MITx: Introduction to Game Design

Course Description

Dive into the fascinating world of game design with this comprehensive course offered by MITx. "Introduction to Game Design" is an exciting journey that unravels the mysteries behind creating engaging and immersive games. Whether you're aspiring to become a game designer or simply curious about the intricate process of game creation, this course provides a solid foundation in game design concepts, tools, and methodologies.

Over seven weeks, you'll explore the fundamental elements of game design, from conceptualization to prototyping and user testing. This course stands out by offering hands-on experience in both digital and board game design, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the field. You'll also get to work with Gameblox, a user-friendly game editor that utilizes block-based programming language, making game creation accessible to all skill levels.

What students will learn from the course:

• Comprehensive understanding of game design concepts and terminology
• Analysis of game mechanics and their impact on player experiences
• Practical skills in paper and digital prototyping
• Mastery of the iterative design process
• Techniques for incorporating user feedback in game design
• Proficiency in using Gameblox for digital game creation
• Ability to design and develop both digital and board games
• Skills in usability testing for game improvement

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course:

• Familiarity with board and video games
• Interest in designing and understanding how games work
• Willingness to learn and use a simple game programming language
• No prior programming experience required

What the course will cover:

• Game design fundamentals and concepts
• Analysis of paper and digital game mechanics
• Paper prototyping techniques
• Digital prototyping using Gameblox
• Iterative design process in game development
• User testing and feedback incorporation
• Game design tools and their applications
• Creating engaging player experiences
• Board game design principles
• Digital game design principles
• Block-based programming for game creation

Who this course is for:

• Aspiring game designers
• Current game designers looking to enhance their skills
• Individuals interested in understanding the game creation process
• Students exploring career opportunities in the gaming industry
• Educators interested in incorporating game design in their curriculum
• Hobbyists passionate about games and their development

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

The skills acquired in this course have wide-ranging applications in the real world. Game design principles can be applied to various fields beyond entertainment, including education, marketing, and user experience design. Learners can:

• Pursue careers in the booming game development industry
• Apply game design concepts to create educational games for schools or training programs
• Use prototyping skills to develop and test new product ideas in any industry
• Implement gamification strategies in business to increase user engagement
• Enhance problem-solving skills applicable to various professional scenarios
• Improve communication skills through the process of designing user experiences
• Develop critical thinking abilities by analyzing game mechanics and player interactions

This course equips learners with a versatile skill set that's highly valued in today's digital-centric world, opening doors to exciting opportunities in game design and beyond.