A Storm Couldn’t Stop the Creativity
When creativity meets global collaboration, remarkable things happen. That is exactly what happened during “Press Start on Game Art: A Game Design Master Class” held on July 25, 2025. Originally planned as an on-campus experience at CIIT Interweave’s Lab 601, the event was moved online via Zoom due to weather-related class suspensions. Yet even with the shift, the creative energy remained strong.
A Partnership That Bridges Borders
Organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) in partnership with CIIT College of Arts and Technology’s Tech Department and the UnPAUSE student organization, the masterclass offered students a rare opportunity to gain international industry insights. The event highlighted how global creative practices can directly enrich local learning experiences.
Insights from a Global Game Artist
The session began with welcoming remarks from Mr. Jan Ben Medina of CIIT, followed by a focused lecture from Mr. Sean Kwon, a seasoned game artist from Korea. He offered students a behind-the-scenes look at game art development in Korea, emphasizing professional workflows, iterative design, and user-centered thinking.
According to Mr. Kwon, game art is not only about talent or technique but about finding the balance between creativity and structure.
CIITzens in Action
Students from the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Media Computing (BSEMC or Game Development) programs actively participated in the session. With over 50 attendees in the virtual room, the discussion extended into a highly engaging Q&A, where students asked thoughtful, experience-driven questions. The event also welcomed a few guests from outside the CIIT community, made possible by the open online format.
One student remarked, “We learned a lot. Not just about tools and techniques, but about how to think like a game designer.”
More Than a Masterclass
“Press Start on Game Art” went beyond a standard academic talk. It became a reflection of CIIT’s commitment to providing students with real-world learning experiences that are both relevant and inspiring. Even in a remote setup, the collaboration between CIIT and KCC created a space for shared learning and global perspective.
What Comes Next
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines expressed strong interest in continuing its partnership with CIIT College of Arts and Technology. This successful masterclass opens the door to future collaborations that will further enrich the student experience through international exposure and cultural exchange.
At CIIT, learning is always evolving. Whether on campus or online, the institution remains focused on connecting students with the people, practices, and perspectives that will shape the future of creative industries.
Be a CIITzen, apply now! Visit https://admissions.ciit.edu.ph