Introduction to Game Design: From Idea to Playable Prototype

This course offers an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of game design through hands-on experimentation. Over the course of 10 hours, participants explore how games are structured and how player experiences are shaped by rules, mechanics, and interaction.

The main focus of the course is rapid paper-based prototyping, allowing participants to quickly transform ideas into game concepts using simple physical materials. Through iterative design and playtesting, participants learn how to analyze what makes games engaging and how small rule changes can affect gameplay.

The course also serves as a conceptual foundation for the Digital Game Development, helping participants understand the design thinking and systems behind games.

By the end of the course, participants will have created and tested a paper-based prototype and developed a clearer understanding of the game design process.

• Introduction to game design: definitions, scope, and applications
• Key elements of game systems: mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics
• Player experience: motivation, engagement, and flow
• Core game genres and platforms
• The game design process: from idea to iteration
• Paper prototyping methods and tools
• Playtesting and feedback loops
• Team presentations and reflection

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand and use basic game design vocabulary
• Identify the core mechanics and rules that structure a game
• Transform a game idea into a simple playable prototype
• Apply paper prototyping techniques to test design ideas quickly
• Observe and analyse player feedback during playtesting
• Iterate and improve a design based on testing results
• Prepare a game concept for further development in a digital environment

Interactive, project-based learning combining short theoretical inputs with group discussions, guided exercises, collaborative prototyping, and peer-to-peer feedback sessions.