Lars Kristensen
School of Informatics
Course is co-funded by the European Union
In collaboration with several other universities, the University of Skövde has established this new short programme in Rapid Prototyping for Experimental Game Design.
After the course, you will be able to evaluate the design of game design through prototype development, communicate and visualize concepts based on finished game ideas in the form of a prototype. The prototype is developed in a group, with fixed time frames and with evaluation by individuals from the games industry.
This course is ideal for graduate or post-graduate exchange students eager to advance their skills in game design, awarding 3 ECTS credits. This BIP promises to be a unique educational experience for an international group of students.
It begins in early March 2025 and offers 30 spots. Priority will be given to applicants from the following universities, which have been instrumental in the establishment of the programme:
- University of Applied Science, Oulu, Finland
- Cologne Game Lab, TH Köln, Germany
- Digital Narratives, ifs Internationale Filmschule, Köln, Germany
- Robert Elvotri Economics and Technology Institute, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
- SDU Metaverse Lab, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Service Design, University of Kristiania, Norway
- PlayLab, University of Skövde
Programme Structure
There are two preparing workshops and lectures online in prior to travelling to Sweden. You will have one week of intensive studies at the University of Skövde and one debriefing online workshop after returning back home.
- 3 March 2025: Lecture plus online teamwork
- 10 March 2025: Lecture plus online teamwork
- 17–21 March 2025: Game jam at the University of Skövde, Sweden
- 26 March 2025: Online debriefing
Course Aim and Content
The course aims are to develop students' theoretical and practical knowledge in building stories for interactive media and games in the relationship to sustainability, inclusion and intersectionality.
Rapid Prototyping for Experimental Game Design is viewed from a critical perspective where power and hierarchical structures are deconstructed and re-organised in an inclusive design process – formed through intercultural collaboration in form of rapid prototype development. The course objectives are achieved through a student group work assignment and an active participation on online seminars.
The group assignment is formed as a game jam with a fixed time frame where the students make prototypes that are evaluated by a public performance and peer-to-peer user-testing. The course foundation is based on literature and research of critical game design and inclusion.
At the final seminar, the students present their assignments and review other students' prototypes. Representatives from the games industry will be invited to partake in the evaluation of the prototypes.
Objectives and Goals
After completed course the student should be able to:
- describe, compare, and contrast central concepts, models, and processes in interactive dramaturgies and game design, as well as the relationship to sustainability, inclusion and cultural intersectionality
- analyse central concepts, models, and processes used in experimental game design
- apply relevant concepts, models, and processes in collaborative prototype, and reflect upon the significance of in experimental game design in relation to sustainable and inclusive development
Course Start
The course will start on 3 March 2025 and the schedule will be published shortly.
Prerequisites
Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor's programme (with at least 60 credits completed) in one of the following subjects: Media, Design, Performing Arts, Game Development, Game Engineering or Computer Science.
English language proficiency CEFR B2.
Application
You apply for this BIP through your home institution. Each institution sends a list of nominated students to, lars.kristensen@his.se including the students' names and email addresses.
Thereafter, The University of Skövde will provide all nominated students with information on how and when to apply via universityadmissions.se. You will receive your admission letter within 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.
Travel and accommodation information
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The best way to get to Skövde is to fly to Stockholm or Gothenburg and take the train from there to Skövde. For more information about timetables and ticket reservations, please contact SJ (Swedish Rail), VR or the regional transportation company Västtrafik.
- SJ: +46 (0)771-75 75 75, sj.se/en
- Västtrafik: +46 (0)771-41 43 00, vasttrafik.se/en
- VR: +46 (0)8-580 971 66, vrresa.se/en
From Stockholm to Skövde
It takes two hours by high-speed train or three and a half hours by intercity train to get from Stockholm to Skövde. If you arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and intend to travel by train to Skövde, you will need to get from the airport to Stockholm Central Station. There are express trains (Arlanda Express) and bus services from the airport to Stockholm Central Station.
From Gothenburg to Skövde
It takes one hour by high speed train or one and a half hours by intercity or regional train to get from Gothenburg to Skövde. If you arrive at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, there are buses to Gothenburg Central Station.
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Housing
As a student, it's your responsibility to arrange housing during the week in Skövde, and it's on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Here are some options not far from the University.
Skövde vandrarhem – hostel
- Single room 525 SEK/night
- Double room 695 SEK/night (Needs to be booked for two guests for this price.)
- Linen/towels 95 SEK/set
- Cleaning: 200 SEK (Guests may clean the room before leaving)
- Kitchen: Available
- Location: Five-minute walk from the University of Skövde
Contact and information on terms and booking:
skovdevandrarhem.se
Address: Kaplansgatan 10, 549 34 SkövdeKapellvägen – Furnished rooms
4 single rooms and 1 double room bookable.
- 5 nights 1200 SEK/room
- 6 nights 1325 SEK/room
- 7 nights 1450 SEK/room
- Linen/towels included. Kitchen available.
- Location: 20-minute walk from the University of Skövde
Contact and information on terms and booking:
Email: nystedt.maria@outlook.com
Phone: 0046-706 242672
WhatsApp: Maria Nystedt
Address: Kapellvägen, 549 47 SkövdeVästerhöjdsgården B&B
- Single room 745 SEK/night
- Double room 1050 SEK/room/night
- Single, shared bathroom 645 SEK/room/night (2 bookable)
- Double, shared bathroom 945 SEK/room/night (2 bookable)
- Breakfast is included in the price
- Location: 10-minute walk from the University of Skövde
Contact and information on terms and booking:
info@vasterhojdsgarden.se
booking@vasterhojdsgarden.se
Phone: 0046-761281959
Address: Wennerbergs gata 9, 541 50 Skövde