Game Design, Boot Camp

Essentials of Game Design – 12 Weeks

Before building a game, it’s essential to understand game design theory. This course focuses on how to design compelling games, why certain designs work, and what steps are necessary for success. You’ll explore how different platforms influence game design and how these differences must be adapted across genres. Expect to play a TON of games to learn how to analyze and deconstruct them. You’ll also learn paper design and concept development, writing level design specifications and ensuring technical requirements are met.

What you’ll learn:

• Understand what a game and game systems are and how to design them
• Design compelling game systems, quests, and objectives
• Design core gameplay mechanics
• Add visuals to enhance levels
• Start learning the Unreal game engine and building simple prototypes

Weekly Breakdown:

1. Introduction to Game Systems
2. System Design
3. Communicating
4. Visual Design
5. Game Genres
6. Core Systems
7. Development Process
8. Single Player Design
9. Technical Design
10. Level Design
11. Prototyping
12. Creating a Prototype

Core Game Design Principles and Prototyping – 12 Weeks

This course emphasizes the importance of moving beyond design theories and quickly turning game ideas into playable prototypes. You’ll learn to bring your concepts to life, focusing on execution rather than just ideation. Using the knowledge gained so far, you’ll validate and express your ideas, then apply advanced skills in level and game systems design to create a compelling, playable game prototype in Unreal.

What you’ll learn:

• Design advanced game systems, maps, and assets
• Create a compelling game pitch
• Use the Unreal Engine to design and build games
• Whitebox a level in Unreal Engine

Weekly Breakdown:

1. Core Systems
2. Player Systems
3. Level Design
4. Implementing Gameplay
5. Systems in Levels
6. Whiteboxing
7. Combat Systems
8. Characters & Animations
9. NPCs
10. Advanced Level Gameplay
11. Detailing Levels
12. Polishing

Professional Game Design and Implementation – 12 Weeks

This course focuses on designing and creating AAA combat and action games for PC and consoles using the Unreal Engine. Building on prior knowledge of game design and Unreal, you’ll learn to take a game from concept to a fully playable level. With a custom toolkit and all necessary assets, you’ll be able to design game systems, create engaging levels, and implement them in Unreal, regardless of your background in art or programming. The goal is to develop a polished game to showcase in your portfolio.

What you’ll learn:

• Create a compelling shooter project in Unreal Engine
• Design and create amazing combat in action games
• Implement complex AI in Unreal
• Design complex objects in the game which players can use

Weekly Breakdown:

1. Worldbuilding
2. Stories to Quests
3. Map Layout
4. Combat in Levels
5. Landscapes
6. FPS Prototyping
7. A.I. in Levels
8. FPS Mechanics
9. Object Systems
10. Interactions In Levels
11. Implementing Quests
12. Player Gameplay

Game Design Capstone – 12 Weeks

This final course is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You’ll also receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from your career coach.

What you’ll learn:

• How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
• Interview and negotiation strategies
• Effective networking and self-promotion
• Accessing the hidden job market

In addition to your capstone project, here’s the weekly breakdown:

1. Career Pathways
2. Industry Overview
3. Portfolio Upgrade
4. Networking and Online Presence
5. Resume and Cover Letter
6. Job Hunting
7. Freelance Work
8. Interviews and Pitching
9. Personal Projects and Challenges
10. Working in a Studio
11. Contracts and Negotiations
12. Personal Roadblocks