About the Course
Delve into the world of games—how they work, why people play them, and the elements that make them popular. In this course, we’ll have fun playing board games, digital games, and card games, while uncovering hidden rules and strategies and analyzing how developers create unique, compelling experiences for players of all ages. We’ll explore game development tools and focus on key elements and mechanics like time, space, balance, skill, and chance, as well as how to use time and resources to build the best possible game. If you’re a creative thinker who loves to play games, this course will help unleash your inner game designer! No coding or programming experience is required for this course.
The content in The Art of Game Design overlaps with the CTY course Game Design. Students who have already taken Game Design may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze, identify, and explain key game design elements in various games across genres and media
- Manipulate and transform existing games, modifying one or more variables to create new or targeted experiences
- Design game mechanics by creating basic game rules and systems
- Develop, design, and build simple game prototypes that implement key elements of game design
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Register by: December 15, 2025
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 7 weeks
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Register by: February 17, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid