Missouri’s game programs, finally in the same room.
Game development is growing in Missouri. Universities, community colleges, independent clubs — the programs exist. They’ve just been scattered, operating solo, with no real way to find each other, share what’s working, or show up together when it matters.
We founded the Heartland Games Network to change that. It’s a free network connecting game development programs across Missouri and the Midwest — because when we come together, the whole region gets stronger.
We’re here to make Missouri a place where game development doesn’t just survive — it grows.
Show up for your students. Stay for the region.
Membership is free. No dues, no contracts, no hoops to jump through. And no single way to participate — the network grows from what members put into it.
Showing up means you:
Find Your People
Know every game development program in the region. Who’s out there, what they’re building, where your graduates should go next.
Share the Room
When a member school hosts an industry speaker, the whole network gets the Zoom link. When a coastal recruiter makes the trip to the Midwest, every serious student in the region should be in that room — not just yours.
Build the Pipeline
A student finishing at a community college shouldn’t have to figure out what’s next alone. The network helps you point them somewhere good — and welcome the ones heading your way.
Grow Together
Conference lists, job boards, career fairs — the network is built by its members. What you put in lives here for everyone.
Get your program in the room.
We’re launching with founding partners including Missouri State University–West Plains, UMKC, and the St. Louis Game Dev Club. There’s room for more.
If you run a game development program, reach out. We’re building this together.
Join the Network