Master’s Degree Programme in Game Studies at Tampere University

I chose to do game studies because in my background, - I've done game design and I teach game culture. I really wanted to explore how humans connect with technology, - specifically with games. This programme does exactly that. The focus is on multidisciplinary techniques - and a blending of different kinds of ideas. That's what I wanted to study. I'm an experimental game designer. I was interested in studying games and play from a very broad perspective. This is the only programme that I was int

erested in - in terms of the Tampere University and the entire world. It's the only programme that is specifically a game studies programme in the entire world. I want to understand and be an expert in human play, which is its focus. It will give you the academic skills needed to analyze, - observe and understand the developments in this field, - while also encouraging a more pragmatic involvement - and hands-on attitude with games and playful design. Many of the courses are problem and project-

based, - including collaborations with our research projects and third parties, - like local companies. Olli Sotamaa basically brought in every researcher, - or a number of different researchers to class to talk about how they approach games. Just hearing about different perspectives was really interesting. It gave me insight on a number of different ways to think about games. The best part of this programme is the community - that is built around game studies here in Tampere. It's amazing. The

events and the community togetherness - that you get from being part of the programme is unbelievable. The need for games-related expertise - is increasingly prevalent in our contemporary society, - both in private and public sectors. Some of the people who have graduated from the programme - now work in different positions in game companies - and in other media, cultural and software industries. The city is maybe the best part. Tampere is incredibly approachable and very fun. It has huge number

s of things, and it is walkable. I love the city of Tampere. I hate cities a lot, and I love everything about it. It's got nature mixed in with everything you would expect in a city. If you believe that games can change the world, - this programme provides a perfect platform for cultivating your ideas - and finding practical methods for becoming a genuine game expert.