Master's Degree Project in Game Design

About the course

During the course, you will be guided under supervision and in group seminars in the writing of a thesis at the Master's level (30 credits), including developing a problem statement, providing a literature review, constructing a theoretical framework, applying relevant methods to a game-related topic, and analysing this object of study with academic rigor. The thesis must be based on relevant research in the chosen subject area and may contain empirical elements, self-developed artefacts, design, etc. The thesis must always be based on a scientific question, evaluation, or comparison that leads to a deeper understanding of the research focus. Students choose one of the following two ways to implement their degree project:

1. A research project that combines theory and practice. Students develop a theoretical framework that is applied to the design and implementation of an analogue or digital game project, which is accompanied by a reflective text that discusses the design process and its outcomes.
2. A research project that utilizes an understanding of games and game design to approach an existing issue in contemporary culture or society.

In either form (1 or 2 above), students are expected to draw on existing research from the game design discourse and the field of game studies, but are strongly encouraged to go beyond this domain and bring in theories, methods and inspiration from whatever academic field or area of practice that makes sense for their particular thesis topic.

In case of a design-based thesis (1), students are further expected to design and conduct their own playtests throughout the iterative design process as well as an evaluative player study at the end. The degree project thesis is defended in a public discussion and examination at the end of the course.

On Campus instances of this course, students must attend in person on Campus Gotland.