Dylan Pope is a Games, Interactive Media and Mobile Technology (GIMM) major with an Information Technology Management minor, graduating Spring 2023. Growing up in Blackfoot, Idaho, Pope wanted to be a lawyer. His focus shifted as he got older when he recognized his passion for video games and doing things with computers.
Pope chose to go to Boise State because was interested in the GIMM program, which he didn’t see offered at many universities. The GIMM program has been a very rewarding and validating experience throughout his four years at Boise State, Pope said. He especially enjoyed the Advanced Topics class taught by Professor Daniel Hampikian. In the class, Pope acted as the primary programmer and, along with four other team members, created an artificial intelligence racing game, where the cars improve as the game progresses through machine learning.
Pope is also the Boise State Talkin’ Broncos debate team captain. He participated in debate all through high school and loves the opportunity to create discourse, advocate for himself and network with other students, he said.
While pursuing his degree, Pope worked at Lionbridge doing Video Game Testing in 2020. In May 2021, Pope started work as a Web Accessibility Specialist at the Boise State Office of Information Technology and he currently does WordPress Support for Boise State.
His advice to students wondering how to balance all their commitments? Remember that it will all work out.
“You will sometimes have conflicting schedules and will need to learn time management,” he said. “Just remember that the university is here to support you and promote student success.”
After graduation, Pope hopes to stay in Boise because he loves the culture and tight-knit community. He is interested in pursuing a career in extended reality development, which includes creating virtual reality training programs and augmented reality experiences. Later in his career, he wants to make the shift to video game creation. He hopes to create social change through impactful and entertaining video games, VR and AR experiences.
Pope’s work will be highlighted with his peers at the GIMM Senior Showcase from 3-6 p.m. on April 12 on the first floor of the Albertsons Library.