Software: Students are required to use Unreal Engine, which is free to download. We also recommend that you purchase Photoshop/Illustrator (photography plan only) for the duration of your program. Free alternatives to Photoshop include GIMP/Inkscape.

Hardware: Students will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Unreal Engine and Photoshop. Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enrollment.

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It is VERY occasionally possible to skip the initial Introduction to Game Design Program and start studying in the 9-month full Game Design Foundations. We HIGHLY recommend that most students do NOT skip the Essentials Term as it covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire program and will require some catching up if skipped.

This introductory program is still incredibly difficult and covers a LOT of material. It includes over 25 hours of lecture videos and over a dozen assignments students need to complete. ALL of the future program material will build upon this foundation.

The program will cover some basic concepts, teach the basics of using the Unreal Engine, teach the fundamentals of system and level design, and teach you how to deconstruct games properly and design using a systemic approach. 

If you have not released an indie game or worked professionally to design PC/Console AAA games, we highly recommend you do NOT skip the Intro program. Even if you have designed mobile games, VR or other genres or platforms of games we do not recommend skipping it as the nuances are different in each.

IF you want to be considered for skipping the introduction program, you must submit a portfolio to be reviewed and considered. The portfolio must include:

• Example Pitch Deck, Game Pitch, and a Game Design Document (GDD) for a major action, adventure, role-playing, shooter or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.
• Whitebox level prototype in Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Example PLAYABLE level or game built in Unreal Engine or Unity. Must also be action, adventure, role-playing, shooter or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.
• This will ensure that you are familiar with the right material, concepts and tools to both design new game concepts and build them in a game engine.

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio and we'll arrange a review by the department head and a possible student interview, depending on circumstances.

This short game design program will get started on your journey, but in a highly competitive industry, knowing the basics is not enough.

Continuing your studies with the 9-month Game Design program will better prepare you for a job in the industry.

The full 9-month program covers far more complex techniques and includes personalized career services and 1-on-1 time with our Career Development Manager which can help when applying for junior game design jobs such as:

• Game Designer
• Systems Designer
• Level Designer

Occasionally, it is possible to skip ahead and start studying in later terms. We highly recommend that most students do not skip ahead as each subject covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire program (and will require some catching up in your own time if skipped).

Term one is still incredibly challenging and covers a lot of material. It includes over 25 hours of lecture videos and there are over a dozen assignments students need to complete. All of the future course material will build upon this foundation.

The program will cover some basic concepts, teach the basics of using the Unreal Engine, teach the fundamentals of system and level design, and teach you how to deconstruct games properly and design using a systemic approach. 

If you have not released an indie game or worked professionally to design PC/Console AAA games, we highly recommend you do not skip the first term. Even if you have designed mobile games, VR, or other genres or platforms of games, we do not recommend skipping it as the nuances are different in each platform.

If you want to be considered for skipping the first term, you must submit a portfolio to be reviewed and considered. The portfolio must include:

• Example Pitch Deck, Game Pitch, and a Game Design Document (GDD) for a major action, adventure, role-playing, shooter or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.
• Whitebox-level prototype in Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Example PLAYABLE level or game built in Unreal Engine or Unity. It must also be action, adventure, role-playing, shooter, or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.

This will ensure that you are familiar with the right materials, concepts, and tools to design new game concepts and build them in a game engine.

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio when you apply, and we'll arrange for the department head to review it and, depending on the circumstances, a student interview.