The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today announced five finalists from its inaugural E3 College Game Competition, which is aimed at recognizing the best student talent in video game development. The finalists, chosen by a judging panel of revered game industry talent, will receive a special showcase display and valuable networking opportunities at E3, the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games. The competition winner will also be announced at the industry only show which takes place June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). ESA is the trade association that represents the U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3.

The five finalists are:

– Alamo Colleges, Northwest Vista College

– Brigham Young University

– Savannah College of Art and Design

– University of Chicago

– University of Wisconsin-Stout

The competition targeted almost 400 US colleges and universities with computer and video game development programs, and each competition submission was carefully reviewed by a panel of top tier game publishers, developers and media outlets. The finalists have earned the coveted opportunity to display their games among nearly 200 leading-edge computer and video game companies that will show off their most innovative and advanced interactive entertainment products at this year’s E3.

"We are extremely pleased with the impressive array of talent demonstrated by the E3 college competition submissions and our chosen finalists represent the most promising and innovative submissions as determined by our industry veteran judges," said Rich Taylor, senior vice president of communications and industry affairs at ESA. "Our goal is to nurture the next generation of industry talent and our finalists have earned their place among the stellar line-up of top industry companies that will unveil exciting news and products at E3."