IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIDEOGAME DESIGN AND XR
This intensive program immerses students in the dynamic world of videogame design and virtual environments, covering a wide spectrum of skills and knowledge essential to the field.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios.
Throughout the program, students engage in practical projects and collaborative ventures within the vibrant gaming community, culminating in a thesis project focused on pushing the boundaries of gaming and virtual environment design.
EXPLORE THE (MDes) Master in Videogame design and virtual environments PROGRAM
The Study Plan of this program is divided into two distinct parts: the Design Innovation Platform and the Design Studio.
The Design Innovation Platform is the shared stage, where you will absorb the fundamentals of design principles through courses on materials, sustainability, design for social impact, business, and communication skills. It includes subjects such as Methodologies for Creativity, Graphic Communication Skills, Materials and Methods, and Presentation Skills. You will also study Design for Social Impact, The Business of Design, and Design Research Methods.
The Design Studio is the project-based space where you will truly delve into the world of videogame design and virtual environments. Here, you will learn Creative Coding, Realtime Software, Physical Computing, AR and VR, Animation, Principles of Game Design, Interactive Storytelling, Game Art and Art Direction, Sound Design and Composition, and Level Design.
The Design Studio will prepare you for your pre-thesis by equipping you with tools for thorough and effective design research, ensuring you are ready to push the boundaries of gaming and virtual environment design.
- The program
- Periods
- Start-up Bootcamp
- First term
- Second Term
- Third TERM
- Design Thesis
Presentation
Presentation
- Term 1 is divided into two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform First Term and Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments.Â
- Term 2 also comprises two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform Second Term and Design Studio 2: Game Design and Development.
- Term 3 features advanced topics such as AI for Gaming, Serious Games, Visual Effects, and culminates in the Design Thesis, the program’s capstone project, where students integrate everything, they have learned.
START-UP BOOTCAMP
START-UP BOOTCAMP
The optional Preliminary Course is designed to lay the groundwork for the program, providing students with fundamental skills essential for videogame design.
This section includes Software Basics, Projective Geometry, Coding Fundamentals and 3D Modeling.
First term
The First Term is divided into two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform First Term and Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments.
The Design Innovation Platform is the shared stage, where you will absorb the fundamentals of design principles through courses on materials, sustainability, design for social impact, business, and communication skills.Â
Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments, is the project-based space where you will truly delve into the world of videogame design and virtual environments. Here, you will learn Creative Coding, Realtime Software, Physical Computing, AR and VR and Animation.
DESIGN INNOVATION PLATFORM T1
Methodologies for Creativity
Techniques and approaches to foster innovative thinking.
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Developing the ability to effectively convey ideas through visual media.
Materials and Methods
An exploration of the materials and techniques used in contemporary design.
PRESENTATION SKILLS
Enhancing the ability to present design ideas convincingly. 
Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments
Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments
- Creative Coding: Exploring programming techniques to develop immersive, interactive and innovative experiences within virtual environments.
- Realtime Software: Utilizing real-time software tools to design and implement responsive digital environments, enhancing realism and user engagement and interaction.
- Physical Computing: Integrating hardware and software to create interactive physical systems that respond to user inputs and environmental changes.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality: Developing immersive XR experiences of all types, using AR and VR technologies, exploring their potential applications in gaming and beyond.
- Animation: Crafting dynamic visual narratives through advanced animation techniques, bringing characters and environments to life within virtual worlds.
SECOND TERM
The Second Term also comprises two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform Second Term and Design Studio 2: Game Design and Development.Â
In the Design Innovation Platform Second Term, you will take courses related to Design for Social Impact, The Business of Design, and Design Research Methods.
Design Studio 2 focuses on Game Design and Development, where you will delve deeply into the Principles of Game Design, Game Art and Art Direction, Sound Design and Composition, and Level Design.
DESIGN INNOVATION PLATFORM T2
Design for Social Impact
Understanding how design can drive positive social change.
The Business of Design
Focusing on the business acumen necessary for successful design practices.
Design Research Methods
Pre-thesis Equipping students with the tools to conduct thorough and effective design research.
