MICA named Lishan AZ as its first Game Designer-in-Residence (submitted photo)

The Maryland Institute College of Art named Lishan AZ its first ever Game Designer-in-Residence, another step forward for the school’s developing game design program.

For the first time, this year the school is offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in game design. As part of that program, AZ will spend a year working at MICA’s Game Lab.

“I applied to MICA’s Game Designer-in-Residence position because it’s a unique opportunity to continue to grow my design practice while teaching what I love,” she said in a statement.

AZ, a Silver Spring native, came to MICA from the University of Southern California, where she earned her MFA in interactive media and game design. Last year she was also named to Forbes 30 under 30 in Gaming.

As part of her residency at MICA, AZ will work on an interactive experience on Baltimore’s public transportation, using smartphones and low-tech materials like notebooks and playing cards.

“Lishan’s unique background working in tabletop, mixed reality, digital and community-based game projects highlights the diverse and powerful ways in which games can engage communities — which aligns closely with our program’s goals,” said Jason Corace, chair of the game design program at MICA, in a statement.

MICA developed the game design program out of a game concentration it offered in its studio arts program. Alumni have gone on to work at Maryland-based gaming companies including Firaxis, Big Huge Games and Sparkypants.