Gearbox Software, an independent company producing interactive entertainment, pledged close to $50,000 in order to initiate a Fellows Scholars Program at the Guildhall at SMU. The goal of the program is to recruit smart, skilled students who will help accelerate the gaming industry.

“The only thing growing faster than our industry is the critical need for new and creative talent,” Gearbox CEO and President Randy Pitchford said. “I think it is clear that the video game industry has the vast financial support and consumer demand. It needs to continue its global growth. But what I and many industry leaders are very worried about is hiring and retaining world class talent. That’s why programs like The Guildhall at SMU need our support.”

The announcement was made public on Jan. 4. Gearbox is the first industry leader to support the Fellows Scholarship Program. In addition to the monetary gift, Gearbox also donated an audio lab.

An audio lab is crucial for game development and will be a huge asset for students studying at SMU. It will allow students to utilize many of the sound effects and music used by Gearbox in several of their popular games, including the Brothers in Arms series.

Gearbox Software is responsible for best-selling titles on all major gaming platforms. By employing the industry’s most talented people and using proven production methods, Gearbox looks to create games that are technologically advanced, creative and, most importantly, fun.

So far, 15 SMU students have joined the ranks of Gearbox Software since the start of the Guildhall Program in 2004.

Additionally, Dr. Peter Raad, founder and executive director of The Guildhall at SMU, was named as one of Next-Gen’s Top 25 People of 2007 due to his proactive work with his local game industry community, using his expertise to create a curriculum ideally suited to the needs of video game development.

“We need to find ways to ensure financial barriers do not stand in the way for the very best students to attend our program and become contributing professionals and future leaders in the dynamic video games industry,” Raad said.

The Guildhall, located in Plano, Texas, offers several degrees in the field of video games. With a 95 percent placement rate, the program has one of the highest job placement rates in the country.

The program offers both a Masters in Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development and a graduate Professional Certificate of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development with specializations in art creation, level design and software development.

“I am excited to become part of a program that has become so successful,” computer science major John Forrest said. “The gaming industry itself is growing at an exponential rate and I can’t wait to contribute to the gaming field.”