Computer Games
Games are becoming more and more versatile. They allow us to live through virtual situations, try out strategies, develop new ideas and react either with or against each other. In the process, the exchange of ideas by means of a computer and new ways of getting together are meanwhile just as important as the game itself. Games don't only serve as a pastime. They help in the learning of social or professional skills, the testing of new technologies and in the conquering of cultural barriers.
Games, Games Engineering and Informatics
The breathtaking development of games is based on the fast-paced progress of informatics and of modern computer technology. Grafic and sound win when speaking of true reality. The complexity of simulated worlds and recounting of stories is increasing. New sensor technology enables totally new ways of interaction. Furthermore, games will not only be played alone at home in front of a screen. With a mobile phone we could take part in online games everywhere. An excellent knowledge of informatics is therefore necessary in order to understand these technologies and know how to handle them. Games engineers don't only have an eye for the technology but also for the people who use it.
The Bachelor course of study "Informatics: Games Engineering"
In the study program, knowledge will be communicted in computer graphics, simulation, articficial intelligence, interaction, game engine design and mobile internet-based social games. Practices in user-centered game development will be excercised. This semester, students will take part in a games practical internship or in a project. The plan is to make these students come into close contact with companies and with internationally renowned research laboratories of the TUM Informatics. Additionally, a wide range of elective courses and interdisciplinary basic principles are available that could ideally be combined with a study semester abroad. Besides the games-oriented courses, a wide and intensive basic education in informatics is given.
Our Motto: Creativity via Heterogeneity
Games are played by people of all age groups, of all genders and of diverse cultural backgrounds. In this course of study, we would like to bring together a heterogeneous group of students who could exchange their different points of view and experiences about these aspects and produce creative potential through this process.
Application Requirements
We are looking for young, motivated individuals who also sometimes like to take a little longer to occupy themselves with logical puzzles. One must not have previous knowledge in informatics but must possess the ability to recognize problems, to understand them and to strive for efficient solutions. A certain affinity to mathematics should also be existent as well as an interest in the natural sciences and good German and English language skills.
Games Engineering demands, above all, creativity and fantasy, interest in design questions and user centered approaches. This interest is accompanied by individual aptitudes in the areas of communication, cooperation and the ability to work in a team.
Future Outlooks
The games industry is booming. Every development company is governed by the tremendous need for skilled employees in the field of "Informatics: Games Engineering". Under the buzzword "Serious Games" games concepts are additionally expanding into branches of industry such as the automobile, aircraft and plant engineeing and construction, medicine, banks and management. This proximity to industry will be maintained within the course of the study program via company participation in projects and Bachelor theses. Bachelor alumni could subsequently change the Master course of study in "Informatics" or various other Master offers in the Department of Informatics at the TU München.
