The relationship between industrial design and the digital gaming industry: An experience mapping study on designer's education

The digital game industry, driven by technological innovations and rapid growth in the global economy, has evolved beyond being merely a form of entertainment and has become a significant element of economic and cultural transformation. Turkey stands out as one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of investments in the digital game industry; this has led to an increase in both academic and sectoral research on the topic. However, the sustainability of this growth is challenged by the shortage of a qualified workforce. This study aims to propose improvements to industrial design education programs in order to address the need for qualified professionals in Turkey's digital game industry. Within the scope of the research, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the educational processes and sectoral roles of industrial designers in digital game development. Based on identified deficiencies, suggestions were developed to enhance educational curricula. Through in-depth interviews, the study gathered detailed insights to contribute to the effectiveness of design processes within the digital game sector. In light of the findings, potential developments and future directions were identified to support the growth of the digital game industry both academically and sectorally, and to strengthen Turkey's position in the international market. Accordingly, recommendations were made for the integration and enhancement of industrial design education in this context.