GAME 145, 245, 345 Game Design 1, 2, & 3

GAME 145 – Introduction to Game Design
(2 semester hours)

This course will introduce the student to foundational elements of introductory game design. The student will examine a range of digital games to learn how to identify the fundamental structure, principles, and methodologies behind the design process. The student will be introduced to entry level game engines and learn how to develop creative ideas through the implementation of the key game design elements, principles and practices in an applied manner.

GAME 245 – Game Design 2: Principles & Practice of Game Design
(3 semester hours)

This course expands on content taught in GAME 145 and introduces the student to fundamental principles of design as they relate to game flow and player engagement. With a focus on advanced game mechanics, object rules, gameplay loops, game elements and rewards, balancing of skill and chance, and incremental challenge and difficulty, the student will demonstrate their understanding of these principles through a series of solo and collaborative game design projects, game pitches, and structured peer assessment.

GAME 345 – Game Design 3
(3 semester hours)

This is the third and final course focusing on core game design fundamentals. This course will build on GAME 145 and GAME 245 with a focus on designing for a target demographic, playtesting, and iterative game design of a complete game in a collaborative context. The student will create two short games in pairs. They will utilize playtesting methods and techniques to gather player data, evaluate, and implement feedback into the game design process.