Introduction to Game Design Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course offers a hands-on introduction to the core principles of game design, focusing on creativity, prototyping, and player experience. Through five engaging modules and a final project, you'll explore game mechanics, systems, and design thinking using only paper and imagination—no coding required. With approximately 20-25 hours of flexible learning, you'll gain practical skills in designing, testing, and refining original games, culminating in a fully playable paper prototype. Developed by CalArts, this course blends theory with real-world design practices to launch your journey into game design.

Module 1: Defining Games

Estimated time: 4 hours

• What is a game?
• Key elements of games
• Types of games
• Analyzing games using basic frameworks

Module 2: The Elements of Game Design

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics
• Designing goals and objectives
• Creating rules and constraints
• Pen-and-paper game design exercises

Module 3: Game Systems and Complexity

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Introduction to systems thinking in games
• Emergent gameplay and player agency
• Managing complexity and clarity
• Designing a simple rule-based gameplay system

Module 4: Prototyping and Playtesting

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Introduction to rapid prototyping
• Conducting effective playtests
• Using feedback loops for iteration
• Observing and interpreting player behavior

Module 5: Designing for Experience

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Emotional engagement in games
• Incorporating storytelling and narrative
• Creating immersive experiences
• Revising prototypes with emotional or narrative goals

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Build a complete paper-based game prototype
• Conduct at least one round of playtesting
• Submit a revised game with designer notes explaining design choices

Prerequisites

• No prior coding experience required
• No formal design background needed
• Basic writing and drawing materials (paper, pen, markers)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain foundational concepts of game design including mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics
• Analyze games using structured design frameworks
• Design and iterate original game ideas using paper prototypes
• Conduct playtests and apply feedback to improve gameplay
• Create engaging player experiences through rules, narrative, and emotional design