Important Notice:
- Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
- Students cannot take more than one production course.
- Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
- Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
- No auditing courses.
- The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
- USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.
Essentials of Game Design - 4 Units
Units: 4
Student Level: All
Jun 23 - Aug 1 Apply
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Tue/Thu 2:00pm - 5:50pm
Max. Seats: 21
Faculty: TBD
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About the Class
Step into the exhilarating world of game design with Essentials of Game Design! This course is your gateway to mastering the essential concepts and innovative techniques of “play-centric design.” Whether you’re a novice or an experienced designer, this course will equip you with the skills to create captivating, playable systems and effectively communicate your game design ideas.
Course Highlights
Hands-On Projects: Dive into the creation of two thrilling games—a tabletop game mod and a digital game of portfolio quality. These projects are designed to challenge your creativity and technical skills, providing you with tangible examples of your work to showcase to potential employers or collaborators.
Dynamic Learning: Experience a blend of studio production, theory, and engaging lectures. This multifaceted approach ensures that you not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of game design but also gain practical experience in bringing your ideas to life.
Key Topics:
- Game Design Theory: Explore the fundamental principles that underpin successful game design. Learn about the psychology of play, player engagement, and the mechanics that make games fun and addictive.
- Ideation and Development: Discover techniques for brainstorming and developing your game concepts. Learn how to take an idea from a simple sketch to a fully fleshed-out game design.
- Prototyping: Gain hands-on experience in creating prototypes of your game ideas. Learn how to quickly and efficiently test your concepts and iterate based on feedback.
- Play-Testing: Understand the importance of play-testing in the game design process. Learn how to gather and analyze feedback to improve your game.
- Polishing and Presentation: Learn the final steps of game design, including polishing your game to a professional standard and presenting it effectively to an audience.
No Programming Experience? No Problem!
This course welcomes all skill levels. If you’re new to programming, you’ll find the support and resources you need to succeed. For advanced students, there are opportunities to challenge yourself by adding complex elements to your digital game projects.
Unleash Your Creativity
Get ready to unleash your creativity and design the games of your dreams! This course is not just about learning the technical skills of game design; it’s about inspiring you to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of gaming.
Additional Information
- All dates and times are subject to change.
- Additional tutorials are taught outside scheduled class hours.
Join us in this exciting journey and transform your passion for gaming into a rewarding career. The world of game design is waiting for you!
INSTRUCTOR(S): TBD