Game Design Essentials
Learn game design from industry-leading game designers, with mentorship from experts in the industry to elevate your skills.
Qualification
Duration
Commitment
Skill Level
Delivery
Start Date
Led By
Features
Value
Learn the essentials of game design
Take the first step towards your career as a game designer
This program is designed to give you an idea of what it's like to design a video game at an AAA game company. Mentored by a professional game designer, you'll discover what makes a game 'fun' and build practical job skills in system and level design.
The Charlotte x Flatiron School difference:
Be mentored by a world-class game designer
Train on industry software Photoshop and Unreal Engine
Small group classes (max 5 students)
100% online programs
Over 12 weeks, you'll learn the basics of game design through systems and mechanics; understand different job roles and team structures; deconstruct your favorite games to reveal intricate design decisions; and start designing and building your own game world!
You’ll be personally mentored by an industry expert who will show you the latest tools and techniques used by top game studios. Expect highly personalized training with small class sizes and 1-on-1 private tuition. Classes are 100% online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home, in your own time.
After completing this program, you have the option to continue on to Game Design Foundations I.
Curriculum
Industry-approved curriculum to start out on your learning journey
Essentials of Game Design - 12 weeks
Before you can begin building a game, you need a basic understanding of game design theory. You'll learn how things should be designed, why they work, and what you need to do to make a compelling game. See how a platform can change the game design in fundamental ways and how the differences must be adapted across genres. You'll build a design and concept, getting the hang of writing a level design specification and ensuring level functionality and other technical needs are met.
Expect to play a LOT of games in the name of research. Every great designer must know how to analyze, deconstruct and understand how each game differs and why. You'll achieve this by learning how to paper design and concept, getting the hang of writing a level design specification, and ensuring level functionality and other technical needs 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
Portfolio projects: Game pitch document, game design document, and UE gameplay prototype
Weekly breakdown:
- Introduction to Game Systems
- System Design
- Communicating
- Visual Design
- Game Genres
- Core Systems
- Development Process
- Single Player Design
- Technical Design
- Level Design
- Prototyping
- Creating a Prototype
Tuition
Upfront - Save 10%
$3,600
Pay as You Go
$4,000
3 monthly payments of $1,333
FAQs
Yes, all programs offered by UNC Charlotte + Flatiron are delivered entirely online. This format provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn from anywhere while balancing other commitments. The online experience includes live interactive virtual classes led by skilled instructors, collaborative projects, and comprehensive support services to ensure a rich and engaging learning journey.
Your monthly financed payment is based on your credit score. The amount shown reflects the lowest possible rate. To explore your financing options, schedule a call with an admissions representative today.
Our programs are not currently set up to accept military benefits, such as the GI Bill, as a form of payment directly from the student at this time. However, if your military benefits can be arranged to pay the school directly, this may be an option in rare cases.
No, you do not need a college degree to enroll in our programs. A high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. Our programs are designed to be accessible to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds.
No, we do not accept FAFSA or traditional financial aid for our programs. However, we do offer loans for full-time students, as well as interest-free installment plans and upfront payment options for everyone else. Please contact us for more details about these flexible payment options.
It is 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 great deal 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.
Nope! This program is designed for complete beginners—no experience required.
Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from UNC Charlotte and a completion 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. This curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by top employers. Many of these top employers contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help.
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.