A person sits in front of a large, futuristic computer setup overlooking a vibrant, sci-fi cityscape.

(Mdes) Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments

Design Virtual Worlds for Gaming and Beyond with an Entrepreneurial Edge!
Duration10 months
LanguageEnglish
LocationMadrid
IntakeSeptember
Mode of StudyFull-Time
FormatIn-person
Duration10 months
LanguageEnglish
LocationMadrid
IntakeSeptember
Mode of StudyFull-Time
FormatIn-person

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Master in Design (MDes) in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments at IE School of Architecture and Design is an innovative program designed not only for enthusiasts of video games and virtual worlds but also for those interested in new technology and interactive media. This 10-month, in-person program located in the lively city of Madrid is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the ever-evolving sector of game design and development and the conception and execution of virtual environments.

Our program focuses on craft, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in videogame design and virtual environments. It is for students passionate about these areas who aspire to lead and transform gaming culture, society, and technology. Ideal candidates blend creativity with strategic foresight and seek expertise in game mechanics, art, storytelling, UX/UI, sound design, and technologies like XR, Real-Time Graphics, and AI. They are also interested in AI applications, Serious Games, and new interactive media beyond traditional videogames.

Our students benefit from the coursework and transversal experience of the Design Innovation Platform, the shared stage, where they will absorb the fundamentals of design principles through courses on materials, sustainability, design for social impact, business, and communication skills.

The program covers every aspect of the process of creating highly playable and immersive games and virtual worlds. From storytelling, technical skills and creative thinking to art direction, sound and level design, it prepares students to work across various types of games and interactive media. From the outset, students dive into hands-on, collaborative design studio work that integrates both technical and creative aspects of video game design for a well-rounded and practical education. Graduates emerge as all-round creatives, fully equipped with the strategic thinking and technical skills to drive innovation and lead transformative projects in the dynamic world of video game design and virtual environments.

An advertisement for a Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments program at IE University.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR

  • IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE... 

    Passionate about video game design and virtual environments, with a strong desire to emerge as leaders in these evolving domains. Ideal candidates will drive transformation within gaming culture, society, and technology by blending creative intuition with strategic foresight. They seek expertise in game mechanics, Game Art and Level Design, storytelling, character development, UX design, UI design, Sound Design and composition, and emerging technologies like VR, AR, XR, MR, and Real-Time Graphics. Additionally, they are interested in the application of AI and Serious Games, as well as new technologies and interactive systems beyond traditional video games. This program is perfect for professionals from the videogame industry looking to transition into entrepreneurial or management roles, professionals from business, marketing, or management backgrounds aiming to dive deeply into video game design or virtual environments, and those who want to apply VR technologies to fields such as health, hospitality, retail, and beyond.

  • LOOKING FOR… 

    An intensive, well-rounded design education that balances core design principles with specialized topics in video game design and virtual environments. Prospective students seek a program that combines theoretical lectures and practical labs with a holistic vision, anticipates new trends in game design, and focuses on video games and virtual environments. The program offers access to global networks, entrepreneurial training, business planning, project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative teaching methodologies. Students desire hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technology and real-world projects. The program integrates game art, virtual space design, business planning, and project management from the outset to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the industry landscape and the artistic and technical fundamentals of the world of video games and virtual environments.

  • TO BECOME… 

    Game designers, game artists and virtual environment experts who are equipped to make significant impacts in their field. Graduates will be prepared to manage game development projects, virtual reality experiences, UX design, interactive media, and digital storytelling. They will become leaders who prioritize user experience, align their projects with industry goals, and drive positive change. Graduates will pioneer future trends in video games, virtual environments, and interactive media, leveraging AI and Serious Games to create innovative design solutions. Career opportunities include Product Manager, Game Designer, Level Designer, Development Manager, Process Manager, Change Manager, Game Developer, Production Manager, Marketing Producer, and Game Producer. In design, graduates can pursue roles such as Associate Creative Director and Art Manager, among others.

  • Victor AleñarProgram Specialist
    ANY DOUBTS?

    Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.

5 REASONS TO JOIN THIS MASTER

  • A woman interacts with a futuristic holographic display containing various business analytics and profiles.
  • A robotic arm is interacting with a futuristic computer interface displaying various data panels in a dimly lit room.
  • People using virtual reality headsets in a room with a large digital screen displaying various interactive options.
  • A woman interacts with a futuristic holographic display showing global data in a high-tech environment.
  • A whiteboard covered with colorful sticky notes filled with handwritten text.

PROGRAM DRIVERS

The essence of the (MDes) Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments.

  • A woman is working on a computer in a modern office setup with multiple screens displaying vibrant graphics.

    Comprehensive curriculum with a specialization

    The Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments offers a broad foundation in core design principles and specialized gaming and virtual environments topics. Students will gain a broad foundation in creativity and design before delving deeply into gaming design specifics, such as game development, augmented and virtual reality, AI for gaming, serious games and interactive storytelling.

  • A hand interacts with a futuristic interface displaying the word CONTROL surrounded by various digital icons and symbols.

    SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

    The program’s strong emphasis on sustainable practices and socially impactful design teaches students to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of gaming. This focus aligns with the growing global demand for responsible design solutions in both physical and digital worlds, preparing students to break new ground in game and virtual experience design, to the benefit of both people and the planet.

  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    The curriculum integrates strong business acumen, ensuring that students not only become skilled designers but also strategic thinkers. Students will learn to approach their game and virtual environment design with an entrepreneurial mindset. You will go into projects with a clear understanding of market trends, client needs, business models, and strategic project management. You’ll be as well prepared for success, whether entrepreneurial or in established organizations, as you are to produce outstanding games.

  • A person editing a video project on multiple computer screens in a dimly lit room.

    FUTURE-FOCUSED DESIGN

    The program is forward-thinking, preparing students to be industry leaders. Students will engage with cutting-edge topics and technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead and innovate. Graduates emerge not only up-to-date with the current state of the industry but also as pioneers in this fast-growing field. The curriculum encourages innovative thinking and anticipates future trends and needs in videogame and virtual environment design.

Facilities for Video Games and Virtual Environments

To equip our students for success, we offer a range of specialized facilities:

  • High-end computer labs with powerful graphics cards and VR development software.
  • Motion capture studios to create realistic character animation.
  • 3D printing labs to prototype physical game elements or VR accessories.
  • Design studios designed to foster teamwork and creative brainstorming.

This dedicated environment allows students to translate their ideas into reality, pushing the boundaries of interactive experiences.

  • A woman wearing a virtual reality headset stands in front of a colorful wall with 'hello' written in multiple languages.
  • Two women working attentively at a dual-monitor computer setup, engaged in graphic design and discussing a 3D model.
  • A person sketches various poses of robotic characters on paper, surrounded by additional character sketches and design iterations.
  • People using virtual reality headsets in a room with a large digital display.
  • A man in the foreground uses virtual reality equipment while another man in the background watches in a room with artistic imagery.
  • A group of students wearing virtual reality headsets in a classroom setting.
  • A woman wearing a virtual reality headset is standing in a room with green walls reflected in a mirror.
  • Two women wearing virtual reality headsets are interacting with each other in a room with a colorful neon sign wall in multiple languages.
  • A group of people observe and interact with a virtual reality demonstration, featuring a large screen display of a virtual world.

UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?

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