University of the Lower Rhine seeks employment at Gamescom
University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein Debuts "Game Design" at Gamescom 2026
The University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein is set to make its debut at Gamescom, the world's largest trade fair for computer and video games, in Cologne. This year, the university will present its brand new study focus, "Game Design," at the event.
Prof. Thorsten Kraus, who teaches communication design for digital media at the university, is excited about the theme "Games that touch instead of just flash." Kraus, who has been teaching at the university for 17 years and has a background in mathematics and computer science, will be showcasing some of the student games at the event. However, he admits that he doesn't have the time to play them all.
The "Game Design" study focus will officially appear on the degree certificate starting next semester. This new focus was created due to the growing popularity of gaming, and it offers a niche for those who like to draw, deal with technologies, or come up with stories. Half of the students pursuing this focus are avid gamers in their free time.
The university's booth at Gamescom will feature a Game Lounge, complete with wooden struts and screens. This space will offer visitors the opportunity to relax and play "serious games" with a purpose. These games, created by students in the "Game Design" program, are designed to address societal, social, or ecological issues.
One student is using her game to process her own anxiety disorder, making it experiential for others. Games created by students in the program can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes.
Visitors to Gamescom can test these student games at the university's booth. However, no specific details about which games will be available for testing have been released yet.
The other fifty percent of students see "Game Design" as an opportunity for specialization. Prof. Kraus emphasizes that the job profile for game designers is great, offering a niche for those who are creative and have an interest in technology. He believes that communication designers can be creative again due to AI making the doing easier.
The initial question was whether students would be interested in the "Game Design" focus, but the first semester on probation showed overwhelming interest. The university is looking forward to showcasing the creativity and innovation of its students at Gamescom 2026.
[1] Source: University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein's official website [2] Source: Gamescom official website [3] Source: Search results for University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein and Gamescom 2026
Education-and-self-development opportunities offered by the university's "Game Design" focus provide a platform for students to explore their creativity, as evidenced by one student using her game to process her own anxiety disorder. This niche, loved by half of the students, offers a lifestyle eagerly awaited by those interested in both drawing and technology.
Meanwhile, the growing popularity of technology in entertainment has placed the "Game Design" study focus under the spotlight at Gamescom 2026, where visitors can test student-created games, all designed for the purpose of addressing societal, social, or ecological issues, exemplifying the intersection of lifestyle, technology, and entertainment.
