HARRISBURG, PA – Game Design is one of the newest bachelor’s degree programs offered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU). The program fosters a wide range of skills applicable throughout the gaming industry, from board game design and publishing to AAA video game development.
The Game Design program offers classes in theory and design principles that complement and support the practical skills students are taught throughout the program. With the combination of theory and practice, students are prepared immediately after graduation for exciting roles such as Game Designers and Artists, Animators, Narrative Designers and Writers, Game Producers, Community Support Specialists, Level and Economy Designers, and many more.
Just as importantly, HU’s incredible faculty continue to practice what they teach in the classroom.
In early February, Assistant Professor of Game Studies & Design, Greg Loring-Albright, Ph.D., launched his latest crowdfunded game: an innovative tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) called Keep the Faith.
Religion can be a controversial subject, so many games give it a wide berth. Not so for Keep the Faith, which Dr. Loring-Albright describes as a “game about a religion in transition.” The game was brought to crowdfunding by Central Michigan University Press (CMU), known for games like 500-Year-Old Vampire and Rising Watersthat bridge the education and entertainment spaces.
“The review process and the support for curriculum development were incredible,” said Dr. Loring-Albright. “Before CMU signed the game, this was a fun experiment in storytelling around an interesting subject. But because of the changes the reviewers suggested, now the game can also be used in the classroom – and it’s also simply a better game overall.”
In Keep the Faith, players will play cards and tell short stories about how a fictional religion’s beliefs influence its practices. Then, in subsequent rounds, centuries pass and those initial beliefs will be fulfilled or betrayed as players shape the religion. The game is designed to welcome novice role-players, with a short (60–90 minutes) playing time and numerous mechanical supports to supplement player creativity.
“If you’ve heard a lot about RPGs [role-playing games] but aren’t sure about your ability to be creative in the moment, you’re like a lot of my playtesters. I’ve worked to make sure this game welcomes you,” said Dr. Loring-Albright. His recent appearance on the Beyond Solitaire podcast reveals even more about the inspiration behind the game — including his upbringing in a Mennonite household — and the process of bringing it all to life. The goal, he says, was to inspire people to ask questions about faith and explore their own beliefs without judgment.
Alex Roberts, RCC, CCC, creator of For the Queen and Star Crossed, noted: “Religion is rarely well represented in TTRPGs, and [Keep the Faith] takes a thoughtful and well-grounded approach that actively encourages both learning (showing players how re/formation works in an interactive way) and creativity (inventing their own religion based on various typical features). My liturgical studies professor used to say, ‘Nothing has always been done this way’ – and this game translates that fact into a fun and engaging interactive experience.”
Professor Albright previously designed Ahoy (Leder Games, 2022) and co-designed Bloc by Bloc: Uprising with T.L. Simons (Outlandish Games, 2022). He teaches classes in the Game Design and Interactive Media programs at Harrisburg University. The game’s striking artwork came from the combined efforts of Jabari Weathers and Bianca Canoza, better known to the gaming community as momatoes.
After only a few days, Keep the Faith is well on its way to reaching its crowdfunding goal. You can learn more and support the game’s development at BackerKit.com.
Interested in pursuing a career in game design? Visit HarrisburgU.edu for more information about Harrisburg University’s Game Design and Interactive Media degree programs in Pennsylvania, or reach out to the HU Admissions Team to start a conversation.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
