Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This Certificate provides you with a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment.
  In the first course, you will discover resources for developing game design, identify the mechanics and verbs used in different games. You will come away with knowing the different activities that are part of game design, being able to flesh out a game idea in order to increase the chances to having a successful game design experience, and have a basic understanding of how to work with game developers.

 In the second course, you will you will learn the basics of video game design process, learn about the main video game genres, and use a game development application to begin your journey of making games. 

   By successfully completing this Certificate in Basic Game Design, you will have taken the first steps into understanding game design, and being able to create your own games.

 

Individual Courses

Introduction to Game Design
  

Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This course provides a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment. By completing this course, you can take the first steps into understanding game design, and how it can be applied in your field.

One month course

Intermediate Video Game Design

Worldwide, video game sales including consoles, and online and mobile games are projected to reach $111 billion dollars this year. Mobile games are the fastest-growing segment of the market as more and more people play casual games. By 2019 Price Warehouse predicts social and casual game sales will exceed traditional game sales.  In this intermediate introductory course you will learn the basics of video game design process, learn about the main video game genres, and use a game development application to begin your journey of making games. 

One month course

About online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

Participate when you want

You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.
For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

What you will do

For each Unit, you will:

• Access the online readings
• Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides
• Take a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
• Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each day.

The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

Discussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each day to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Next offering(s):

Intermediate Video Game Design
March 3 - 28, 2025
May 5 - 30, 2025
July 7 - August 1, 2025
October 6 - 31, 2025

Introduction to Game Design
February 3 - 28, 2025
April 7 - May 2, 2025
June 2 - 27, 2025
September 2 - 26, 2025

$529.00 CAD

$395 USD

Ave. hours 32, 3.2 CEUs/ILUs

About Your Instructors

Moses Wolfenstein is an experienced game designer and speaker at national game designconferences.  He is a Senior Interaction Developer at the University of Wisconsin-Extension. He has over a decade of design experience.  Moses holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and works with the Games, Learning, & Society research group.