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MetStudios Berlin: Harnessing Innovation with Cutting-Edge Facilities

By Dr Enrique Perez, Head of School at MetStudios Berlin

11 October 2024

As the video games industry continues to evolve at an incredible pace, it is essential for aspiring game developers to have access to the latest technology and a learning environment that mirrors the professional world. At MetStudios Berlin, we have crafted a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide our students with the tools, skills, and collaborative experiences they need to succeed in this fast-moving field. From high-performance gaming PCs to hands-on prototyping spaces, our goal is to ensure that students not only learn but thrive in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Join Head of School at MetStudios Berlin, Dr Enrique Perez, as they talk through the cutting-edge resources we offer at MetStudios Berlin and explains how these resources will shape the next generation of game developers, artists, and coders.

High-Spec Gaming PCs and Nvidia RTX 4070Ti Graphics Cards

Students at MetStudios Berlin have access to the latest high-performance gaming computers equipped with Nvidia RTX 4070Ti graphics cards. This ensures they can run game engines and visualise their work in real-time at the highest resolutions without any lag. So no need to lower their settings to avoid stuttering; they will be able to experience their games’ visuals at the highest possible quality.

The advanced hardware allows students to develop, debug, visualise, and deploy their games with ease. Whether they are running intensive applications or playing PC games, the experience will be smooth and uninterrupted, providing an ideal platform for learning and experimentation.

XP-Pen Artist 22″ Graphic Tablets: Precision and Speed

An essential tool in the aspiring game designer’s toolkit is the XP-Pen Artist 22″ graphic tablet. These tablets integrate seamlessly with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and ZBrush. Students can directly draw and paint on the tablet, which significantly speeds up the creative process.

The tactile nature of these tablets allows for more control and precision in artwork, giving students the ability to create detailed 2D visuals, designs, and models. This hands-on approach enhances workflow efficiency, making it easier to edit and deploy detailed, precise work quickly and with a greater degree of creative control.

Console Gaming: PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

The console gaming facilities at our Berlin campus include both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch systems, which are crucial pedagogical tools. While the consoles are retail versions and not yet hacked for testing student-produced games, emulators are available for testing on different platforms. This ensures that students can develop their games with the specific requirements of various systems in mind.

Unreal Engine 5 and Unity: Industry Standards for Game Development

Both Unreal Engine 5 and Unity are key components of the curriculum at MetStudios Berlin. These engines are the industry standard, and students will use them extensively throughout their courses, and in their subsequent careers. Some projects run more efficiently on one engine than the other – for instance, 2D game projects are better suited to Unity, while Unreal excels in 3D projects where visual impact is a priority.

Through hands-on experience with both engines, students will learn to work with documentation and develop the skills necessary to become proficient across different platforms. As they progress in their studies, they’ll be able to choose which engine to specialise in based on their career goals and personal interests.

Mastering Side FX Houdini and Autodesk Maya

Side FX Houdini and Autodesk Maya are two of the most powerful tools for creating 3D content, and students at MetStudios Berlin will become proficient in both. They will learn to develop 3D models and props, rig and texture them, and create immersive 3D scenes. Lighting, shading, and particle effects such as fire, smoke, and blips will all be part of the skill set students acquire.

These tools are complex, but with dedicated modules and workshops, students will be equipped to use them effectively in their projects, enabling them to create the visual quality expected in modern game design.

Coding and Scripting with Visual Studio

From the very first semester, Game Design and Technology students will dive into the foundations of game programming using Visual Studio. As they progress, they’ll tackle more advanced modules and projects that demand a higher level of coding skill.

A key focus of the curriculum is teaching students how to work with documentation. They will learn how to read, tweak, and implement it effectively, ensuring they can adapt to different tools and technologies throughout their careers. This flexibility is essential in an industry where software and tools evolve rapidly.

Game Studio Environment and Prototyping

Our aim is to create an environment at MetStudios Berlin that feels as close as possible to a professional game studio. Students have access to a fully-equipped gaming PC lab, as well as an art and design workshop that encourages brainstorming and physical prototyping. With materials like cardboard, tape, and cutting tools, students can build and iterate on their ideas before moving into digital production.

The facilities are open from 9am to 10pm on weekdays and from 9am to 7pm on weekends, giving students plenty of time to work on their projects outside of the structured timetable.

Expanding Horizons with Additional Tools

In addition to the core software and hardware, we also provide access to other tools popular in the game development community, such as Twine for narrative design, Godot Engine, and Game Maker. Students are encouraged to explore platforms like Roblox, both as a user and to experiment with design, and participate in hackathons with partners like Captic, who specialise in metaverse room creation.

We also collaborate with Wurth Electronics to offer components and microprocessors for the creation of playful installations, further expanding the scope of our students’ projects.

Keeping Technology Up to Date

We are committed to ensuring that our students always have access to the latest hardware and software. Through close collaboration with the IT department, we regularly update our equipment and software subscriptions to guarantee that students work with the most up-to-date tools available in the industry.

Preparing Students for Multidisciplinary and International Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of the MetStudios experience. Students are constantly interacting with peers from music, film, and other game development programmes across BIMM University Berlin faculties. This provides both a multidisciplinary and international learning environment, preparing them for the collaborative nature of the video game industry.

The Indie Game Scene in Berlin

Berlin has a vibrant indie game scene, and our students will be fully immersed in this dynamic environment. The city is home to events like A MAZE, Games Ground Berlin, and Talk & Play, where independent developers, hackers, artists, and curators come together to push the boundaries of game design.

While students will have the opportunity to pursue careers at AAA companies, Berlin is particularly suited to those interested in indie development, founding their own studios, or joining game collectives.

Level Up

Our commitment is to provide students with a world-class learning environment equipped with the latest technology and industry-standard tools. Whether through access to powerful gaming PCs, cutting-edge software, or immersive prototyping workshops, our facilities are designed to replicate real-world studio environments. We believe that by fostering creativity, collaboration, and technical mastery, our students will leave with the skills and confidence to make their mark on the video game industry, whether in indie development or at AAA studios.

The unique culture and resources available at MetStudios Berlin offer an unmatched opportunity for students to thrive, both locally and globally, in the ever-evolving world of game design and development.