HSE CREATIVE OPEN: A Global Student Competition by HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL
The competition aims to bring together original ideas and standout projects across design, contemporary art, and fashion, while highlighting career opportunities in the creative industry.
Students from any university, anywhere in the world, are welcome to participate.
The Four Horseshoes League by Sofia Ponomareva, Ekaterina Zaitseva
About the nomination
The competition evaluates the visual design of a board game using a provided template for the game board and rules. Participants are tasked with creating a comprehensive visual solution covering every aspect of the game: from the board design, considering functional zones and gameplay mechanics, to cards, tokens, and other game elements.
A key part of the project is producing illustrations for characters, items, and locations as required by the concept, as well as designing the game packaging and cover. All elements, including the layout of the rules, must come together to form a stylistically cohesive whole.
Submission requirements
In evaluating submissions, the jury will focus on the artistic integrity and stylistic unity of all game components, as well as the functionality of the design and its clarity in conveying game information. Originality in the visual concept and a creative approach to the task are highly valued. Designs must align with the target audience and game theme, while maintaining technical quality suitable for production.
Participants should demonstrate not only artistic skill but also a strong understanding of board game design, where visuals enhance the gaming experience, clarify mechanics, and make gameplay intuitive and engaging.
Competition timeline
October 31 — Project submissions open
April 15 — Final deadline
Prizes
1st Place: 50,000 RUB 2nd Place: 30,000 RUB 3rd Place: 20,000 RUB
Interested in participating? We’ve prepared two guides—a text guide and a video guide—showing how to sign up, create a project, and submit it to a competition.
References
Kostiki by Anna Mozaykova, Anastasia Monaco
Educational tracks
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL offers programs in Game Design, Game Graphics, and Concept Art, providing opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education.
With a project-based learning approach, professional portfolio development, experienced instructors, and direct exposure to the creative industries, our graduates go on to become internationally recognized professionals in design, fashion, contemporary art, photography, theater, programming, game design, media, advertising, film, animation, sound art, and visual effects.
Contact us
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL Moscow, Malaya Pionerskaya st., 12 creativeopen@hsedesign.ru