PROGRAM

Game & UX Designer

Study Game & UX Design

With the latest in VR/AR and AI technology, we’re at the forefront of creating unique experiences. Businesses are continually improving customer interactions, making digital and conversational UX more essential than ever.

As a Game and UX Designer student at Futuregames, you’ll develop expertise in game development, user experience (UX), VR/AR, gamification, business development, and leadership. Our program is centered on user experience, game design, sustainability in business, and digital innovation.

Facts

_{^Location(s):} Online
_{^{Course Start:}}Sep 2025
_^Duration: 2 years
_^Internship: 20 weeks
_^Language: English
_^Degree: Higher Vocational Education Diploma

Applications & Tuition
_{^{Nordic applicants (yrkeshögskola):}}

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

_{^{International applicants:}}

Jan 7 – May 31, 2025
€20,000 (EUR)
_{^{Split into five semester installments}}

Application open!

Board of Education

About the Program

Be “the voice” of the player

Do you play a game and often think of how you can tweak its UI to a more player-centric UI? UX design is where the science of the player meets the art of game design. Seemingly small choices made by every one of the game/product development team impacts how the game experience manifests in players. Learn to be the voice of the player as a user experience designer, and create the game you want to play.

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

Accessibility development for interactive media_^15YHP/3w
Agile Project Methodology _^10YHP/2w
Degree Project _^25YHP/5w
Experience design _^20YHP/4w
Level Design _^20YHP/4w
Internship _^100YHP/20w
Marketing Analysis, Industry Knowledge and portfolio _^10YHP/2w
Programming for Experience Design _^40YHP/8w
Project 2 _^20YHP/4w
Project 3 _^20YHP/4w
Rapid prototyping _^20YHP/4w
Game design _^20YHP/4w
Game Psychology and gamification _^15YHP/3w
User research _^20YHP/4w
UX and game thinking _^10YHP/2w

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

Skills and Careers

Learning Outcomes

The ability to evaluate customer-specific information / behavior and prioritize design accordingly
Understanding of behaviors based on statistics and how they are translated into design
Ensuring design and user-friendliness in product and service development
Implementing gameification and game thinking in products and services from an early design stage
Understanding of conceptualization, iterative design and concretization of design and design processes
The ability to quickly validate designs via functional prototypes
Understanding and recognizing which trends will have a major impact on the market and how design must relate to it
Understanding the different parts of a design process and how hypotheses and designs can be verified through different types of user tests
The ability to create customer journeys and concepts based on specified needs of users

Career

Futuregames Game Project Jury Day at Campus Skellefteå. Students, staff and industry people assembled.

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

Which documents should you submit?

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

25 March 2025
Futuregames Umeå: a new chapter for Stefan Eriksson
Stefan Eriksson is a Game Designer student with PC gaming in his blood. With a strong background in games and tech, he found the final piece of the puzzle at…
Game Development, Interviews, Student Interviews
Read more: Futuregames Umeå: a new chapter for Stefan Eriksson
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

FAQ

Do I need prior experience in game design to join?

What equipment do I need?

For the Game UX Designer program, you’ll need to bring your own laptop with modern performance specifications, preferably no older than two years. You’ll also need to bring your own webcam and wired headphones. We’ll provide you with an additional monitor, along with a basic mouse and keyboard.

All the necessary software for the course will be provided by Futuregames. Detailed information about hardware requirements will be shared upon admission to 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

Sweden – Skellefteå
Julia Iljina
Head of Education Game & UX Designer
- Mail

Game & UX Designer

Study Game & UX 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

Student Projects

Spotlight Stories

Futuregames Umeå: a new chapter for Stefan Eriksson

“My passion has always been game programming”

Oskar Wahlström – a lighthouse at Futuregames Umeå

FAQ

Explore The north

Get in touch

Julia Iljina