REPLAY - The European Game Design Masters (Erasmus Mundus), Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Description

REPLAY is a two-year European Master Program that unites students from around the world with the goal of creating meaningful game experiences through design, experimentation, and development. Participants are encouraged to influence the future of game design, tapping into the industry's capacity for creativity, innovation, and societal impact. Throughout their journey, the students will be immersed in three unique national game development and artistic ecosystems.

Students will experience three distinct locations, each offering diverse cultural and industry landscapes. They'll consistently expand their cultural horizons, understanding various game-making practices and communities. This experience is crucial for their global careers in the game industry, granting them a unique competitive advantage in employment and positioning within the gaming and playful media sectors.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The programme has a joint participation fee. Candidates are eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, awarded on the basis of excellence. Further information is available on the programme website: https://www.replaymasters.eu/.

Structure of studies

REPLAY is a Joint Master degree programme offered by a consortium of three universities in Belgium, Finland and Portugal:

• Universidade Lusófona, Film and Media Arts Department, Lisbon, Portugal
• Luca School of Arts, C-Mine Campus, Genk, Belgium
• Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Espoo, Finland

Throughout each semester, students will collaborate on team-based creative projects and participate in seminars and lectures led by game industry professionals and researchers. The semesters are structured around three core themes: exploring the cultural diversity within games, understanding games as a versatile medium, and honing self-learning skills alongside production techniques.

The students will start their studies at Lusófona. The first semester centers on the cultural diversity of games, delving into two key aspects: culture through games and the culture of games. They explore games' role in preserving and promoting culture, using game design to address social and cultural themes uniquely. This involves designing games as performance art, analyzing social dynamics through games, and exploring cultural heritage. Students also focus on comprehending the cultures in game creation, delving into the medium's history, evolution, and diverse genres. Additionally, they explore speculative design for alternative formats, media, and regional influences on game development.

In the second semester at LUCA, the focus shifts to 'games as a broad medium.' This theme prompts students to adopt a platform-independent approach to game design and play. They're encouraged to craft games not bound by particular platforms or media, exploring novel methods to captivate players and reimagine game control mechanisms. Moreover, students are prompted to reconsider conventional ideas of playspaces, investigating location-specific games, public space play, and interactive storytelling within playful contexts.

At Aalto during the third semester, the focus is on 'self-learning skills and production,' aimed at readying students for the evolving landscape of games and play. This theme emphasizes self-driven learning and practical competencies, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and exploration of emerging roles and trends in the industry. REPLAY graduates are equipped not only to innovate in game creation but also to effectively introduce their creations to the world. This semester also cultivates a culture of lifelong learning, introducing students to collaborative practices and ongoing education within the game and play industry.

In the fourth and final semester, students are assigned to each one of the schools accordingly to the area they are working in their final project. During this final semester, the students develop the project and the written report that constitute the individual graduation project.

Specialisations

Specialization occurs during the third semester at Aalto, involving students in immersive learning within the game industry and other practitioner networks. Throughout their studies, students also have opportunities to tailor their learning towards specific roles within game projects.

Internationalisation

REPLAY lays an educational ground for international understanding of game cultures and how to impact the world around us through creating timely pieces. The curriculum strikes a balance between theoretical and practical understanding, offering students design challenges that reinforce their cultural comprehension, co-creation, co-learning, and communication.

Further study opportunities

The programme qualifies for doctoral studies in an applicable field. More information on the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture: Doctoral programmes (https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/doctoral-programmes).

Career opportunities

The students participate in an international and diverse learning community, engaging with peers and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide. By bridging art, technology, and cultural diversity, the program's core innovation lies in nurturing game development professionals who emerge as leaders in the international game industry. They collaborate extensively with various partners and stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Research focus

The research in this programme is linked to several focus areas in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

Co-operation with other parties

For information on the admission requirements and application process, please visit the programme website https://www.replaymasters.eu/admissions-and-requirements

Contact information

REPLAY European Master Program

https://www.replaymasters.eu/