Game Design
Why study „Game Design“?
From Gamer to Developer!
Spooky escape rooms, colorful Jump-'n'-Runs or the infinite realms of Open World Games – You are an expert Gamer and you have always wanted to design your own Games? You would love to create fascinating worlds but need to acquire the technical ability to develop them? So, join our Gaming Community! At mdh we will teach you step by step how to create award-winning games, from an early idea to completion – and all the skills you need to become a successful professional in the interactive media world of tomorrow. Let us dive into virtual realities together and enchant people with your craft.
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Duration
ECTS points
Degree
Start
Language
Campus
Berlin (EN)
Düsseldorf (DE)
Format
Düsseldorf (On site)
Monthly fees
Non-EU from 1.050,00 €
Insights
You can look forward to:
Your Program
We will teach you everything you need to know about Computer Games – from conception to Game Art and Game Engineering.
Decide who you want to be! It is up to you whether you want to concentrate on the conceptional, graphic or technical side of Game Development. You will meet other equally enthusiastic students like yourself whose talents will complement your own and with whom you can work on making dreams come true. At the end of the program, you will be able to produce your own Games; as an artist, programmer or designer.
Student showreel
Exhibition Hall
Your Study Content
The program is designed to teach you all the conceptual, artistic and technical skills required to develop computer Games.
Conception
The program is designed to teach you all the conceptual, artistic and technical skills required to develop computer Games.
- User-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls for the game
- Background stories and entertaining in-game dialogues
- Exciting Levels and challenging tasks
Art
The artistic part of your studies revolves around the visual design of Games, for example with the:
- Development of characters and gaming worlds as a Concept Artist
- 3D-modelling and und the integration of your assets into a Game Engine
- Animation and making characters and Game worlds come alive
Technical Aspects
The technical part covers programming and data technology. You will learn:
- To write Software Design Patterns and readable code
- To program graphics, shaders and Post-FX
- relevant methods for the implementation of AI in Games
After completing your first semester, you can choose between one of two specialisations: „Game Art“ or „Game Engineering“. You can try out your new skills in a number of practical projects and expand your personal abilities. At the end of the program, you will have compiled an extensive project portfolio to show for your acquired skills – an ideal basis for your successful application in the Games Industry!
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Alumnus Jahn Hummel - Game Design (B.Sc.)
3D Artist
"In my opinion, it is important to always work on your own projects in addition to your regular studies and to acquire knowledge and further technical skills independently. mdh has always been very supportive along the way."
Student Project
Your Career
Target Groups "Game Design"
- Avid Gamers
- Artists who love to draw or model
- Storytellers who want to create interactive worlds
- Technology fans who love to work meticulously on hardware und software
- Computer programmers who find traditional IT too dry
Your Professional Perspectives
The Gaming industry is booming. Computer Games are no longer just for typical „nerds“, they are being used in advertising, sports, movies, in research, in the classroom and even in therapy. People with relevant skills are in demand and job perspectives manifold.
mdh graduates do not only work in Gaming studios, but in all other areas where 2D- or 3D-Visualisations or applications are designed. Accordingly, your skills range from app development to VR implementation. Apart from internationally renowned Gaming studios like Yager or Ubisoft Blue Byte, our alumni also work for companies like SAP, Siemens, Bosch and BMW. Many graduates decide to found of their own companies: Successful German studios like Chimera Entertainment (Sacred Legends, Angry Birds Evolution) or Mimimi Games (Shadow Tactics, Desperados III) were established by alumni of mdh directly upon graduation.
Typical Jobs
- Game Designer
- Level Designer
- Game Writer
- UI/UX Developer
- 3D Artist
- 3D Character Animator
- Concept Artist
- Game Developer
- Game Programmer
- Technical Artist
- Game Producer
- Product Manager
- ...
Be inspired by the diverse career prospects and the potential of a financially rewarding career path in the gaming industry. The successes of our graduates speak for themselves - including a former student who joined the company as a game designer after graduation and earns an annual salary of 40,000 euros.
The Mediadesign Hochschule offers you the ideal education to turn your creative passion into a successful future.
Application & Admission
Admission Requirements
- Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur) or equivalent diploma, i.e. IB or A-levels (check with our counseling department whether your diploma qualifies)
- English skills. Language proof: TOEFL IPT: 543, TOEFL IBT: 74, IELTS (Academic): 6, Cambridge FCE: B2, PTE Academic: 59, IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL, BI 'English Language Proficiency Exam': PASS. We also accept Duolingo.
Information for applicants from abroad: You have the possibility to check your international certificates independently in advance via uni-assist and to inform yourself about the requirements for your admission: TO UNI-ASSIST
>> International applicants who have not met the necessary HZB requirements need to complete the MDH preparatory programme for admission to a higher education programme at MDH.
Personal Requirements
- Ability to think logically and in larger scales
- Being a Team Player ready to help others
- First experience with Computer Games
Your personality and talents are more important than top grades!
