Game Design Foundations I

Game Design Foundations I

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In this program you will learn to deconstruct games, tackle design problems, create great user experiences, write design documents, and develop a game pitch. Finish with a playable game!

$4,050.00 USD

$4,500.00 USD
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Financing and flexible payment options available. Learn more

Next Cohort Date

February 3, 2025
December 2, 2024

Program Features

Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

12 weeks

Commitment

20 hours weekly

Skill Level

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

Affordable high quality education

Learn game design from the experts

Uncover what makes a video game compelling and build a foundation in designing game systems.

In this program, you'll be introduced to the Unreal Engine editor and see how the editor interacts with C++ code while building levels and gameplay elements. Blueprints will be introduced as another way to visually add logic to your games. You'll build a simple game with input, collision, basic AI, User Interface and audio. You'll gain confidence in navigating industry-used software, including Unreal Engine and Photoshop, and explore essential game workflows.

The SMU x Flatiron School difference: 

  • Learn from game experts with real-world experience
  • Small group classes
  • We are an Unreal Authorized Training Center and Academic Partner
  • Blizzard Entertainment training partner

Upon completion of this program, you'll be able to move on to Game Design Foundations II.

Program pre-requisites: Game Design Essentials.

Curriculum

Industry-focused online course to launch your career as a game designer

Core Game Design Principles and Prototyping - 12 weeks

  • 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

Tuition

Flexible small group class are the best way to learn from top industry instructors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

Upfront - Save 10%

$4,050

Pay as You Go

$4,500

3 monthly payments of $1,500

Course Mentors

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Full Name

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Full Name

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Full Name

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Full Name

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Game Design Foundations I FAQs

Learn more

Will I earn a certificate or some other credential when I complete the Foundations program?

Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from SMU and a certificate from Flatiron School. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and certificates can be displayed on portfolio websites and social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thousands of our community members use their program certificates and badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers — including our hiring partners — along with their LinkedIn networks. Our curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.

Can I skip the intro program and go directly to the Foundations program?

It is VERY occasionally possible to skip the essentials program and go directly to Foundations I. However, we highly recommend that most students do not skip Essentials as it covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire career pathway program and will require some catching up if skipped.

The essentials program is still difficult and covers a ton of material that is necessary for proceeding in the following programs and won't be reviewed in  Foundations. All of the future program material will build upon the essentials.

If you would like to be considered to enter directly into the Foundations-level programs, you'll be required to submit materials demonstrating your proficiency in the materials covered in the Essentials program.

Ready to Change the Game?

Whether you want to build games, design products, prevent the next cyber attack, or create the next internet-breaking AI, we provide the training to bring your ideas to life.

Let's build your future together.

Apply Now