The Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program and the Department of Arts in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences have earned certification from SideFX as a Houdini Certified School Partner.

SideFX Houdini is the industry standard for visual effects (VFX) and complex simulations in animation, film, games, and television. Houdini’s algorithmic workflow powers everything from photorealistic simulations of natural phenomena to procedural generation of entire virtual cities. VFX artists working with Houdini are considered advanced practitioners in this high-demand field. Program certification is a rigorous process in which industry professionals review student work, syllabi, faculty qualifications, and university facilities.

“Houdini is a perfect fit for the combined strengths in art and technology that Rensselaer is known for,” said Benjamin Chang, professor and director of GSAS. “It's about creativity and imagination, but also relies heavily on ability in math, programming, and science.” 

This certification comes at an exciting time for animation and game design at RPI. The Princeton Review recently named Rensselaer among the top 25 game design programs in the nation and third in New York State, while Animation Career Review placed it in the Top 20 animation schools on the East Coast and in the top 20 game design schools nationwide.