FIEA was formed when an industry in need of skilled workers met a school with a track record of creating exceptionally talented graduates.

In 2004, Electronic Arts came to the University of Central Florida with a unique challenge. It needed to hire hundreds of first-rate programmers, artists and video-game producers to keep pace with the growing demands of the industry. Other game studios and companies around the country were experiencing similar shortages. Could UCF help?

The timing couldn't have been better. While already offering strong degrees in areas like computer science, UCF began to offer bachelor's degrees in Digital Media in July 2000. In August 2003, the School of Film and Digital Media (SFDM) was formed, and it served over 1,200 students. FIEA seemed like a logical fit under the SFDM. Eventually SFDM would become the new Center For Emerging Media, where FIEA is housed today.

In April 2004, Electronic Arts, the Economic Development Commission and other industrial partners helped UCF secure funding from the State of Florida to develop and implement an immersive, real-world video game program, and FIEA was born. In October 2004, the City of Orlando formed a partnership with the university to provide a home for FIEA and the School of Film and Digital Media in downtown Orlando. And in August of 2005, the school opened its doors to a select group of future game developers and creators.