Game Design MFA

Introduction

LCAD’s Game Design MFA is a 2-year terminal Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree that allows you to explore the design and development of games as a creative practice. The program offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice in game design.

The Game Design MFA curriculum is centered on the processes of both the creation and the development of games. The program acknowledges that games are responsible for providing much more than mere entertainment; they also are meaningful products of a thriving global economy that illuminate truths about our world, our societies, and ourselves.

LCAD’s Game Design MFA is structured in such a way that will empower you with both the knowledge base and the skill sets to ensure that your own meaningful game design enterprises are economically impactful and sustainable.

Our Game Design program will develop your creative skills and enhance your potential as a game designer, developer, and entrepreneur.

Select program candidates will create a graduate level game development environment, replicating that which reflects the current industry model, nurturing advanced skills in design, research and development, leadership and marketing in the creative art of game design.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced Game Design Proficiency: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of game design principles, mechanics, and aesthetics across various genres and platforms.
  • Critical Analysis of Games: Graduates will analyze and evaluate their own work and existing games, applying knowledge of user behavior patterns, as well as understanding the psychological, cultural, social impacts, and the artistic, storytelling, and philosophical design aspects of games.
  • Prototyping and Iteration: Graduates will create, test, and refine game prototypes, applying iterative design methods to improve game ideas and mechanics both theoretically and through empirical playtesting and user feedback.
  • Ethical Game Design: Graduates will assess and integrate ethical considerations into their game design, addressing potential societal and environmental impacts.
• Game Production Management: Graduates will manage and oversee the game development process, from concept to completion, applying skills in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
  • Effective Team Collaboration: Graduates will collaborate effectively within diverse development teams, demonstrating interpersonal and communication skills essential for the game creation process.
  • Game Development Tools: Graduates will utilize industry-standard game development tools and software, including game engines, prototyping tools, project management software, and design aids.
  • Entrepreneurship and Marketing: Graduates will develop and implement strategies for marketing their games, and initiate independent game development projects or studios.
• Research and Innovation: Graduates will conduct research in game design, exploring emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies to advance the field.
  • Advanced Research Methodology: Graduates will design and conduct data-driven studies in the gaming industry, including experimental studies, user testing, and surveys, demonstrating proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings.
  • Thesis Development and Publication: Graduates will develop a substantial research thesis in game design, crafting well-structured, academically rigorous papers suitable for publication in academic journals and conferences.
  • Interdisciplinary Research Integration: Graduates will synthesize knowledge from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, computer science, and art, integrating these perspectives into innovative game design solutions and their thesis work.