ETC 25th Anniversary

The Power of Play

Since 1999, the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University has woven together creativity with technology to generate unexpected possibilities.

Over the course of its 25 years, the ETC has inspired big thinking and bold play, preparing students, alumni and partners to shape the evolving world of entertainment. Play has always been at the heart of how we learn, create and imagine, contributing to our unique ETC culture of curiosity, experimentation and discovery. As we celebrate this milestone and look ahead, we invite you to join us in celebrating our story and dreaming up what comes next.

ETC student, playing a video game through gesture.

A Story of Creativity and Impact

For 25 years, the ETC has pushed the boundaries of storytelling, technology and collaboration, preparing students to lead in an ever-changing industry. Discover how the ETC grew from a bold experiment into a global community shaping the future of entertainment.

Achievement Unlocked, Future Loading: ETC Turns 25

The ETC's greatest achievement isn't any single project or breakthrough, it's the network of creators, innovators, and dreamers we've built together. As we mark 25 years, we honor not just what we've accomplished, but the community that will define our future.
Derek Ham
Director, Entertainment Technology Center

Our History

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Randy Pausch and Dr. Don Marinelli, the ETC was created with a groundbreaking vision: to bring artists and technologists together to explore new forms of storytelling and interactive entertainment.

Twenty-five years later, this legacy of innovation, collaboration and bold play endures. From its earliest projects to its most recent breakthroughs, the ETC has always embraced experimentation, teamwork and learning through play. What started as an unorthodox academic experiment has grown into a vibrant community shaping the future of entertainment technology.

How is it that a graduate program so unique has made an impact so big?

A network of alumni who lead creative teams, design experiences and innovate at top companies across the globe.
A portfolio of student projects that have inspired new tools, stories and technologies in games, immersive media, theme parks and beyond.
A culture that continues to challenge conventions and imagine what’s next for entertainment and play.

Throughout the anniversary year, we’ll be highlighting the milestones and memories that have defined the ETC, and the vision that keeps us moving forward.

Explore Alumni Profiles

Whether leading at top studios, launching startups, or mentoring current students, our alumni bring creativity, curiosity, and community with them wherever they go.

ETC Year in Reflection

From groundbreaking student projects and faculty accomplishments to alumni milestones and industry partnerships, this annual publication highlights the work, and the people, that are shaping the future of entertainment technology.

Support Our Future

Gifts from alumni, donors, and industry collaborators power the ETC’s mission: supporting students, advancing projects, and opening doors to new opportunities.

ETC25: Share the Stories That Matter

As we mark 25 years of bold ideas and collaborative magic, we’re looking to the ETC community to help us spotlight the alumni and projects that have made a lasting impact. Nominate a project that changed the game, or an alum whose journey inspires you, and we might feature them in our anniversary coverage or on social media. Whether it’s groundbreaking, beloved, or simply unforgettable, we want to hear about it.