COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the Game Design program, students build a strong foundation by exploring a blend of contextual knowledge, core principles, practical skills, and industry awareness. The context stream begins with Introduction to Game Studies, where students gain an understanding of the history, theory, and cultural significance of games, followed by Game Cultures & Communities, which examines how games shape and are shaped by social groups and communities. The principles stream focuses on essential design concepts through courses like Foundational Game Elements, which covers the basic building blocks of game mechanics, and Interactive Narrative Design, where students learn how to craft engaging stories that respond to player choices. Practical skills are developed in courses such as UX: Design for Play, teaching user experience strategies to enhance gameplay, and Interface Design, which focuses on creating intuitive and effective game interfaces. Supporting these areas are the Creative Foundations and Industry Foundations courses, which nurture creative thinking and provide insights into the workings and expectations of the game design industry. Together, these courses offer a comprehensive introduction to game design, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on practice and professional preparation. This first-year curriculum equips students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to progress confidently in their studies and future careers in game design.