This two-year MA programme integrates three crucial game development disciplines: Game Design, Game Production and Game Art/Animation. Students will undertake core modules in all areas and then go on to specialise in one. You will learn all you need to know about game design and development, from both creative and commercial standpoints. Core topics include game theory, game mechanics, genre studies and gameplay formulation, as well as the essentials of concept design, presentation and pitching, game pre-production and prototyping. The Design strand further develops topics such as interactive storytelling, scenario scripting, non-linear story generation, and game world specification. All aspects of game asset development will be covered in the art and animation strands, including non-linear and behavioural animation, interactive objects and entities, environment design and of course in depth training in 3D modelling and animation. We’ll also be covering essential business know-how such as market research, the development lifecycle, testing and quality assurance, product promotion and marketing; important ancilliary subjects such as sound and music for games, and involve all students in a programming and technology primer in order for you to gain a working knowledge of the technical underbelly of contemporary computer games development

The course takes a sophisticated approach to game narrative and draws on lessons from other creative industries, particularly film and television. With a strong focus on originality, creativity, artistry and technical excellence, you’ll be encouraged to develop new ideas, new genres and new forms of game experience. You’ll move from practical projects in concept design, development, pitching and production to full-scale design and production of playable prototypes. Graduation project teams will be provided with a budget to buy in specialist programming expertise should they choose to do so. The NFTS also facilitates external collaborations with both industry partners and with partner institutions with computer science specialisms, such as Imperial College London.

You’ll graduate with an advanced portfolio, an informed view of the games industry, and the creativity, technical skills and expertise not only to contribute to the games industry today, but also the vision to help shape its future.