Apprenticeship in Game Design
Game Design Training – Launch Your Career in the Games Industry
Start your Game Design vocational training in the heart of Berlin’s creative scene. At mdh, you'll become part of an international community where real games are created alongside people from around the world who share your passion for gaming. Here, you'll do more than learn design, storytelling, and programming, you'll experiment, grow, and bring real projects to life.
Since 2000, more than 15,000 graduates have completed their training at our Games Academy, the first institution in Europe to offer a state-recognized vocational program in game development. By joining us, you're not only becoming part of a successful legacy, you're actively shaping the future of the games industry. Our campus is located right in the heart of the scene, with game studios, creative spaces, and industry events just around the corner.
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Why Choose mdh? Your Advantages for a Career in Games
- Since 2000: Europe's first state-recognized vocational training for careers in the games industry
- Strong network: More than 15,000 successful alumni
- Right at the heart of the industry: Campuses in Berlin & Düsseldorf, surrounded by the games and creative industries
- Cutting-edge technology: Work with AI, VR/AR, and real-time tools in our dedicated AI Lab
- Hands-on learning with industry professionals: Personal mentoring and real-world projects
- Campus of Life: Yoga classes, cooking courses, and wellbeing activities included
- Housing support: Free and uncomplicated assistance with finding accommodation or shared apartments
- Study without a high school diploma: After two years, you can progress to a degree program even without an Abitur (subject to eligibility)
- Career Services: Support with job applications, career planning, and even founding your own studio
What You'll Learn
Year 1 – Foundations
During your first year, you'll learn how games are developed, from the initial idea to a playable prototype. You'll explore the fundamentals of game design, including mechanics, storytelling, game rules, and level design, while working with industry-standard tools and game engines. You'll also build a solid understanding of visual thinking, game theory, and player-centered design.
Through your first collaborative projects, you'll develop your own game ideas together with Game Art and Programming students. You'll learn how interactive systems are built, how successful teamwork works, and how to use feedback to improve your games.
Year 2 – Specialization
In your second year, you'll deepen your expertise in gameplay and systems design. You'll create more sophisticated mechanics, balance gameplay systems, and explore player guidance, game psychology, and user experience (UX). Prototyping and iterative development become central parts of your workflow.
Working in larger interdisciplinary teams, you'll refine your concepts, test them regularly, and develop polished, playable game systems. At the same time, you'll prepare for your practical training year or continue toward a university degree.
Year 3 – Professional Practice
In your third year, you'll work just like you would in a professional game studio. During a studio simulation, you'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop a complete game, take responsibility for design decisions, and work with agile development methods, playtesting, and iterative design.
You'll then complete an extended internship, where you'll contribute to real-world projects, professionally document your design decisions, and further develop your chosen specialization.
Finally, you'll complete a game through to release, present your work, and build a professional portfolio.
Career coaching and application support will help you successfully enter the games industry, continue your studies, or even launch your own studio.
Your Gateway to an International Career
One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity to complete your internship abroad. Popular destinations include leading European game development hubs such as Malmö, Stockholm, Skövde, and Uppsala in Sweden, as well as other major centers of the AAA games industry including Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Warsaw, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Barcelona, and London.
This allows you not only to gain valuable international work experience but also to build connections within the global games industry while you're still studying.
Depending on your destination and the duration of your internship, you may also qualify for funding through the Erasmus+ programme, with grants of up to approximately €6,000.
Learn Game Design in Berlin
The program takes place on the mdh Berlin campus, where you'll become part of an international, creative, and vibrant community.
You'll have access to:
- State-of-the-art workspaces and software, including industry-standard game engines, creative tools, 2D/3D studios, and our AI Lab
- A dedicated Gamerspace for prototype testing, user testing, and playtest sessions
- AI Lab and emerging technologies for experimenting with AI, VR/AR, and innovative gameplay concepts
- Campus of Life offerings including yoga, cooking classes, social events, quiet spaces, and free support with accommodation and relocation
- Personal mentoring from experienced lecturers and industry professionals, small class sizes, and close collaboration
- A strong alumni network with direct connections to game studios, job opportunities, and startup support—even after graduation
Is Game Design Right for You?
You might be a great fit if you:
- Think in systems but feel through stories.
- Love questioning rules—and creating your own.
- Get excited about game mechanics that others don't even notice.
- Want to build worlds instead of just playing in them.
- Combine creativity with structured thinking.
- Enjoy teamwork but also value time to focus independently.
- Constantly ask yourself, "How will this feel for the player?"
- Love receiving feedback and trying new ideas.
- Stay patient when things don't work immediately—and determined enough to improve them.
- Think playfully while others think conventionally.
- Want to move people through ideas, not just words.
If this sounds like you, Game Design is probably exactly where you belong.
Your Career After Graduating
After completing the program, you'll be qualified for a wide range of careers, including:
- Game Designer (Core, Systems, Level, or Narrative Design)
- UX/UI Designer for games
- Gameplay or Feature Designer
- Content, Quest, or Level Designer
- Indie Game Developer (solo or in a team)
- Associate Producer with a focus on design
- Progression into a university degree (e.g. at mdh), opening the door to more advanced career opportunities
- Freelance or self-employed game creator
- Specialist in emerging technologies such as AI-powered games, VR/AR, or interactive storytelling
- QA & Game Testing with strong expertise in game systems and design
Admission & Application
To apply for the Game Design vocational training program, you'll need at least one of the following qualifications:
- A lower secondary school certificate combined with a completed three-year vocational qualification
- Intermediate secondary school certificate
- Realschulabschluss (German intermediate school qualification)
- Fachoberschulreife or an equivalent qualification
Personal Requirements
- A passion for digital media and games
- Enjoy working in teams
- Creative and analytical thinking skills
Language Requirements
Since classes and examinations are conducted entirely in German, applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) or higher.
Application Process
We're much more interested in your personality and potential than in perfect grades.
The easiest way to apply is by email (or by post).
Please include:
- A motivation letter (approximately one page) — this is the key element of your application
- Relevant school certificates and a CV including a photo
You can apply before finishing school, and missing certificates can be submitted later.
Tuition Fees
Berlin Campus: €349.00 per month
Düsseldorf Campus: €349.00 per month
One-Time Fees
For all vocational training programs, we charge:
- Registration fee: €290.00
- Materials fee: €350.00
Your Next Mission: Apply Now!
If you're ready to turn your passion for games into the next chapter of your career, apply now for the Game Design vocational training program at mdh Berlin.
We'll support you with finding accommodation, guide you throughout your training, and provide an environment where you can grow, learn, and create.
Start your game. Start your future.
Limited places available!
