Content and structure

Course content.

Students will consolidate the game design skills they have acquired in an equivalent degree programme in connection with a specific research question – and obtain the higher professional qualification. The basis is to explore the specific motivation design of games (game mechanics, play). This enables non-consecutive students to also integrate their learning with their respective subject areas.  

Key terms 

Animation and 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, alternate reality games, augmented/virtual reality, applied games, game art, game play, game production, game studies, pervasive games, procedural programming, serious games, sound design, game mechanics, motivation design, game systems, storytelling, game culture, teamwork, visual design, interactive environments, multisensory interaction, tangible interface, ubiquitous computing, social games, control systems, rules and society, games vs. play. 

Core subjects 

Collaborative worlds, game production, ludic game art, serious games, urban games, motivation design, game mechanics, game studies, gamification, play. 

Course structure.

Development of the thesis 

The first module area includes a Master’s thesis and a Master’s project (work, mentoring, peer learning, evaluation, testing and examination colloquium). In a regular hands-on workshop with students of all semesters, you will explore topics, develop them, and find solutions. Moreover, you will discuss current topics from the gaming world, from gaming to design, through to culture.  

Practice 

The second module area explores aspects of game production and game design: from organization to visual design, through to programming. This includes active production of games in larger specialist groups. Moreover, insights are given into current projects such as research.  

Theory 

In the third module area, students explore theories, methodologies and models of games, design, game studies and culture. Moreover, they determine where it is possible to also reinterpret control systems and motivation structures of games in general in terms of design and society.  

Interdisciplinary theory and practice  

The fourth module area teaches advanced design practices in a range of interdisciplinary Major courses and provides in-depth insights into other design sectors or knowledge fields. 

Final project  

The final module area consists of a Master’s thesis, along with the compulsory modules “Thesis Theory” and “Thesis Practice”. 

Skills acquired in the course.

When you graduate, you will be able to: 

  • Recognize, reflect on and apply the techniques and methods of scientific work; 

  • Identify the most important theories/models in the fields of games/game design/game studies/game culture and apply them to game analysis; 

  • Reflect on control systems and motivational designs in games, society or culture and use them in analysis; 

  • Critically apply motivational designs, theories and models in designing games; 

  • Recognize and approach potential career fields for game designers in Switzerland, such as research projects, exhibitions and the games industry; 

  • Independently engage with various areas of games, game design or game culture, as well as convey these to others and break new ground; 

  • Reflect on development processes and apply such knowledge in team-based game design. 

Admissions requirements.

The Master’s Major in Game Design, is suitable for designers who work with technology on a daily basis. Prospective students must be curious and hard-working with an interest in focusing on the culture and design of interactive games. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational transcripts are also a requirement. 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

We offer students an outstanding infrastructure for experiments with a range of technologies, which also provides a unique source of information on gaming history and gaming theory: 

  • Game lab  

  • Game archive  

Benefit from the research setting of the subject area with these focus areas: 

  • Game studies  

  • Serious and applied games  

Working alongside lecturers and research assistants, you will develop and answer innovative research questions in collaboration with international research partners. 

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of benefits.

  • Great opportunities to actively shape your future: ZHdK offers state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary and yet highly specialized training.  

  • Our campus (Toni-Areal) is an educational and cultural hub that unites all creative disciplines under one roof and is unique across Europe. 

  • ZHdK is home to vanguard projects and events. 

  • You will benefit from a wide range of professional networks and collaborations with the creative industries, as well as with other national and international educational institutions.