COURSE CURRICULUM

The Game Design program at Collarts is structured over three years, combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry engagement to prepare students for professional careers in game design.In the first year, students establish foundational understanding across three streams: Contexts, Principles, and Practice. Contextual units, such as Introduction to Game Studies and Game Cultures & Communities, explore the social, cultural, and historical aspects of gaming. Principles courses, including Foundational Game Elements and Interactive Narrative Design, introduce core design concepts and storytelling techniques. Practice units, such as UX: Design for Play and Interface Design, focus on user experience and interaction design. The year is complemented by Creative Foundations and Industry Foundations units that develop general creative skills and an understanding of industry practices.The second year builds on these foundations with more advanced content. Contextual units include Serious Games and Contemporary Art, Design & Cultural History, enhancing students’ understanding of games in broader social and cultural contexts. Principles courses, Writing for Games 1 and 2, refine narrative and communication skills for interactive media. Practice units, Environment Design and Character Design, focus on designing engaging game worlds and characters. Creative Foundations include Digital Game Development and Introduction to Extended Reality, giving students technical skills in development and immersive technologies.In the third year, students focus on professional preparation and advanced projects. Contextual units, Design Law, Ethics & Regulations and Creative Entrepreneurship, equip students with knowledge of legal, ethical, and business considerations in game design. Principles courses, Game Marketing: Business & Audience and the Game Design Capstone Project, guide students in producing market-ready games and understanding audience engagement. Practice is consolidated through the Capstone Development unit, where students create a full-scale game project. Finally, Creative Foundations include options for Industry Placement or a Professional Portfolio, providing real-world experience and preparing graduates to enter the industry with practical skills, professional contacts, and a polished portfolio of work.