Digital Game Design

EA1: Students will demonstrate their ability to design and develop original digital games by applying fundamental principles of game design (including mechanics, dynamics, user experience, and accessibility) using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
EA2: Students will effectively apply communication theories, narrative design techniques, and visual communication principles to transform games into powerful communication tools and cultural artifacts that can engage diverse global audiences.
EA3: Students will develop comprehensive technical skills in programming, game engines, and digital art production, while also developing their creative talents in visual design, sound integration, and interactive storytelling to produce immersive and cohesive gaming experiences.
EA4: Students will conduct academic research using game studies methods, analyze existing games as communication tools, evaluate market trends and player behavior, and critically examine the social, cultural, and ethical implications of game design choices.
EA5: Students will understand the game industry ecosystem, including game production processes, business models, marketing strategies, and legal issues. It also develops professional skills such as teamwork, project management, and portfolio presentation, essential for professional success.
EA6: Students demonstrate ethical design practices, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of the broader social impacts of interactive media on players and society while exploring new technologies in gaming, such as VR/AR, artificial intelligence, and mobile platforms.

The Faculty of Communication at Cyprus International University began accepting students in 1997 as three separate departments: Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, and Radio and Television. Following a one-year preparatory school, the Department of Visual Communication Design began operating in the 2006-2007 academic year. The Digital Game Design department began accepting its first students in the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Our curriculum, designed to address the rapidly changing nature of digital game design and the evolving landscape of media technologies, encompasses both courses that strengthen theoretical foundations and practical content that builds professional competence. In addition to theoretical courses such as game theory, user experience, interactive narrative, game psychology, and cultural analysis, students gain both creative and technical competencies through practical courses such as game engines, programming, audiovisual design, 2D and 3D modeling, and game development studios. By combining theory and practice, students are able to produce original digital game projects and develop analytical thinking skills and research strategies to meet industry needs. The program is structured to support students in gaining industry experience and developing professional connections. Students are expected to complete two separate 20-day internships at institutions and organizations operating in digital game design, visual media production, or interactive content development. These internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they acquire during their studies in real-world production environments, preparing them for professional life after graduation.
In addition to expert full-time academic staff in our department, part-time faculty members actively working in the industry also participate in courses, providing up-to-date sectoral knowledge. Additionally, game developers, media professionals, and renowned academics are hosted to share their knowledge and experiences with students. Students have the opportunity to conduct individual or group projects in our university's digital media labs, game design studios, and multidisciplinary creative production areas. Game projects developed as part of courses or independently are supported by academic consulting, and they are encouraged to participate in national and international competitions. This allows our students to not only gain technical skills but also to build a strong portfolio and gain a strong start in the professional world. Effective training is achieved by carefully balancing theoretical and practical training. Students will not only understand the fundamental ideas behind animation and game design but will also be able to apply this knowledge to a variety of different fields. In short, the program aims to provide students with both specialized knowledge of the tools necessary for success in interactive entertainment and a high level of technical proficiency in fundamental artistic concepts. Through internship opportunities and special projects, the program also aims to develop students' creative talents. This will help them develop their own aesthetic and achieve a high degree of personal excellence and professionalism. The department boasts state-of-the-art equipment that will enable students to create the highest quality games and animations. Additionally, students will have access to a motion capture facility for lifelike human animation. Additionally, a fully equipped green screen studio and a high-quality photography studio provide students with ample production opportunities. Students have access to the faculty's television studios, sound studios, editing suites, and video equipment. There are numerous job opportunities for Digital Game Design graduates in a variety of industries. For example, graduates will have little trouble finding work as producers, art directors, animators, character designers, interface designers, and visual effects supervisors in animation and game design companies, advertising agencies, production companies, and television networks. Students will also be able to start their own production companies and serve the global animation and game design markets thanks to the relatively low cost of entry.

In order to graduate from the undergraduate program, it is necessary to achieve success in all courses in the program curriculum with a total of 240 ECTS (122 national credits) with a minimum grade of D/S, to complete 1 summer internship within the specified time and quality, and to have a General Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00.

1) Completion of a minimum of 122 credits (240 ECTS).
2) Completion of all program courses and earning a minimum "D" or "E"/"T" grade for credit courses and an "S" or "E"/"T" grade for non-credit courses.
3) Completion of two separate 20-day summer internships at institutions and organizations producing content in the field of Digital Game Design or other platforms engaged in audiovisual content production and earning an "S" grade for the internship courses.
4) A General Academic Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 or higher out of 4.00 is required.

Admission Requirements for Turkish Republic Applicants:
Students who successfully complete the exams administered by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) of the Turkish Council of Higher Education and are eligible to enroll in our university based on their preferences can complete their registration procedures at Registration and Liaison Offices located throughout Turkey or at the Student Affairs Directorate (ÖİM) in the TRNC, providing the required documents. Prospective students of Turkish Republic nationality who have graduated from high schools or equivalent institutions can enroll in the associate and undergraduate programs they have chosen using their Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) scores.

Admission Requirements for TRNC Applicants:
Prospective students who are TRNC citizens and Turkish citizens who have completed their entire high school education in the TRNC are placed in undergraduate programs based on their success in the CIU Student Placement and Scholarship Ranking Exam and their preferred programs.

Admission Requirements for International Applicants:
Applications to our undergraduate programs can be submitted online directly through the application portal. The required documents for admission are as follows:
A completed application form
Higher/Secondary Certificate or equivalent (e.g., O/A'Level, WAEC/NECO)
Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL (65 IBT) or IELTS (5.5). Students who do not have these documents will take the CIU English proficiency test upon arrival on campus
Scanned copy of international passport/birth certificate
Fully completed and signed CIU Rules and Regulations document (available for download during the online application).

