HP: A Complete Guide to Game Design

• Course Introduction:
  Get introduced to the world of game design and understand the course structure. Look at the different tasks required to make a video game and what role game designers play in the same

• Design Concepts:
  Delve into the fundamental principles of game design, exploring concepts like aesthetics, dynamics, and mechanics along with processes and vocabulary used in the field

• History of Games:
  Trace the evolution of games and learn about gaming as we know it today. Also, understand how to research past games relevant to your current project

• Game Analysis:
  Learn to dissect and critically analyze existing games, deciphering their mechanics, design elements, and storytelling techniques. Get the most value from your play time and learn as much as possible (about what to do and what NOT to do) from those who have made games before us

• Defining "Fun":
  Uncover the elusive nature of "fun" in gaming with the help of a conceptual tool called the MDA (Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics) framework. It will help you get answers to questions such as: what is fun, where does fun come from, and why do we find certain things fun (or not fun), in a way that is useful when actually designing games

• Linear Storytelling:
  Explore the art of linear storytelling in games, where narrative unfolds in a predetermined sequence

• Nonlinear Storytelling:
  Dive into nonlinear storytelling techniques, enabling you to create interactive narratives where player choices influence the unfolding plot

• Dynamics and Feedback Loops:
  Understand the dynamic interactions within games and how feedback loops contribute to player engagement and progression. The module delves into the intriguing occurrences during gameplay and explores strategies for game designers to craft unforgettable experiences

• Decision-Making:
  Learn how to design meaningful decision-making moments that empower players to shape the course of the game. A lot of the "fun" of games comes from these decisions. But what makes these decisions interesting, and how you can make these interactions with players even more engaging is what will be covered in this module

• Kinds of Fun/Player Types:
  Discover different player types and the diverse forms of fun they seek, allowing you to tailor experiences to various audiences

• Level Design (PvE):
  One of the most well-known specializations within game design is level design. Master the art of crafting captivating single-player levels that challenge, entertain, and immerse players in the game world

• Level Design (PvP):
  Explore the intricacies of player versus player (PvP) level design. Here, the focus is on creating interesting moments of tension between the players themselves, rather than between players and the game

• UI/UX Design:
  Gain insights into user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, optimizing player interaction and ensuring the gameplay experience is intuitive and seamless

• Playtesting:
  Where do you find testers? How do you organize a playtest session to get the most value in the least amount of time? What is the process for running optimal playtest sessions? Learn all about the importance of playtesting and how to gather valuable feedback to refine and enhance your game's design

• Game Balance:
  Uncover the secrets of game balance, what it is, how it's affected by game designers, and the process designers use to balance their games

• Rapid Prototyping:
  Harness the power of rapid prototyping to swiftly iterate and refine game ideas. This helps answer design questions through playtesting before spending considerable resources on creating the final game

• Design Documentation:
  Examine the different kinds of documentation writing that designers can be involved with, and learn some tips and tricks about how (and when) to write each kind

• Rules Writing:
  Master the art of writing clear and concise game rules that guide players through their journey

• Team Communication:
  Learn effective communication techniques to collaborate seamlessly with fellow designers, programmers, and other team members. This is essential because a game designer is the keeper and champion of the vision of the game, and it is their responsibility to engage with the rest of the team and achieve the best output

• Careers in Game Design:
  Explore potential career paths in the dynamic and evolving field of game design

Introduction to Game Design

• Module 1: Course Intro / Summary

Playing, Analyzing and Understanding Games:

• Module 2: Game Design Concepts
• Module 3: History of Games & Gaming
• Module 4: Game Analysis
• Module 5: The MDA Framework

Story Writing in Games

• Module 6: Traditional / Linear Storytelling
• Module 7: Nonlinear Storytelling

Interaction in Gaming

• Module 8: Game Dynamics and Feedback Loops
• Module 9: Interesting Decisions

Kinds of Fun and Players

• Module 10: Kinds of Fun / Player Types

Subspecialties of Game Design:

• Module 11: Level Design (PvE)
• Module 12: Level Design (PvP)

User Interface and User Experience:

• Module 13: UI/UX Design

Setting Up and Running a Playtest

• Module 14: Playtesting

Game Balance and its Tools:

• Module 15: Game Balance

Game Prototyping:

• Module 16: Rapid Prototyping

Writing and Communicating Plans

• Module 17: Design Documentation
• Module 18: Rules Writing
• Module 19: Communication within Teams

Growth in Game Design

• Module 20: Careers in Game Design