Design Studio 2: Game Design and Development
Design Studio 2: Game Design and Development
Our design pedagogy integrates a range of technical and artistic courses into a single, project-based studio. Here, we delve into the fundamentals of designing and developing games. Elements of this studio course include:
- Principles of Game Design: Fundamental concepts and methodologies for creating engaging and innovative games, from initial concept to final implementation.
- Game Art and Art Direction: Designing visual elements and directing the artistic vision of video games, ensuring cohesive and appealing aesthetics.
- Sound Design and Composition: Creating immersive audio experiences to enhance game environments and storytelling, adding depth and emotional resonance.
- Level Design: Structuring game environments to maximize player engagement and challenge, focusing on gameplay mechanics, user experience and narrative flow for maximum playability.
THIRD TERM
The Third Term and the culmination of the program in the Design Thesis. Advanced topics include AI for Gaming, Serifeatures advanced topics ous Games, and Visual Effects.
The culmination of the program is the Design Thesis, the program’s capstone project, where students integrate everything they have learned to demonstrate their expertise in game design and virtual environments, developing a creative and innovative game or interactive experience.
AI for Gaming
Applying artificial intelligence to enhance gameplay mechanics, create adaptive and intelligent NPC behavior, and improve player experiences.
Serious Games
Designing games with educational, training or problem-solving objectives beyond entertainment, focusing on applications in healthcare, education and corporate training.
Visual Effects
Implementing advanced visual effects to create realistic and engaging game worlds, utilizing techniques such as particle systems, shaders and dynamic lighting.
Design Thesis
The Design Thesis is the program’s capstone project where students integrate their learning to demonstrate expertise in game design and virtual environments, creating innovative interactive experiences through rigorous research, comprehensive development, and exploration of cutting-edge concepts and technologies.
This project shapes skilled designers into visionary creators poised to influence the future of interactive experiences. As a defining statement of each student’s identity in Videogame and Virtual Environments design, the thesis invites them to envision impactful contributions to the world.
Industry experts provide crucial feedback, preparing students to translate their ideas and business plans into actionable realities.
Managing Teams and Processes
Strategies for effective leadership and project management within game design and virtual environment projects, ensuring successful collaboration and execution.
Gamification and Business
Leveraging game design principles to drive engagement and value in various business contexts, exploring the commercial and strategic applications of gamification.
Lighting and Shading
Techniques for realistic lighting and shading, including advanced concepts such as ray tracing, to simulate accurate reflections, refractions, shadows, and indirect lighting. This enhances visual depth and atmosphere in virtual environments.
Texture and Material
Crafting and applying textures and materials, optimized for ray tracing technology, to achieve lifelike surfaces and enhance realism in virtual environments.
Motion Capture
Utilizing motion capture technology to bring realistic human movements to digital characters, enhancing the believability and fluidity of animations.
*Please note that our program content is continually updated to remain in sync with market demands. Therefore, we advise you that the content is subject to change and it can be dependent on student demand.
THREE KEY AREAS AT IE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
FAQs
Which master's program is best for game development?
Our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments equips you with the diverse skill set to pursue a successful career in game development. The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes a detailed focus on game development, preparing you to stand out as you create and manage diverse projects across a wide range of roles.
Who gets paid more: game designers or game developers?
Salaries for both roles can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, company and the specific role. Compensation can be competitive in both areas, particularly if you possess specialized skills. Our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments is an innovative program that gives you the skills you need to stand out in these ever-evolving fields.
Is knowledge of coding needed for game design?
While it depends on your ambitions for specific roles, knowledge of coding is highly beneficial if you want to pursue a career in game design. Don’t worry if you don’t already have coding knowledge: our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments includes an optional, start-up bootcamp that includes a course on Coding Fundamentals.
Is a career in game design worthwhile?
Game design can be a very worthwhile career. If you’re passionate about game design and are ready to drive innovation and make an impact on the future of the industry, there are a wide range of fulfilling opportunities available. The (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments gives you the skills and hands-on experience you need to succeed.