Program Objectives
The Department of Digital Game Design at Istanbul Kültür University is committed to providing students with a critical understanding of game development, game design, game programming, and digital media. Our compulsory courses such as Game Studies, Game Design, Game Art, Game Aesthetics, Contemporary Art, Genre and Narrative integrate the fields of art and design with game design and development. Elective courses in the department can be chosen from theoretical and/or practical areas of game design, photography, film and media, and art history. Our elective courses provide students with the ability to expand their creative possibilities as future game designers and developers and to create a visual portfolio that best represents and promotes themselves upon graduation. The Department of Digital Game Design continually renews itself both in its curriculum and academic structure to share contemporary game practices with students in the best environments, in line with current technological developments and changing artistic and cultural perceptions.
In the Department of Digital Game Design, while education continues through lectures and practices within the school, it is integrated with activities such as technical tours, exhibition visits, etc., outside the school. With social activities such as panels and workshops organized in parallel with educational activities, the academic activities are aimed to take on a structure that meets the demands of the industry. Game Design Workshops, Technical Tours and Industry Meetings are organized throughout the academic year. They are planned to contribute to the education of students in a supportive manner.
Alums of the Department of Digital Game Design can work as game developers, visual artists, UI/UX designers in gaming industry as well as all creative industries. Students of the Department of Communication and Design are expected to master the concepts of game mechanics, aesthetics and dynamics with the education they have received, to be able to interpret technological developments, produce games within different genres to transform their creative ideas into multimedia applications.
EstablishmentThe Department of Digital Game Design at the Faculty of Art and Design at Istanbul Kültür University will begin its education in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Qualification AwardedDiploma in Digital Game Design
Language of Instruction English
Mode of EducationFull time
Admission and Registration Requirements50 students are admitted to the undergraduate program in Digital Game Design through the Central Placement Exam conducted by ÖSYM. Candidates are placed in the Department of Digital Game Design by ÖSYM based on their SAY scores, their preferences for higher education programs, and the quotas and conditions of these programs. The registrations of students placed in the Digital Game Design Department are carried out by the Istanbul Kültür University Student Affairs Office within the framework of the calendar determined by ÖSYM.
Double Major–Minor ProgramsDouble Major Program:
Successful students who continue their undergraduate education in the Department of Digital Game Design can simultaneously pursue a second undergraduate education in another department within our university. Our undergraduate students can apply for the Double Major Program no earlier than the third and no later than the beginning of the fifth semester, provided their GPA is at least 2.80. Students who successfully complete the Double Major Program and earn two undergraduate degrees are awarded two separate undergraduate diplomas.
Minor Program:
Undergraduate students in the Department of Digital Game Design with a GPA of 2.50 or above can partially participate in the undergraduate education of another department within our university, which is close to the Department of Digital Game Design in terms of content, scope, and practice, by taking 72 ECTS credits within a specified program. Students who successfully complete the minor program along with the major program are awarded an undergraduate diploma and a minor certificate.
InternshipStudents are required to complete a 40-workday internship outside the institution.
Graduation RequirementsStudents in the Department of Digital Game Design are required to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00 to successfully complete all courses (totaling 240 ECTS) and to complete 40 workdays of mandatory internship. They graduate with a total of 240 ECTS (ECTS).
International CooperationsOne of our priorities in the Department of Digital Game Design is to ensure that our students make the most of our Erasmus opportunities. Through our Erasmus collaborations with prestigious schools in Europe, it is among our principles to help our students get to know new cultures, broaden their horizons, and advance their professional education.
For more information: https://stf.iku.edu.tr/en/erasmus
Occupational Profiles Of GraduatesGraduates of the Department of Digital Game Design can work as game developers, game artists, game writers, user interface (UI) designers, 2D and 3D animation and modeling specialists, scenario development specialists, and game test specialists in the game and entertainment industry. They can also pursue careers in project management and production areas within the game industry.
Access to Further Studies Our students who complete their undergraduate education can continue their graduate education in relevant departments.
Departmental FacilitiesWe are aware of the importance of sectoral experience for our students. Therefore, we regularly organize interviews and workshops with reputable names that guide the game and media sectors for our students. Additionally, with our technical trips, we aim for our students to gain insider knowledge about the functioning of the sectors they will work in after graduation.
Program Activities We regularly organize Game Workshops, Sector Meetings, and Technical Trips throughout the year in our department. Current news and department activities can be found on the @ikudgd Instagram page and the Digital Game Design Department website.
Contact Information Head of the Department of Digital Game Design
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep KOÇER GÖZTEPE
z.kocer@iku.edu.tr
Address: Ataköy Campus, Bakırköy 34156, Istanbul
Tel: +90 (212) 498 48 27
Digital Game Design Main Page
