Learning Game Design While Playing Games: A Game Design Crash Course

Learning Game Design While Playing Games: A Game Design Crash Course

Learning Game Design While Playing Games: A Game Design Crash Course

Hamid Nadir

Abstract

“This course investigated game design competencies of graduate students as they engaged in gameplay and learned about game-related concepts, including gamified approaches, game-based learning (GBL), design thinking, maker technologies, and game designs. Students were introduced to the week's topic beforehand and collaborated on design projects during class sessions. Students played a different game each week, focusing mainly on game mechanics. Through the utilization of foundational readings, video tutorials, discussions, assignments, and guidance from the instructor and a guest speaker, students developed a comprehensive understanding of game design principles. This understanding ultimately led them to design both board and video games. No prior programming or game design experience was necessary.”

Reference

Nadir, H. (2024). Learning game design while playing games: A Game Design Crash Course. Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching, 3(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.13001/jtilt.v3i1.8485

Tags

gamification, game-based learning, constructionism, design thinking, maker technology