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Game design

Game designers invent rules, worlds and characters and test whether a game is fun. They work closely with programmers, artists and sound designers.

Typical tasks

  • developing game ideas and describing them in a concept
  • designing rules, levels and challenges
  • building prototypes and trying them out with test players
  • adjusting game balance so it is neither too easy nor too hard
  • agreeing with the team what is technically possible and realistic in time

Where people work

Game designers work in game studios, at companies making learning games or simulations, in agencies or in small independent teams.

A good fit if

  • you do not just play games but ask yourself why they work
  • you have lots of ideas and like inventing stories
  • you are interested in technology and programming
  • you like working in a team and accept feedback

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria the path often leads through an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in IT or media technology and then a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences) focusing on game design or game development. In Germany the equivalent is the Fachoberschule Technik and a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufsmaturität Technik and a Fachhochschule.

HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • HTL Pinkafeld
    HTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, Burgenland
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mössingerstraße
    HTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, Kärnten
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mödling
    HTL, 2340 Mödling, Niederösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Leonding
    HTL, 4060 Leonding, Oberösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Salzburg
    HTL, 5020 Salzburg, Salzburg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL BULME Graz-Gösting
    HTL, 8051 Graz, Steiermark
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Anichstraße
    HTL, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Dornbirn
    HTL, 6850 Dornbirn, Vorarlberg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to program?

Not at the start, but basic knowledge helps a lot because you can then try out ideas yourself.

How do I start?

With free game tools you can build small games. Finished projects are also valuable for applications.

Is it a secure job?

The industry is small and competitive. If you can also program or design, you have more options, including outside games.

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