Game Designer

PROGRAM

Study Game Design

Game and Level Design, Narrative, Scripting and QA – get the experience you need to work as designer in the game industry! This educational program provides specialization choices.

Regardless of whether it is level design, gameplay design, system design, scripting, narrative design, quality assurance, or game production management that ignites your creativity and passion, this program will get you into the industry with credibility, through hands-on development experience in game design.

Facts

_{^Location(s):}Boden, Skellefteå, Stockholm, Umeå
_{^{Course Start:}} Sep 2025
_^Duration: 2,5 years
_^Internship: 30 weeks
_^Language: English
_^Degree:Higher Vocational Education Diploma

Applications & Tuition
_{^{Nordic applicants:}}

Feb 5 – May 12, 2025
No tuition fee (YH – government-funded)

_{^{International applicants:}}

Jan 7 – Apr 2, 2025
€23,000(EUR)
_{^{Split into five semester installments}}

Open for application!

Board of Education

About the Program

The Futuregames Game Designer program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to design compelling gameplay experiences and game mechanics. Through hands-on projects and real-world simulations, you’ll master industry-standard tools and frameworks while gaining practical experience in creating levels, narratives, and systems from concept to implementation.

Futuregames programs are accredited and regulated by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH). We pride ourselves on making our programs as close to the professional industry as possible. The courses are developed in collaboration with our Educational Board, ensuring they meet industry standards and needs.

Courses

Advanced Game Design _^15YHP/3w
Board Game Design _^15YHP/3w
Game Project 1 _^15YHP/3w
Game Project 2 _^20YHP/4w
Game Project 3 _^35YHP/7w
Game Project 4 _^20YHP/4w
Graduation Project _^50YHP/10w
Internship (LiA) _^150YHP/30w
Introduction to C# Scripting Language _^20YHP/4w
Introduction to Visual Scripting _^25YHP/5w
Level Design and World Creation _^25YHP/5w
Narrative Design _^15YHP/3w
Professional Development _^15YHP/3w
Prototyping _^20YHP/4w
Quality Assurance _^10YHP/2w
UX and Interaction Design _^20YHP/4w
Specialization – Advanced Level Design _^80YHP/16w
Specialization – Technical and System Design _^80YHP/16w

^{Please note that the courses may be subject to change based on recommendations from our Board of Education to better align with industry needs.}

Specializations in Game Design

In the fourth semester of the education you will pick between one of two possible areas of specialization, allowing you to prepare even better for your internships.

Level designer – Choosing the level design as specialization means that you will get a deeper knowledge of the level design’s advanced principles, including layering, progression, tempo, increase of difficulty, etc. You will also learn how level design and storytelling relate to each other in professional game design. You will also get a thorough understanding of writing in-depth level design documentation, iterations and how to communicate your ideas.
Technical and/or Systems Designer – By choosing this specialized role you will get an advanced understanding of scripting, prototyping and iteration, game mechanics and game systems using industry standard tools. You will be able to design and implement advanced flexible gaming systems and customize them to enhance the player experience. You will also have the skills needed to create sustainable and scalable gaming systems with an improved workflow that meets the needs of the professional gaming industry.

Skills and Careers

Learning Outcomes

Designing and analyzing game experiences
Designing and building levels
Designing and crafting game systems
Thorough understanding of Unity and the latest Unreal Engine
Strong gameplay scripting skills (C# and visual scripting)
Adopting a player-centric approach and understanding of target audience
Strong team and communication skills
Designing games for multiple platforms (PC, mobile, VR, etc.)
Designing in a data-driven way
Understanding the entire development and distribution process of games

Career

What to expect

Master your craft, make your mark.

At Futuregames, you don’t just learn—you create. Collaborate on innovative projects and gain hands-on experience in a setup that mirrors the real world.

Our programs evolve with the industry, ensuring you gain the skills the market needs—today and tomorrow.

Learning by Doing

Collaboration is key

Hours of Lecture

Out of a 40-hour week, you’ll spend around 10–12 teacher-led hours with your head teacher or guest lecturers.

The remaining time is dedicated to individual studies and group projects. Even when there are no scheduled classes, you are expected to be at school to collaborate and learn alongside your classmates. This collaboration is essential, as teamwork is one of the most important skills in game development.

We will give you more information about the term times when you are admitted to the Program.

Internship

Internship (LIA) is an essential part of the program, giving you the chance to step into the industry and work directly at a company. With support from professionals, you’ll apply your knowledge to real tasks, build your skills, and get a feel for how the industry works. It’s also a great opportunity to make connections and gain experience that will kickstart your career.

