Online Programs

What we'll do

We’ll extend our knowledge and understanding of the process, features, and mechanics of game design. The course consists of nine units; each includes a synchronous group meeting held on Zoom, and asynchronous activities such as assigned readings, assignments, quizzes, and projects.

What we’ll learn

• The behind-the-scenes or under-the-hood elements of game design that inform the structure and content of games they enjoy—whether board games, video games, or sports
• How to critically analyze the games you watch or play, recognizing how its designers have or have not utilized key elements such as time, space, balance, iterative design, skill, and chance
• Pick apart the features of a game to understand how and why it was designed that way, have informed discussions about game design, and creatively put game design principles into practice

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Recognize elements of game design across genres and media including examples of design features in your favorite games
• Manipulate and transform existing games, modifying one or more variables to create new or targeted experiences
• Request and provide critical feedback on prototypes and peers’ work
• Identify intersectional audiences within the gaming community and design for player archetypes as opposed to demographic stereotypes
• Reflect on the thought process behind and iterative design of a prototype game through a written or drawn Design Log
• Design and produce an original prototype game that implements elements of game design learned in the course

How we'll measure learning

Students design an original prototype game containing elements of game design covered in the course. Written (or drawn) design logs will track student progress towards developing their own brand-new game prototype. periodically throughout the course, students will be given a short-term “Design Challenge” with some specific parameters; each challenge focuses on a different target skill.