Game Design and Production

Further education / Culture and media

Picture of a man by a computer.

Are you curious about the game design industry but unsure where to start? Or are you perhaps already part of a company but want to try out a different role within a development team? The course Game Design and Production takes you through the process of coming up with an idea, testing it, and turning it into a final digital game.

Price
150 € + 0% VAT
Conductor
Arcada University of Applied Sciences
Language
English
Scope
10 ECTS
Course dates
Last application date

About the course

While most game design courses focus on only theory and quizzes, this course includes learning the fundamentals of design and then applying it to create real-world games. The lecturers have real-life experience, as well as connections to the industry, which offers you an edge in learning the latest developments from the field. As part of the course, experts from gaming companies will also join us and give feedback on the games that you are developing.

During the course you will learn:

  • how to create, apply and troubleshoot game mechanics
  • the process of making and testing a prototype, and turning it into a final product
  • how to manage various roles and responsibilities in game development
  • team work

Depending on which area you would like to specialize in, experience in basic graphic art, design or programming skills are helpful, but they are not required. This course is a great start for you who are curious about the industry, but also for you who might be looking to update your portfolio.

Timetable and requirements

The course runs January 24th to April 26th. Average workload is 15h/week.

  • Tuesdays, 9.15-12.00, online lectures and hand-out of assignments
  • Wednesdays, 9.15-12.00, online group sessions for course assignments

Final assignment is a game prototype, which you will submit together with your group at the end of the course.

Students are required to use their own personal PC, Mac or laptop. A webcam and microphone should be used during Zoom lectures. Please note that all lectures are live and you will not be able to view them afterwards. Owning and/or having knowledge of a digital drawing tablet is a plus.

Meet the team

Arash Sammander was a professional game designer and producer in the Finnish games industry and has a master's degree in game design and production, with a strong network in the games industry. He has been teaching game design and production for over a decade in academies, schools, universities, and for private companies.

Mirko Ahonen has been teaching game design and programming for six years and has a broad connection to the gaming industry.