The ‘Harvard of Gaming’ is Partnering with Nintendo to Build an AI Hub

Translation result.’“The Harvard of gaming” DigiPen Institute of Technology signs MOU; founder co-founded a Nintendo studio — synergy expected’Min Kyung-sun, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Goyang, unveiled a plan to partner with the U.S.-based DigiPen Institute of Technology to transform Goyang into a global hub for game and AI education. On April 26, Min signed a memorandum of understanding at Korea Aerospace University with DigiPen CEO Jason Chu.The agreement centers on three initiatives: establishing an international research campus focused on games and artificial intelligence; creating a studio in collaboration with Nintendo; and promoting the construction of a world-class esports stadium.DigiPen, often described as the “Harvard of game development,” is among the world’s leading schools for game design and digital media. Its founder, Claude Comair, previously co-founded Nintendo Software Technology with Nintendo of America. Nintendo reported KRW 21.8 trillion in fiscal 2026 sales (about $16.35 billion), ranking it the fourth-largest game company globally.Observers say the deal is notable for the potential synergy between DigiPen’s software and AI expertise and Goyang’s existing hardware infrastructure — including the Seongsa Innovation District, Ilsan Techno Valley, and KINTEX. If realized, the partnership could position Goyang as a global launchpad for K-content and a center for high-value tech jobs.Min described the initiative as “the first step toward creating the high-value jobs young people want and launching Goyang as a global K-content hub,” adding that it would be “the key to moving the city beyond a bedroom community to a self-sustaining city.”