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Game designer enhancing level visuals using design software.

This course focuses on how to design compelling games, why certain designs work, and what steps are necessary for success.

Course Overview

Before building a game, it’s essential to understand design theory. In this 12-week online course, you’ll explore what makes a game successful—and why certain designs resonate. Learn how platforms and genres influence mechanics and how to adapt designs accordingly.

  • Understand what a game is and how to design game systems
  • Design compelling systems, quests, and objectives
  • Build core gameplay mechanics that drive player engagement
  • Apply visual design principles to enhance game levels
  • Use the Unreal Engine to prototype your concepts
  • Create portfolio-ready documents and prototypes
  • Week 1: Introduction to Game Systems
  • Week 2: System Design
  • Week 3: Communicating Game Ideas
  • Week 4: Visual Design Principles
  • Week 5: Game Genres and Player Expectations
  • Week 6: Core Gameplay Systems
  • Week 7: Development Pipeline
  • Week 8: Designing for Single Players
  • Week 9: Technical Design Concepts
  • Week 10: Level Design Fundamentals
  • Week 11: Paper Prototyping
  • Week 12: Building a Playable Prototype

By the end of the course, you’ll complete three key portfolio projects:

  • Game pitch document
  • Game design document
  • Unreal Engine prototype

Kickstart Your Game Design Career – Enroll Now and Create Your First Prototype!

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Application

Name
Enrollment Agreement for Flatiron Schools
Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Schedule
Sep 08, 2025 to Nov 28, 2025
Delivery Options
Asynchronous Online  
Course Fees
Registration Fee non-credit $3,600.00
Financial Options
Reading List / Textbook
Section Notes

Important Enrollment Step
To complete your enrollment, an additional step is required: submitting a short application.
Instructions are provided during the checkout process, or you can refer to the PDF guide: “Completing the Enrollment Agreement for Flatiron Schools.”

 This program is powered by Flatiron School, a leader in the bootcamp industry, providing market-driven education to help people change their lives.
 This essentials course is a great way to get started—and it can count toward the full Game Design bootcamp if you decide to keep going. It’s a flexible, stackable option that lets you learn at your own pace and level up when you’re ready.

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Duration

Part-time: 12 weeks

Commitment

Part-time: 20 hours per week

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Delivery

Weekly instruction, feedback, and support

Start Date

First Monday of each month

Led By

Experienced industry instructors

Features

Flexible schedules and small class sizes (5 max)

Value

Flexible, affordable, high-quality education

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