Call for applications: MA in Experimental Game Cultures

We aim to introduce game changer games! The newly established master program Experimental Game Cultures puts a focus on emerging forms of societal impact through play. The study program aims at a critical reflection of the social impact of games while simultaneously applying it to the prototypical development of innovative game concepts and approaches. The central aspect of the study program is therefore the interweaving of the development of innovative game concepts with a critical examination of games in their various historical, societal and social contexts. Artistic re­search areas of the program include the use of games and play as an instrument for a better understanding of social, economic, and political contexts and for the democratic shaping of their future.

The head of the department Margarete Jahrmann states: “For me, artistic play is the experimental testing and subjective experience of alternative possibilities of the world and agency. Play as a participatory process can show us ways to positive change, new forms of future society, politics, and empathic coexistence. Through the conscious breaking of rules, the transformation of rule systems, the acceptance of ambiguity as a quality in play, a new un­derstanding for the global challenges of our time can emerge. Our way there is the game!“

About the application process
Applicants submit the following documents as PDF files (Last name_first name_EGC_MA) to the Online-Tool for digital submission: Please upload your proposal for your MA project, examples of artworks (games, images, texts and/or playthrough videos), CV and Portfolio with publication list. If you want to send art game pieces or game prototypes in digital form (e.g. builds or apps) please provide a download link or send via usual transfer tools to: egc [​at​] uni-ak.ac.at.

If you have passed part one of the admission examination, you will be invited to a personal interview with the admission examination board. Interviews will be held between February 21–23, 2022 via Zoom. Results will be announced until March 4, 2022. Studies start in October 2022. Application period for the winter term: January 12–28, 2022 online.

Find more information about the Master Programme on the Experimental Game Cultures department’s website. Please contact Experimental Game Cultures office for additional information about our program & admission: egc [​at​] uni-ak.ac.at / T +43 1 71133 2930.