Game Maker I: Become a Board Game Designer

Course access dates: Sept 1 - June 30 with asynchronous teacher support.

Additional information:

You start the course at the G.A.M.E.R. Boarding House, a place for gamers to gather together. Throughout the course, you’ll move through different parts of the house and engage in various Tasks to build foundational skills, undertake Adventures to apply your creativity and bring your ideas to life, and complete Quizzes to test your understanding of game design principles.

You'll explore the key elements that make games engaging and fun, learning how to craft compelling narratives, balanced mechanics, and eye-catching designs. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, you'll discover that anyone can create professional-caliber games.

Through hands-on activities and guided lessons, you'll conceptualize, develop, and prototype your very own original board game. By the end of this course, you'll not only have a finished game to share with friends and family but also the skills to pitch your creation like a pro. Get ready to turn your game ideas into reality!

Recruiting Now! The G.A.M.E.R. Boarding House

• Explore game mechanics in the Gameroom
• Imagine your dream board game
• Prepare for your game design journey

Lesson 1: Waiting Room

• Learn the G.A.M.E.R. Boarding House Rules
• Test your knowledge of game design principles
• Create a custom player card to personalize game elements

Lesson 2: Classroom

• Identify different game types
• Analyze various game styles and strategies
• Generate creative game ideas through brainstorming exercises

Lesson 3: Kitchen

• Discover the 14 key ingredients of successful games
• Create game cards showcasing these elements
• Identify key elements in existing games

Lesson 4: Idea Lounge

• Understand what makes a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) game
• Apply G.O.A.T. principles to your own design
• Create your ultimate game concept

Lesson 5: Workshop

• Master the G.A.M.E.R. framework
• Plan and prototype your game
• Iterate on your design
• Write clear game instructions

Lesson 6: Makerspace

• Learn 3D modeling basics using Tinkercad
• Create custom game pieces
• Develop your own 3D models for your game

Lesson 7: Library

• Compile your game pitch
• Put together a portfolio of your work

Lesson 8: Conference Room

• Draft and practice your game pitch
• Compile a final portfolio showcasing your design process
• Reflect on feedback to refine your game