Please apply via e-Mail (or regular mail). This is what we need from you:
- A motivation letter (tell us what inspires you – ca. 1 page)
- Representative work samples (Sketches, pictures, collages or early work, etc…)
- Relevant grade reports as well as a resume with your current photo
- Graduation diploma can be submitted after completion of your secondary school
You may apply during the school year (even before secondary school graduation).
Tuition Fees:
- Campus Berlin: English language program: EU citizens: 4.710,00 EUR/Semester | Non-EU citizens: 6.300,00 EUR/Semester (with foundation programme 6.700,00 EUR/Semester)
- Campus Düsseldorf: German language program: EU-Citizens: 4.662,90 EUR/Semester | Non-EU citizens: 6.300,00 EUR/Semester
For all courses we charge a one-time registration fee of 490,00 EUR and a one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR.
For non-EU citizens, the one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR is included in the tuition price.
In case of prepayment (semesterly, annually, completely) the tuition fees can be reduced by up to 5%. (This discount is not compatible with early registration discounts).
SET OFF ON NEW ADVENTURES ON THE GAME DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAMME
Why study Game Design at mdh?
Because we help you to make your dreams come true. In the Game Design degree programme, we offer you a comprehensive education that focuses entirely on your talents and strengths. We attach great importance to encouraging you and your passion. Our lecturers are just as enthusiastic about game design as you are and are passionate about passing on their knowledge to you over the course of 7 semesters.
Creative people find their home with us - because we are not interested in your school grades, but in your personality. Thinking outside the box is the order of the day for us in order to develop even more extraordinary game ideas and realise gaming projects!
In addition, we offer you a large alumni community and support when starting your career through a comprehensive career network.
FAQ
1. What exactly do you learn on a game design degree programme?
In this Game Design degree programme, you will learn how digital games are conceived, designed and implemented. You will develop game ideas, create game worlds, design rules, levels and characters - and gain insights into storytelling, graphics, interaction design and user experience. The aim is to develop playful experiences that captivate and work.
2. Do I have to be able to programme in order to study game design?
No, previous knowledge of programming is not essential - but you should be open to learning the basics. Later on, you will often work in a team with developers, so it is helpful to understand how game engines such as Unity or Unreal work. Programming fans, on the other hand, can even specialise in game engineering and programming at mdh!
3. What's the difference between game design and game development?
At mdh, you can specialise in either Game Art or Game Programming during your Game Design studies. Game art is all about the idea, concept and design of a game - the ‘what’ and ‘why’. Game development or programming is more technical and deals with programming and implementation - in other words, the ‘how’. In practice, designers and developers work closely together.
4. Why should you study Game Design at Mediadesign University?
Mediadesign University offers you a practical, future-oriented degree programme with close links to the games industry. It is one of the pioneers in the field of game design in Germany and was the first private university in Germany to offer an accredited Bachelor's degree programme in Game Design. The renowned Games Academy is also located on the Berlin campus, making you part of a very active games community. There are regular events, playtests and trips to trade fairs such as Gamescom, CAGGTUS and Games Ground Berlin. You learn in small groups, receive individual support and work with professional tools on real projects right from the start - which regularly win awards. Ideal for your entry into the world of games!
5. How is studying Game Design in Berlin?
Berlin is one of the most exciting locations for games and digital media in Europe. Many indie studios, start-ups and international companies from the creative industries are based here. The city not only offers you a wide range of career opportunities, but also an inspiring environment in which to be creative, network and develop new ideas. As a student at Mediadesign University, you are right in the centre of it all - with a campus in the heart of the capital and the best possible connections to the gaming scene.
6. How is studying Game Design in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf ist ein spannender Standort für alle, die Game Design studieren wollen: kreativ, urban und direkt vernetzt mit der Games-Branche. In der Stadt und in der Region sitzen namhafte Unternehmen wie Ubisoft und Electronic Arts. Die Nähe zu solchen Studios, regelmäßige Messen wie die Gamescom und viele Indie-Projekte schaffen ein inspirierendes Umfeld für den Berufseinstieg. Gleichzeitig bietet Düsseldorf mit dem MedienHafen, in dem sich auch der Campus der mdh befindet, der Rheinlage und einer lebendigen Kulturszene eine hohe Lebensqualität – perfekt für kreatives Arbeiten und Studieren.
7. What jobs can I do after graduating in Game Design?
As a game design graduate, you can work as a game designer, level designer, narrative designer, UX designer, producer or creative director, for example. Jobs in related areas such as app and software development, serious games, simulations, interactive media or advertising and marketing are also possible.
8. Is game design a secure career with a future?
The games industry is growing worldwide - including in Germany. Digital games, gamification, AR/VR and interactive media are becoming more important in many areas - from entertainment and education to medicine and administration. With a sound game design degree, you will be well prepared for a creative and sustainable career!
