Mr. Surya Prakash, a name synonymous with innovation and leadership in the gaming and technology education sector, is the Founder and President of Backstage Pass Institute of Gaming and Technology. With a rich 14-year history at the forefront, Surya has steered the institution to award-winning heights, offering UGC-approved bachelor's programs and one-year advanced diploma programs in collaboration with JNA and FA University and LUC, Malaysia, respectively. Simultaneously, he spearheads SocialGame as its Founder and CEO, driving groundbreaking initiatives in the gaming industry, and serves as the Co-founder of CapeTitans Games, contributing to its ongoing success. Holding the position of Founder and Director at Level2 Games since 2018, Surya exemplifies unwavering dedication to advancing the gaming landscape. With educational roots in animation from Vancouver Film School and a degree in Foreign Trade from Nizam College, Surya Prakash seamlessly combines creative prowess with business insight, shaping the future of gaming and technology education.

Backstage Pass Institute of Gaming and Technology

Your journey into the gaming industry is fascinating. Can you share the pivotal moment that inspired you to embark on the mission of founding Backstage Pass?

A decade ago, when I started Backstage Pass there weren't many colleges with custom made curricula for game developers. The vision seemed so unconventional and unfeasible by that time, as the gaming industry was still booming in India, but the pivotal moment came when I realized that there was a generation of passionate individuals who aspired to be game developers but lacked the guidance, resources, and educational opportunities.

Backstage Pass has made significant strides in the gaming education sector. Can you articulate your ultimate vision for the institute and what drives you to pursue it?

Our vision for Backstage Pass is to be a dynamic and forward-thinking institute that produces efficiently creative game developers who will shape the gaming experience for gamers. Here, we are committed to our passion for the gaming industry, ensuring that our students are trained to be industry-ready and prepared to make a global impact.

In a world where gaming technology is advancing at breakneck speed, how does Backstage Pass ensure its courses remain at the cutting edge of the industry?

The gaming industry is a fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. To remain at the cutting edge of the industry, we carefully focus on our curriculum, ensuring its relevance to the current industry by taking feedback and suggestions from experts. Additionally, it’s important to have mentors with the same industry experience to help our students evolve with the trends. Therefore, through the curriculum and our mentors, we ensure that we stay at the cutting edge of the industry.

Staying ahead of technological trends is a challenge. Could you share some of the ways in which Backstage Pass keeps its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry?

At Backstage Pass, we achieve this by staying connected with industry professionals and providing our students with exposure through numerous workshops, webinars and studio visits. Additionally, we offer our students the valuable opportunity to work as interns in various companies for a duration of at least 12 to 15 months. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

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Research and development are often the pillars of innovation. How does Backstage Pass incorporate these into its programs to ensure they remain relevant and dynamic?

Research and development are indeed integral to our curriculum, playing a crucial role in keeping us relevant in this dynamic industry. This is achieved through key practices such as continuous curriculum evolution, and gathering feedback from students and alumni. We also encourage student participation in game jams, and, most importantly, our 70% practical learning strategy contributes to our students’ aptitude for game development. 

Many dream of attending a gaming institute that's truly a gamer's paradise. What's the Backstage Pass campus like, and how does it contribute to the overall student experience?

At Backstage Pass, we’re dedicated to cultivating a hub of creativity and innovation. We achieve this by facilitating networking with industry experts through insightful guest lectures and workshops led by studio heads. Our focus on building a collaborative student community makes it effortless for individuals to connect with peers and alumni, ensuring they stay abreast of industry trends.

As an industry visionary, how do you see the gaming landscape evolving, and what role do you envision Backstage Pass playing in this dynamic environment?

The industry is currently facing talent scarcity, and Backstage Pass is serious about addressing the issue. India has close to 500 game companies and most of these companies are always on the lookout for skilled talent. Backstage Pass closely works with these companies to ensure the gap is being met by providing quality resources and contributing to the growth of the industry. 

As the founder, you've undoubtedly had many rewarding moments. Is there a particularly gratifying experience that encapsulates your journey with Backstage Pass?

It’s always rewarding when our alumni elevate to a higher level and lead a team in top game companies. One such instance is one of our alumni heading the game development team at “Sumo Digital” Bangalore, and also at “Hitwicket” Hyderabad. Also, it’s pleasing to see our students win awards at various gaming events in India and abroad. One such recent award was winning “Student Game of the Year” Award at IGDC 2023. The gratifying part was seeing these students’ growth, not just in terms of technical knowledge, but in their confidence and creative abilities.