Ben Bays named director of Karch Gaming Institute

The Moody College RTF professor will lead the Institute in developing a robust gaming industry curriculum and experiences

January 28, 2026

Ben Bays, associate professor of instruction in Moody College of Communication’s Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF), has been named the inaugural director of the Karch Gaming Institute. Under Bays’ leadership, the Institute is poised to help students prepare for careers in the rapidly growing video game industry.

“I can’t think of a better person to lead the Institute than Ben Bays,” said Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive and creator of the Institute. “He has the perfect combination of practical experience and academic knowledge to bring a new generation of leaders into the game industry.”