Four new master’s level courses in game design

The courses cover theory, practice, design and technology, and are suitable also for students who want to work outside the games industry, in fields such as AI, digital design or technology development.

Long-term investment in game education

After 20 years of offering the bachelor’s programme in game development, DSV is now taking the next step by developing new courses at master’s level.

“Game development students at bachelor’s level lack a path forward within their field in the master’s programmes that already exist at Stockholm University. We wanted to develop something new that deepens both education and research opportunities in games,” says Thomas Westin, teacher at DSV and part of the group behind the new courses.

The ambition is to build a sustainable structure for the future.

“Students who complete a master’s degree can apply for doctoral positions and, through that, we hope to develop our research and academic competence in games over the next twenty years,” says Thomas Westin.

We wanted to develop something new that deepens both education and research opportunities in games

Courses that complement each other

“With these four courses we wanted to create a whole where technology, theory and design meet,” says Thomas Westin. The course ‘Games in Theory and Practice (GTP)’ provides an in-depth understanding of the cultural, social and historical context of games and ties into the students’ own experiences. It lays an important foundation for the courses that follow.”

“GPU Architectures and Real-Time Computing (GPU) focuses on how graphics processing units are programmed, for example for machine learning or game graphics. ‘Theoretical Perspectives on AI-Based Experience Design (TAIBU)’ explores different types of artificial intelligence (AI), from traditional methods to new innovations, and how they are used to create games and interactive experiences. ‘Inclusive Game Development (IGDev)’ addresses how development tools and environments can be designed in a more inclusive way based on ability, age, gender and ethnicity”, Thomas Westin explains.

Both theory and practice

“Game development involves a wide range of competencies and the structure reflects this. The courses blend theory and practice. The GPU course is the most technical, with a strong programming focus, while ‘Theoretical Perspectives on AI-Based Experience Design’ and ‘Inclusive Game Development’ are more design-oriented with some programming elements.”

In addition to the new courses, other recommended game-related courses are available among the elective pool courses.

It is an advantage but not a requirement to have prior study experience in game development

Accessible to students with different backgrounds

Prior experience in game development is not required.

“It is an advantage but not a requirement to have prior study experience in game development. ‘Games in Theory and Practice’ works as a bridge course for anyone interested in these courses. You can choose to deepen your knowledge in a game engine or learn the basics. You can also focus more on game theory or design tools, depending on your background,” Thomas Westin continues.

All courses are relevant even if you do not plan to work specifically with games

Useful beyond the gaming industry

The courses can be taken individually, but there is an intended progression.

“All courses are relevant even if you do not plan to work specifically with games. GPU programming is useful in both AI and graphics more broadly. AI-based development is essential across a wide labour market, and principles for inclusion and tool design can be applied in many other sectors.”

If you could choose, which course would you want to take yourself?

“It would probably be the GPU course, since it is the one I know the least about personally, but I would also like to take ‘Theoretical Perspectives on AI-Based Experience Design’”, Thomas Westin concludes.

Text: Carina Bergholm