Foundations of Game Design

This unit introduces core concepts and practices in game design, including mechanics, systems, storytelling, art direction, user experience, balance, and the phases of production. Students will study historical and contemporary examples, gather essential design tools, and prepare basic documentation, playtesting plans, and go-to-market considerations to ready themselves for deeper production and implementation in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the role of game design within the game development lifecycle by mapping phases, key responsibilities, and common tools to real-world examples and historical case studies
• Apply core game mechanics, system elements, narrative intent, and art/UX choices to produce a one-page game concept document that articulates the game loop, target player experience, and proposed art style
• Demonstrate readiness for iterative development by creating a playtest plan, a basic project timeline with milestones, and a list of at least three project risks with mitigation strategies
• Evaluate publishing and marketing options by comparing at least two distribution/publishing models and producing a brief go-to-market outline that defines target audience and primary marketing channels