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What is a Game Design Doc and what does it doShow Game Design Doc examplesWhat defines a game vs. puzzle, toy, story, contestGenre theory and its limitationsGames in cultural contextGame elements as drama (goals, players, space, rules, actions, objects)Types of play, themes, and genreDesign pillarsMechanics, patterns, actions, verbs, interactionsMDA (Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics)Concentric DesignGame FeelSituational DesignMotivational lenses:Lens of CuriosityLens of ChallengeLens of RewardExamples of theory applied well vs. poorlyWriting clear and professional emailsPracticing courtesy and tone in communicationActive listening and efficient note-takingPeer-reviewed paper prototype (graded)Non-graded exercises to prepare for examsSolid understanding of key game design conceptsFirst prototype structured around theory (non-graded exercise)Improved academic and professional communication skillsIdea generation and brainstormingPrototyping methodsPeer testing and feedback loopsTransitioning from paper to digitalAnchoring emotion in game mechanicsCharacter, Camera, ControllerPlaytesting strategies using existing gamesCharacter ControllerInput SystemTile-based pathfindingVisual ScriptingMDA and Elements as Drama revisitedPillars, verbs, actions, and patterns reinforcedDefending and articulating design decisionsOrganizing and running small-scale playtestsPhysical game design exerciseDigital adaptation of an analog conceptMultiple cycles of prototyping and peer feedbackGroup based functional Unity prototypeApplication of foundational design theories in practiceComfort with early digital design toolsConcentric Design as project backboneEffective scoping and planningProject pacing, structuring, and decision-makingPostmortem writingAnalyzing and improving pipeline decisionsMilestone managementPlanning and documentationSelf-reflection through design documentationKickoff game jam (2-person team): prototype focusedSolo development phases:PreproductionVertical sliceCore production with milestonesQA testingPostmortem analysisA playable solo-developed game prototypeFull Game Design DocumentDemonstrated understanding of the full development cycleQA and testing feedback loop implementedConcentric Design as a tool for deepening design thinkingPaper prototyping as a foundationDesign exploration through self-defined research questionsIndependent planning and pacingTranslating complex ideas into public-facing formatsPresenting work via articles, devlogs, or videosSelf-directed research projectPaper prototype of chosen topicFull implementation and polishing phasePublic-facing presentation (e.g. social video or written piece)Portfolio-ready design projectSpecialization in a chosen field of game designConcrete demonstration of research and advanced design thinkingUpgrade systemsCombat mechanicsLevel or world designGame economiesBalancing (math and perception)Narrative designAI systemsOnline multiplayer structuresGithub setup and best practices before Game Design 1New Input system before Game Design 1
Game Design Learning line
Courses
Game Design Fundamentals
1
Game Design 1
1
Game Design 2
1
Game Design 3
1
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
Semester 1
ECTS: 3
Course Focus:
Establishing a shared vocabulary of game design, introducing fundamental theory, and nurturing essential communication and reflection skills.
Key Theory Topics
1. Core Definitions & Game Language:
2. Design Structure & Mechanics:
3. Frameworks & Lenses:
Soft Skills:
Exercises (Graded & Non-Graded):
Output:
Semester 2
ECTS: 6
Course Focus:
Practicing iterative design and transitioning from analog to digital prototyping using professional tools.
Key Theory Topics
1. Iterative Design Thinking:
2. Player Experience Design:
3. Tools & Technical Foundations (Unity):
4. Framework Application:
Soft Skills:
Exercises (Graded & Non-Graded):
Output:
Semester 3
ECTS: 6
Course Focus:
Understanding the full production pipeline by acting as a solo developer—from preproduction to polish.
Key Theory Topics
1. Production Philosophy:
2. Reflection & Process Thinking:
Soft Skills:
Exercises (Graded & Non-Graded):
Output:
Semester 4
ECTS: 6
Course Focus:
Independent specialization, portfolio development, and research-based design exploration.
Key Theory Topics
1. Research & Framing:
Soft Skills:
Exercises (Graded & Non-Graded):
Output:
Possible Focus Areas:
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