Experimental Game Cultures

Head: Univ.-Prof. Mag. art. Dr.phil Margarete Jahrmann


Contacts:
Margarete Jahrmann: +43-1-71133-2930
Secretariat: +43-1-71133-2931

The master's degree program in Experimental Game Cultures is dedicated to an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented examination of the pressing issues of our time. 

The focus of the department is on developing the principles of free, experimental and artistic game design, on art and play and the design of game mechanics that have an impact on social contexts. 

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!"

Application 2027
Applications are submitted online from 7 to 21 January 2027. 
Alongside a portfolio, you develop a project draft on one of the following focus areas:

  • political games
  • games and nature
  • low resource games
  • experimental ludic interfaces
  • role play / real world games
  • dark patterns of game design
  • physical game mechanics
  • non-human play
  • hybrid games



Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview. All requirements and dates at a glance: 
Application Info 2027 (PDF) 

 




 

 

Contact

Location
1st floor
Georg‐Coch‐Platz 2
A-1010 Wien
Master of Arts (MA)
Duration: 4 semesters (120 ECTS)
Language: English and German
Curriculum (Pdf download)
 
Next application period:
7–21 January 2027, 1 pm (CET) via application.uni-ak.ac.at
Dates

Open House
10 November 2026, 10 am–6 pm

'Angewandte Abschluss Arbeiten
AAA Winter semester: 22–23 January 2027

Angewandte Festival
30 June – 3 July 2027