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.
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.
- Saul NuñezSenior Manager of Global RecruitmentANY DOUBTS?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
5 REASONS TO JOIN THIS MASTER
Comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum
Engage in an advanced curriculum that blends fundamental game design principles with specialized knowledge in virtual environments. This includes courses on art and mechanics, narrative design, interactive storytelling and VR/AR technologies, AI, and serious games, ensuring you gain a complete understanding of the craft.
Gain hands-on experience
Acquire practical experience through real-world projects, internships, and collaborative ventures with industry leaders. This hands-on approach ensures you are well-prepared for the dynamic and evolving landscape of game design and virtual environments.
With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, the program enables you to create extremely playable, immersive and high-quality games and realistic virtual experiences.
Benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration
Work alongside experts from various fields, including computer science, art, psychology, and business. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation and equips you with a diverse skill set to tackle complex challenges in game development and virtual reality.
A focus on sustainability encourages the creation of environmentally and socially responsible gaming experiences. You’ll also explore serious games, which leverage gaming for educational, training, and problem-solving purposes, preparing you to create games that make a meaningful impact beyond entertainment.
Access global networks
Join a global network of alumni, industry professionals, and academic partnerships. This extensive network provides opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement in the international gaming and virtual environments sector.
Entrepreneurship is supported through incubator programs, startup competitions, and business development resources. And you’ll also receive the benefits and resources exclusively available to our alumni around the world—for life.
Cultivate leadership and strategic thinking
Develop leadership and strategic-thinking skills that enable you to become a gaming visionary, front and center of innovation in this most dynamic field.
Graduates are prepared to lead teams, manage large-scale projects, and drive innovation in game design and virtual environments, ensuring they can shape the future of the industry.
Emphasis on entrepreneurship prepares you to launch your own ventures, driving positive change and pioneering future trends in gaming and virtual environments.
PROGRAM DRIVERS
The essence of the (MDes) Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments.
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.
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.
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
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.
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
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