B.A. Animation and Game
Your future in the animation and games industry starts here!
Is it your dream to work in the animation or games industry? Come and study at our University!
„Animation & Game" is not just a study programme, it is a way of living.
It was created in 2008 and is regarded taday as one of the largest and best in this field. The program takes up a key position in the animation and games industry, providing both the German and international games- and animation-industries with competent employees and researchers.
The course provides an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts program with a strong practical focus. The study program is held in English and allows students to qualify for a large variety of professions in the international animation and game industries.
Are you aiming to become a professional game developer, animator or technical artist and work in an international studio? Do you want to learn from professors who were and also still are part of the industry themselves and also from many outstanding personalities from major studios who support us as lecturers? Do you want to have great events and campus life in addition to studying? (learn more…)
Whether you want to be the best gameplay programmer, an award-winning character artist, or a designer who creates Triple-A titles, it all starts here! To make your dream come true, you choose one of two study tracks: Technology or Art & Design. Our alumni work all over the world for big names, such as Nintendo, Ubisoft or Disney.
So join the Animation and Game Department at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences!
Find out more how to apply!
HDA Students Win German Computer Game Award 2025
Award-Winning Games Start Here!
Students from our degree program have once again proven that practice-oriented learning works: Their game “Blob the Klex” has won the German Computer Game Award 2025 in the Best Prototype category! They came out on top against 70 other submissions from other universities as the best student project.
And we have also been nominated again for the DCP 2026 with the game “Under Pressure”
The award highlights what makes our program special – real projects, real teams, real impact. From the very beginning, students create games that don’t just stay in the classroom, but make waves in the industry.
Want to create award-winning games yourself?
Then check out our Bachelor program in Animation and Game – where art, design, storytelling, and game technology come together. Your own game could be next!
Read more about the award: https://deutscher-computerspielpreis.de/chronik/blob-the-klex/
Why study Animation & Game at h_da?
- Project-driven education and real-life projects
- Lecturers from the international industry
- Excellent equipment, Dev-Kits and a modern GameLab
- Small-scale classes and fully English-taught degree programme
- Generalistic course of study that covers the entire spectrum, but also allows for specialization
- Own project rooms for students
- Numerous VR Spaces of different sizes and equipment are available to the project groups.
- A professional team supports the learners during production using special feedback formats.
- We regularly exhibit student works to the public and the industry
- A LOT of events and non-curiculum activities such as board game nights, detective games, tournaments, game jams, industry veteran talks, parties, exhibitions and more…! Have a look at our Events page: Recurring events
Our strong industry network
Some of our industry partners from whom we have lecturers, a research collaboration or where our graduates work:
The Technology Specialization
This specialization delves into the technical development and production of animations and games, combining solid theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience. It prepares students for key technical roles by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced animation and gaming industries. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the specialized curriculum responds to the growing demand for technically proficient specialists, ensuring graduates are ready to meet current and future challenges in the field.
Key Learning Areas:
- Game System Design & Software Architecture
- Programming Languages & Graphic Technologies
- Technical Art & Procedural Content Creation
- Generative AI & Creative Tools
- Backend Technologies (Networks, Databases, Client/Server)
Details
The „Technology Specialization“ course delves into the foundational aspects of digital technology, focusing on technical principles. As an integral component of applied computer science, it imparts theoretical knowledge while placing a strong emphasis on practical application.
- Game Programming
- Game Design
- Basic Technology
- Technical Art
- Game Engines
- Graphics Programming
- Generative and Behaviour AI
- Shader Development
- Procedural Content Creation
- Animation or Game Semester Project
As the Entertainment industry is becoming increasingly diverse, and with new technologies come new fields of work. Our program opens the door to many professional fields. Our students don’t just benefit from great career prospects as developers or tech artists in the gaming industry; graduates from this specialization may also embark on a career as gameplay, engine, graphics or AI programmers.
Tech Artist:
They act as a bridge between the artists and the programmers. Technical artists (TAs) make the work of the artists easier. They develop new tools and integrating technology into the game engine, so they work as well as possible for the people making the art. If an artist wants to create something complex, TAs will say if it’s possible from a technical point of view and think of the best way of doing it. In some studios, where the animation team needs some complex rigging, they may call on the TAs to do it.
Programming:
- Gameplay Programmer
- Graphics Programmer
- Engine Programmer
- Network Programmer
Development:
- Game Designer / Game System Designer
- Level Designer
- Technical Producer
- Lead Programmer / Development Director
Is the technology specialization only for game programmers ?
No, of course not. Even if programming is a big part of it, it’s also about creating art with the help of code, tools like Houdini or of course new creative systems in VR or with your cell phone. Many special effects are created by „tech artists“ and tech specialists are also very much needed in the field of animation.
Which game engines engines, programming languages and software do you use?
We use all kinds of things. We primarily teach with Unity C#, but Unreal, C++ and even DirectX and shader programming have a big part in the technology area. As art tools we also use Blender, Maya, Houdini and of course Photoshop.
Art & Design Specialization
The Art & Design specialization centers on the creative development and technology-based realization of animations and games. It offers an integrated approach to design theory, artistic expression, and digital production, equipping students with the creative and technical expertise essential for shaping innovative content. Students cultivate skills across animation, game design, visual and narrative design, prototyping, digital art - combining conceptual thinking with hands-on practice using industry-standard tools and workflows.
The curriculum emphasizes creative versatility, critical inquiry, and a deep engagement with the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of animation and games. Graduates are prepared for diverse creative roles in the global animation and gaming industries, including digital artist, game designer, animation artist, narrative designer, and creative producer.
Key Learning Areas:
- Animation
- Game design
- Narrative design
- Visual development and art direction
- 3-d asset creation
- Technical art
- Creative producing
Details
The “Art % Design” specialization is centered around the creative development and technology-based artistic realization of original and innovative animation and game experiences. The curriculum combines design theories, creative strategies and artistic practices in the field of animation and games with relevant digital production methods. Students acquire competencies in key areas such as:
- Animation (3-d character and creature animation, motion capturing, 2-d animation)
- Game design and game level design
- Narrative design and world building
- Cinematography for animations and games
- Character and creature design, 3-D character and creature creation
- 3-d Environment design and 3-d asset creation
- Technical art
- Procedural generation and visual effects
- Visual development and art direction
- Lighting and look development
- Design theory
- Creative producing and production management
- Research and development methodology
The „Art & Design” specialization qualifies for creative careers in the international animation and game industry. Our graduates work in diverse professional roles such as:
- animator
- game designer
- level designer
- character artist
- environment artist
- technical artist
- visual effects artist
- concept artist
- narrative designer
- creative producer