Games have been a part of everyday human activity for thousands of years. As with many aspects of human life, games have also become tightly integrated with information technology.

Computers are increasingly available in the home and workplace, and the ways that people use them are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, the ability of computers to manipulate video and sound has made editing home movies accessible to most home users, and so in many ways computers have become part of the home entertainment platform.

However, unlike non-interactive entertainment such as TV and recorded music, computers provide a method for people to interact using the internet. This method of communication is increasingly accessible as 'set top boxes' and game consoles such as the Dreamcast and Playstation2 can connect to a conventional TV and the internet in much the same way a traditional computer can.

The growth in personal computing has seen incredible increases in the demand for computer based entertainment. The people that use computer games and related technology cover the spectrum of humanity. Children learn by exploring interactive software and stories, people from all walks of life interact in online virtual worlds and chat rooms, and new home buyers can walk through computer simulations of potential properties.

Because gaming technology is relevant to so many areas of modern life, the stereotype of the adolescent games player no longer reflects what computer technology is all about. The technology used in computer games will be one of the preeminent mechanisms for communication, entertainment and interaction in an increasingly wired world.

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Technology) will equip students with the skills to create the games and games related technology of the future. The high level of activity and consumer expectations for high quality commercial games means that games technology is at the forefront of contemporary computing.

The skills required to develop software that pushes new boundaries and meets ever increasing user expectations are diverse. To deliver these innovations a detailed understanding of computer hardware and programming, and mathematical ability, together with inventiveness and an understanding of human psychology is required.

This mix of skills has applications in the communication, educational and engineering fields. While games are a core component of the degree, graduates will be in demand in many high growth areas of computing, telecommunications and the media.