Digital Game Design meets a significant need today, driven by the rapid growth of the game industry, the development of digital media and interactive content, and the increasing need for qualified professionals in creative industries. Our department aims to cultivate creative, ethical, and technically well-equipped individuals for the future of our country and the world in the fields of digital games and interactive media.
Graduates of the Digital Game Design Department have the opportunity to pursue careers in a wide range of areas of the game and media industry thanks to the interdisciplinary intellectual skills, creative design approach, and mastery of next-generation digital technologies. Additionally, students who wish to pursue an academic career can specialize in game studies and digital culture. Through collaborations established between our department and game studios, digital media agencies, animation companies, and software companies, our students have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience throughout their education. Our graduates, with the technical knowledge, creative thinking, and project development skills they acquire, have career opportunities in the following fields:
• Game Design and Development
• Game Programming
• 2D and 3D Character and Environment Modeling
• Animation and Motion Graphic Design
• UX/UI (User Experience and Interface) Design
• Interactive Media Design
• Digital Storytelling and Narrative Design
• Sound Design and Game Music
• AR/VR (Augmented and Virtual Reality) Applications
• Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Game Systems
• Post-production and Game Video Production
• Game Publishing and Marketing
• Creative Direction and Game Project Management
• Educational Games and Simulation Development
The Digital Game Design Department provides a well-equipped education tailored to the needs of the times for students who are interested in the creative and technological aspects of the game world, want to design their own game worlds, are prone to both individual and teamwork, and are innovative thinkers.

The measurement and evaluation methods applied for each course are defined in the "Course Curriculum," prepared by the relevant faculty member(s) and included in the information package. Regarding exams and course success grades, the relevant articles of the Cyprus International University Associate and Undergraduate Education, Instruction, and Examination Regulations apply (https://sis.ciu.edu.tr/regulations-and-forms/regulations/211?ZhKoCbpKgH6FNZQJJA3CxT2giXRZNt2aJoWO).

The Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) Taxonomy is a widely used framework for systematically classifying the increasing complexity of students' understanding of a topic. This taxonomy serves as a tool to help educators assess cognitive development, design effective learning activities, and create assessment processes aligned with increasing levels of comprehension and critical thinking.

TYYÇ1: Possess advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks containing up-to-date information in the field, practical tools, and other resources.
TYYÇ2: Ability to use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field.
TYYÇ3: Ability to interpret and evaluate data, identify and analyze problems, and develop research- and evidence-based solutions using advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field.
TYYÇ4: Ability to independently conduct advanced research related to the field.
TYYÇ5: Ability to take responsibility, both individually and as a team member, for solving unforeseen and complex problems encountered in field-related practices.
TYYÇ6: Ability to plan and manage activities for the development of those under one's responsibility within the framework of a project.
TYYÇ7: Ability to critically evaluate advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field.
TYYÇ8: Ability to identify learning needs and guide their learning.
TYYÇ9: Develop a positive attitude towards lifelong learning. TYYÇ10: Be able to inform relevant individuals and institutions on matters related to the field; convey their thoughts and proposed solutions to problems both verbally and in writing.
TYYÇ11: Be able to share their thoughts and proposed solutions to problems on matters related to the field with both experts and non-experts, supported by quantitative and qualitative data.
TYYÇ12: Be able to organize and implement projects and activities for the social environment with a sense of social responsibility.
TYYÇ13: Be able to use a foreign language at least at the B1 General Level of the European Language Portfolio to keep up with information and communicate with colleagues.
TYYÇ14: Be able to use computer software and information and communication technologies at least at the Advanced Level of the European Computer Driving License required in the field.
TYYÇ15: Act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural, and ethical values in the collection, interpretation, application, and dissemination of data related to the field.
TYYÇ16: Having sufficient awareness on the universality of social rights, social justice, quality culture and protection of cultural values, environmental protection, occupational health and safety.

T1. Has knowledge of art culture and aesthetics.
T2. Has knowledge of art history specific to the relevant art field.
T3. Has knowledge of art and design materials.
T4. Has knowledge of art and design methods and techniques.
T5. Has knowledge of legal regulations and procedures in the relevant art field.
T6. Has knowledge of the interdisciplinary interactions related to the relevant art field.
T7. Has knowledge of research methods.
T8. Has knowledge of artistic criticism methods.
T9. Has knowledge of the ethics of art and science.
A1. Ensures the integrity of theory and practice.
A2. Uses methods and techniques related to the relevant art field.
A3. Evaluates the interaction of subdisciplines within the relevant art field.
A4. Has analysis-based interpretation skills.
A5. Develops the ability to perceive, think, design, and implement multidimensionally.
A.6 Concretizes sensory perception.
R1. Works harmoniously and productively alone, independently, and/or in groups.
R2. Actively participates in project processes.
R3. Shares original works related to their field with the public and evaluates their results.
L1. Questions their own work.
L2. Thinks analytically and critically.
L3. Embraces the concept of lifelong learning.
C1. Identifies their target audience and shares work related to their field.
C2. Possesses communication skills to explain their work to the public.
C3. Conveys subjects related to their field effectively and accurately to experts and non-experts using visual, written, and oral communication methods.
C4. Follows information in their field using a foreign language and communicates with colleagues (General Level of the European Language Portfolio: Level B1).
C5. Uses computer software and information and communication technologies at least at the Advanced Level of the European Computer Driving Licence required by their field.
P1. Is aware of national and international values in art and design.
P2. Understands abstract and concrete concepts; can transform creative thinking into innovative and original works.
P3. Possesses the sensitivity to successfully conduct business in their field.
P4. Possesses aesthetic awareness.

Programme Specific TYYÇ and Programme Outcomes can be found in the attached document.