Game Design Bootcamp

Essentials of Game Design  – 12 weeks

Before you can begin building a game you need a basic understanding of game design theory. You’ll learn how things should be designed, why they work, and what you need to do to make a compelling game. See how a platform can change the game design in fundamental ways, and how the differences must be adapted across genres. You’ll build a design and concept, getting the hang of writing a level design specification, and ensuring level functionality and other technical needs are met.

What you’ll learn:

• Understand what a game and game systems are and how to design them
• Design compelling game systems, quests & objectives
• Design core gameplay mechanics
• Add visuals to enhance levels
• Start learning the Unreal game engine and building simple prototypes

Portfolio projects: Game pitch document, game design document, UE gameplay prototype.

Principles & Prototyping – 12 weeks

In this program, you’ll learn how to bring your ideas to life and find out what goes into making a fun and compelling game. Using the concepts, processes, and theories you learned in essentials, you’ll learn how to validate and express your ideas then apply your new skills and knowledge of level and game systems design to tackle more complex level design problems and areas by creating your own playable game prototype in Unreal Engine.

What you’ll learn:

• Design advanced game systems, maps and assets
• Create a compelling game pitch
• Use the Unreal Engine to design and build games
• Whitebox a level in Unreal Engine

Portfolio project: UE beautiful corner prototype

Professional Design & Implementation – 12 weeks

In this program, learn how to design and create AAA quality combat and action games for PC and consoles. You’ll take your game from idea to designing the game systems, designing levels, and implement it in Unreal Engine so that others can play it. You’ll have all the assets and tools you need to build a game, even if you are not an artist or programmer.

What you’ll learn:

• Create a compelling shooter project in Unreal Engine
• Design and create amazing combat in action games
• Implement complex AI in Unreal
• Design complex objects in the game which players can use

Portfolio projects: Shooter project GDD, and UE shooter project prototype

Game Design Capstone – 12 weeks

This capstone is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You’ll also receive additional career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from your career coach.

Once you’ve completed the full bootcamp program – essentials through capstone – you’ll receive a completion certificate and be ready to jump head-first into the job search with the help of your dedicated Flatiron School career coach.