IE School of Architecture and Design announces new video game design and virtual environments programs

The presentation of these two new Bachelor and Masters specializations was held  this week at IE Tower, IE University’s headquarters in Madrid, and took the form of a debate that explored the evolution of the video game and virtual environment industry, a sector that has expanded beyond recreation and is now used in the education, health and architecture sectors, among others. The diversity of profiles needed in the sector was highlighted, from video game developers and designers to narrative creators and technical specialists.

Attending the event were Félix Martín, Technical Advisor at regional video game industry association Madrid In Game; José Raluy, Engineering Manager at Electronic Arts; Enrique Agudo, a new media artist, design strategist and creative director; and Ruxandra Iancu-Bratosin, a computational researcher and co-founder of 50SuperReal who teaches at IE School of Architecture & Design. The debate was moderated by Clara Llamas, Academic Director of the Bachelor's Degree in Design. 

Cristina Mateo, Associate Dean at IE School of Architecture and Design, introduced the new Video Game Design and Virtual Environments programs at IE Tower in Madrid on November 21, 2024.The new Bachelor in Video Games and Virtual Environments track of the Bachelor's Degree in Design will begin in the 2025/2026 academic year and will be taught at IE University's campuses in Segovia and Madrid. It will offer comprehensive training in an ever-changing industry, specializing in areas such as game mechanics, level design, digital narratives, and user experience (UX design). The itinerary will combine basic and advanced content, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and immersive narratives. The methodology, focused on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, will prepare students to excel in this industry and build a global professional network.

The Master in Video Games Design and Virtual Environments, a 10-month face-to-face program, will be taught on IE University's campus in Madrid and will begin in September 2025. The program aims to consolidate the training and accelerate the professional careers of students interested in the video game industry and virtual environments, as well as those oriented toward new technologies and interactive media. The contents will cover all aspects of the process of creating immersive video games and virtual worlds, from the conception of the narrative and the development of technical and creative skills, to art direction, sound design and level design.

"The design of video games and virtual environments is one of the many expressions of human creativity, consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic, increasingly significant areas within the creative industries. As the technology advances and immersive experiences continue developing, the industry is transforming the way we interact with the digital world", said David Goodman, Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design at IE University.

"As educators of future professionals in this sector, our purpose is to train multifaceted creatives, equipped with the strategic thinking and technical skills necessary to drive innovation and lead projects that produce positive changes in society."

David Goodman, Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design at IE University

Students will be involved in practical and collaborative projects with design studios, integrating both the technical and creative aspects of video game design. In addition, they will have the opportunity to complement their academic career with specific content of the discipline through the Design Innovation Platform, where they will explore areas such as management, social impact design and sustainability, among others.