About the Course

Game Design

  • Grades 7-10
  • CTY-Level
  • LIVE

What counts as a game? What are games made of? How are successful games designed and built? Read theory that orients you to how games work, why people play them, and what makes a good game. Play different kinds of games—card games, board games, pen-and-paper games, and video games—and analyze how developers use theoretical knowledge to create unique, compelling experiences.

You also learn the process of design—not just how to put together a successful game, but how to develop plans that efficiently use time and resources to result in the best possible game.

Finally, explore the basics of how to use digital tools and engines to develop games for various platforms.

Activities and projects include prototyping, writing branching game narratives, and rebalancing Monopoly.

No coding or programming experience is required for this course.

Fall, Winter, and Spring Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week (1 hour class time, 3-4 hours independent work).
Summer Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (3 hours class time, 9-12 hours independent work).

Important Dates
Apply by August 30 to start:

Apply by August 30 to start:

Classes

Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

Wednesdays
-
9 weeks
7:00 p.m. (ET)
$1,300
Enroll
Wednesdays
-
9 weeks
5:00 p.m. (ET)
$1,300
Enroll

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level or CTY-Level
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid is available

We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Learn More

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact ctyinfo@jhu.edu.
 

  • Monopoly, a standard edition
  • Risk, a standard edition
  • Playing cards, a standard deck
  • Writing/drawing materials
  • SpaceTeam, free mobile game

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

About Mathematics at CTY

Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through college-level curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, cryptology, and AP Calculus and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your honors and AP (and beyond) academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.

New math enrichment courses available!

Explore our new math enrichment courses, including Excursions in Pre-algebra, Mathematical Modeling, and Introduction to Logic and Proofs.

Join the exciting world of competitive math

Participate in the High School Math Club or enroll in 6 IP courses: Middle School Competitive Math I, Middle School Competitive Math II, Middle School Competitive Math III, Competitive Mathematics Prep, Competitive Mathematics I, Competitive Mathematics II.

Meet our Mathematics Instructors