Academic Spotlight: Joseph Whitworth, Game Development Adjunct Professor

Joseph Whitworth loves video games and, as an adjunct professor in the game design and development program, he's passionate about preparing his students to enter the field and stay creative. Whitworth earned his bachelor’s degree in game production from Sanford Brown College and later his master’s degree in mobile gaming from Full Sail University, where he graduated as valedictorian. Now he teaches courses focused on game programming and Unreal Engine 5. He also serves as a subject matter expert, helping update the current program curriculum and courses.

Recently, Whitworth answered questions about his journey into game development and education, as well as the work that inspires him at SNHU.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

My professional background includes running my own game studio and consulting with other game companies on development projects. In addition, I lead a game development community that brings together students, emerging developers and current professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas and strengthen their knowledge of game development.

What first drew you to higher education?

While pursuing my own degrees, I started a tutoring service to support other students who were struggling with their coursework. During that time, I also built strong relationships with several of my professors, which led to opportunities to guest lecture in their classes. Those experiences sparked my love for teaching. There is something deeply rewarding about giving students the tools they need and then seeing the creative, thoughtful and unexpected things they build with them.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

My own education helped me realize how much I enjoy both learning and helping others learn. The professors who took the time to mentor me had a lasting impact on how I approach teaching today. They showed me the value of patience, encouragement and practical guidance. Those experiences shaped my belief that education is most powerful when students feel supported, challenged and given room to grow.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

What first attracted me to game development is the sheer range of possibilities within the medium. Video games combine art, design, programming, storytelling, sound, interaction and player experience in a way few other fields can. Imagination really is the limit. What keeps me excited is knowing that the more people we teach to make games, the more unique and meaningful experiences become possible. Every new developer brings a different perspective and that keeps the field constantly evolving.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

In addition to my game development community, which has been invaluable for connecting with students, I regularly host two live lectures each week. These sessions give me an opportunity to showcase new and engaging ways to approach module assignments, major projects and final submissions within the course. The lectures are also recorded, allowing students who cannot attend live to review the material later at their convenience.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

What brings me the greatest joy is seeing what students create. It is especially rewarding when a student becomes inspired by an assignment, a lecture or a concept we discussed and then takes that idea further than expected. Watching students turn those sparks into thoughtful, creative and impressive projects is one of the most fulfilling parts of teaching.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

One of the unique things about SNHU is the range of people you meet from term to term. SNHU reaches students from many different locations, backgrounds and life experiences, which creates an incredibly diverse learning environment. I always enjoy reading through the introduction discussion boards and learning who is in my courses, because every term brings a new mix of perspectives, goals and creative voices.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

To me, SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners means creating opportunities for students to discover what they are capable of and helping them build the confidence to pursue it. Many students come into a course unsure of their skills, their direction or whether they belong in the field. Being able to support them as they grow, take creative risks and begin seeing themselves as capable developers is incredibly meaningful. Education can change a student’s path, not just by teaching new skills, but by helping them recognize their own potential.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three huskies, Kira, Nova and Tali. I also really enjoy being outdoors, especially hiking and camping. And, of course, video games are still a big part of my life. I love playing them not only for fun, but also because they continue to inspire the way I think about game development, creativity and player experience.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 '26G is a content marketing specialist and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. She also earned a master's in marketing from the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.