Alex Seropian, creator of the enormously successful “Halo” computer game franchise, will become DePaul University’s second Game Designer-in-Residence this spring. He will join computer game industry executives Ed Keenan and Bill Muehl as new additions to the game development faculty of DePaul’s College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) expanding an already impressive roster of industry professionals working in the program. 

Seropian, founder of Bungie Software and creator of the “Halo,” “Marathon,” “Myth” and “Oni” franchises, currently serves as president of Wideload Games in Chicago.  “Halo” is the best-selling and foremost franchise title for the Xbox, having shipped over 10 million copies.  Seropian has been an active member of DePaul’s Game Industry Advisory Board since 2006.  Eugene Jarvis, who has served for the past year as DePaul’s Game Designer in Residence, will now take on a permanent role in the game development program.  Jarvis, who was instrumental in the development of some of the most iconic titles in computer games – including “Defender” and “Robotron” – is president of Raw Thrills Inc., a major producer of arcade games. 

Keenan, who joins DePaul as a full-time faculty member specializing in advanced game and computer graphics programming, is a former executive technology director at Midway Games, where he created and led several technology groups focused on systems and tools development for cross platform game engines.  During his 16 years in the game industry he has contributed to over 30 different titles at Midway, most notably “WarGods,” “Hyperdrive,” the “Mortal Kombat” series, “NFL Blitz,” “NBA Ballers,” “Psi-Ops,” “Stranglehold,” “TNA iMPACT” and “Wheelman.”

Muehl most recently served as senior producer at Midway Games in Chicago, where he drove the production of new game pitches and prototypes and facilitated the development of globally shared technology, art and design initiatives across six studios and eight development teams. Previously, he was a producer at High Voltage Software and an online analyst at Sony Computer Entertainment America. In 2007, Muehl co-authored “Game Simulation Development,” a comprehensive guide that explores the impact of game simulations on the worlds of business, education and training.  In his new position as a full-time member of DePaul’s game development faculty, he will supervise the production and design curriculum and further develop DePaul’s presence in the game development industry.

“We are delighted to have three of the most prominent figures in the industry become part of our rapidly growing game development program,” said CDM Dean David Miller.  “Alex, Ed and Bill each bring incredible track records of success that will serve our students well.”

CDM’s game development program offers undergraduate and graduate study in game programming, production and design and animation.
DePaul CDM is one of the most innovative and wide-ranging information technology and digital cinema schools in the country. The undergraduate programs enroll more than 1,000 full-time students and offer 14 different degrees. More than 1,950 students are enrolled in its 18 graduate programs. CDM also offers a doctoral degree program in computer science. For more information on CDM, visit www.cdm.depaul.edu.  Information about DePaul’s Game Development program can be found at gamedev.depaul.edu.