Meet the industry at TING

The Details

Not sure what to include in your application? Don’t worry—here’s everything you need to make your submission complete!

Application Guide for Nordic Residents

Application Guide for International students

Requirements

Work Samples

What to submit?

-Showcase a small game you have created and developed, and include all the assets or designs (for example, GIFs, links to playthrough videos, flowcharts, in-editor captures, and so forth), that you think are relevant to its game development, and your intended Futuregames program.

Please note that your game prototype will not be played.

For this reason, we recommend you choose the right content that showcases your potential in a broader scale as a junior game developer, someone with the proper mindset, design thinking and insights.

In addition, please explain and document in detail, the process of the game creation, reasoning behind the design decision you took, and how you overcame its obstacles.

We need to see how much time and effort you have invested into your future career in the games industry, and if Futuregames is a good fit for you and your development.

You can apply with a previous team project, but please specify in detail in which you have contributed to the project.

Format?

In English.
Maximum ten (10) pages.
The structure of the document is free choice. We strongly recommend that you treat your application as a job application to a game studio.
Name the file [firstname_surname.pdf].

Futuregames will assess your work sample in the 3 following areas:

-Visualization ability – assesses the artistical ability to express oneself through illustrations and texts.

-Technical ability – assesses proficiency of utilization of the machine as tool.

-Industry relevance – assesses the relevance of the presented content towards the games industry and game development.

Video

Check out the video to Game Designer’s work sample for your application on Youtube here:

Check it out

Which documents should you submit?

Preparatory Course

Student Projects

Every year, approximately 50 new games in total are produced by Futuregames students during game projects lasting between 4 to 8 weeks. Most of these games are available for free download and play!

Futuregames on Itch

You are the most beloved toy to a kid prone to nightmares, many nights have the kid suffered the 'mares', but no more! With the power of your kid’s love you are able to fight any nightmare coming it's way! The night is long, and the nightmares are relentless; it’s all on you to protect your kid! Download and play the game here

Spotlight Stories

24 March 2025
“My passion has always been game programming”
Meet Tobias Andersson, a former Futuregames Boden student who turned his love for game programming into a thriving and exciting career.
Game Development, Interviews, Student Interviews
Read more: “My passion has always been game programming”
20 March 2025
Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå
With hands-on experience from both consultancy work and independent game development, Oskar Wahlström brings invaluable industry insights to his role as a mentor at Futuregames Umeå.
Game Development, Interviews
Read more: Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå
18 February 2025
Step inside Game Project 4 at Futuregames North
Hear insights on game development, internships, and breaking into the industry from our panel of professionals.
Game Development, Interviews
Read more: Step inside Game Project 4 at Futuregames North

FAQ

Is prior tech knowledge mandatory?

All applicants have different levels of knowledge and expertise.

If you have prior technical expertise, and you are already familiar with some game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, Lumberyard, Godot, or any other game engine, you should use this as your working prototype.

However, if you don’t have any prior technical knowledge, don’t worry, you can still apply to Futuregames. A rough-and-dirty prototype where you test out a single mechanic, a camera system, a feature, or any such, is more than enough.

And if you feel this is still too challenging, please present us only your game idea. We’re interested in knowing more about your mind-set and design thinking rather than how good you are at making games. That’s something we can teach you when you are accepted into the program.

Explore The north

Become part of the fast-growing games industry in the North of Sweden – a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Discover the cutting edge of game development in Northern Sweden, where innovative teaching meets stunning Arctic landscapes. Experience a unique journey under the northern lights and the midnight sun, while learning from some of the industry’s best in a curriculum that blends creativity with technology.

Discover our locations

Get in touch

If you have questions about courses, portfolios, or the program, get in touch with our Heads of Education. For help with your application, eligibility, or admissions, reach out to our admissions team. You can find more details on our contact page.

Continue to the contact page

Poland – Warsaw; Sweden – Boden, Skellefteå, Umeå
Henrik Lindfors
Head of Education Game Design
- Mail
Sweden – Stockholm
Clara Parona
Head of Education Game Design
- Mail

Game Designer

Study Game Design

Facts

Board of Education

About the Program

Courses

Skills and Careers

What to expect

Hands-On Projects

Learn from Industry Professionals

Internship

The Details

General Entry Requirements

Specific Entry Requirements

What to submit?

Format?

Video

Student Projects

Spotlight Stories

“My passion has always been game programming”

Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå

Step inside Game Project 4 at Futuregames North

FAQ

Explore The north

Get in touch

Henrik Lindfors

Clara Parona