’s a testament to the unwavering dedication of our faculty, the support of our incredible staff, and—most importantly—the boundless creativity and talent of our students. Their work is making waves in the industry, and they graduate with the skills and knowledge to shape the future of games. This is a community of excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Building on this recognition, the U is making a bold commitment to the future of games. Through the Press Play initiative, the university is providing unprecedented support to expand the Games Division’s role from a leader in education to a global hub for games research and innovation. This multi-year, $25 million dollar investment is fueling the division’s growth into new research areas—such as game-based learning, virtual worlds, game design, and artificial intelligence—while also enhancing its already renowned academic programs. The U’s commitment is one critical component enabling the sustained excellence reflected in The Princeton Review rankings.
With this momentum, the U’s Games Division is not only preparing the next generation of designers, developers and storytellers, but it is shaping the very future of games.
Click to learn more about the University of Utah’s Games Division, the Press Play initiative, and the division’s plan for growth. You can find out more about the Division’s plan for growth.