This course provides an overview of the phases of game development, with a focus on the pre-production and production stages. You will identify and discuss components within computer science that assist in game development, while having the opportunity to meet professional developers working in the field. In the corequisite lab course, you will learn about all the components that make up a game, and, as part of a semester-long project, work in groups to propose, develop, and create a game of your own. Through computer lab exercises, you will practice programming techniques while discussing the benefits and challenges of using different languages such as Python, C++, C#, and Java.
One year of computer science and one mathematics course at university level. Knowledge of at least one programming language, preferably with object-oriented programming such as Java, C# or C++.
“…We visited the Copenhagen headquarters for Unity, the game engine we use, and heard from a human resources representative and a technical project manager. It was interesting to learn more about Unity’s origins and rise to the company they have become, which now has software installed on 1 billion devices.”
Linda Oyolu
Grinnell College
Faculty
Benno Lüders
M.Sc. in Game Technology, IT University of Copenhagen (2016). All-around game enthusiast and game development with a focus on game programming. Previous experience as an Assistant Teacher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen (2015-2016) and as a Tutor and Teaching Assistant at the IT University of Copenhagen (2015) and Hochschule Fulda (2011-2013). Also worked as a Backend Java Developer at Flaregames, a mobile game company (2013-2014). With DIS since 2016.
Jorge Villa Yagüe
Co-founder & Managing Director at Pine Creek Games (2021–2023). Previous experience as Producer & Game Designer (2020–2021) and Level Designer (2019–2020) at Tactile Games. M.Sc. in Medialogy, Aalborg University (2019). B.Sc. in Industrial Design Engineering and Product Development, University of Zaragoza (2016). With DIS since 2023.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
In the ever-evolving landscape of game development and IT, Spain has emerged as a hub for innovation and artistic creation, being the birthplace of games like Commandos, Temtem, and Blasphemous.
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is an exciting fusion of the modern and the historical. On this tour we will learn how small independent studios in the economic center of a large European country develop games and work towards the creation of sustainable creative businesses. When we are not learning about game development, Madrid is the place to sample delicious tapas, experience the world-renowned art of Velasquez and Picasso, and watch passionate flamenco shows.
We will also travel to Barcelona, home to several major multinational gaming studios, where we will look towards the future and see firsthand how game development industry is changing. The charming coastal city of Barcelona is also an ideal place to experience firsthand the Mediterranean lifestyle and the multicultural landscape inside Spain itself.
Learning outcomes
Learn about the newest and upcoming trends in the game industry from professionals working on them today
Hear from programmers which computer programming systems and methodologies are most heavily utilized within modern game development
Gain insights into the translation of computer science from academia to industry, in the context of game development
Possible activities
Meet with professionals working in game companies based in Spain
Hear from researchers and peers within Spain’s prime computer science academic institutions
Visit a gaming center in Spain
About this tour
gaming companies in the world are based in Stockholm, including King, creators of Candy Crush, and Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, the best-selling videogame of all time.
During your visit to Sweden’s capital, you will learn how the game industry and game studio world operate within a computer science context. You will gain an international view of what game development is, the role of the programmer, and the internal processes behind game creation. During meetings with professionals in the field, developers will detail the pipeline from conceptualizing a game through programming and turning it into a finished product.
Learning outcomes
Learn about the newest and upcoming trends in the game industry
Learn which computer programming systems and methodologies are most heavily used within game development
Gain insights from professionals around how to translate computer science capabilities from academia to industry within the context of game development
Possible activities
Meet with professionals working in game companies based in Stockholm
Hear from researchers and peers within Stockholm’s prime computer science academic institutions
Visit a gaming center in Stockholm
About this tour
Germany has the second largest video game market in Europe, and Hamburg is a thriving capital for both large and small game studios. This Study Tour provides you with a greater understanding of the game industry and game studio world within a computer science context. You will gain an international view of what game development is, the role of the programmer, and the internal process of creating a game. Meeting professionals within the field exposes you to how a concept turns into a product.
In addition, the Study Tour program is supplemented with relevant cultural visits to help you learn more about German culture and contextualize your studies.
Learning outcomes
Gain insight into the translation of computer science from academia to industry within the development of games
Learn about the newest and upcoming trends in the game industry
Understand the computer programming techniques that are most heavily involved within the profession of game developers
Possible activities
Visit companies and meet professional developers
See exhibitions like the Computerspielemuseum and the Game Science Center in Berlin
Take walking tours of the cities and learn about Germany’s history
About this tour
Germany has the second largest video game market in Europe, and Hamburg is a thriving capital for both large and small game studios. This Study Tour provides you with a greater understanding of the game industry and game studio world within a computer science context. You will gain an international view of what game development is, the role of the programmer, and the internal process of creating a game. Meeting professionals within the field exposes you to how a concept turns into a product.
In addition, the Study Tour program is supplemented with relevant cultural visits to help you learn more about German culture and contextualize your studies.
Learning outcomes
Gain insight into the translation of computer science from academia to industry within the development of games
Learn about the newest and upcoming trends in the game industry
Understand the computer programming techniques that are most heavily involved within the profession of game developers
Possible activities
Visit companies and meet professional developers
See exhibitions like the Computerspielemuseum and the Game Science Center in Berlin
Take walking tours of the cities and learn about Germany’s history
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Alongside a two-day seminar in Copenhagen, you will travel on a three-day Study Tour in Denmark to gain insight into the field of game design by meeting various professionals in both the educational and industry setting. You will have the opportunity to discuss and understand the challenges of the field and hear from the experiences of developers with the Danish Game Industry Organization. You will gain insight into the unique collaboration between game developers, game press, and gaming academia while visiting both industry and academic institutions involved in the game development process within a computer science focus.
The program is supplemented with cultural visits to help you learn more about Danish history and culture and experience life outside the capital. Some cultural visits include touring art museums, visiting historical sites, and enjoying traditional Danish food.
Learning outcomes
Gain insight to the translation of computer science from academia to industry, within the development of games
Learn about the newest and upcoming trends in the game industry
Understand the computer programming techniques that are most heavily involved within the profession of game developers
Possible activities
Take part in a Game Jam
Visit gaming companies
Meet with students studying Game Development in Danish Højskole or Universities
