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Game Design Fundamentals
Course Index

28 Lessons · 3 Sections

Master game design — core loops, MDA framework, balancing, level design theory, player psychology & monetization ethics. Covers GDD writing, Machinations diagrams & playtesting. Includes 4 design deliverables: GDD, prototype, balance spreadsheet & playtesting report.

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28Lessons3Sections4ProjectsFreeAccess
Section 1Core Design TheoryLessons 1–10
Lesson 1What is Game Design?
Lesson 2The MDA Framework: Mechanics, Dynamics & Aesthetics
Lesson 3Core Gameplay Loops
Lesson 4Player Psychology & Motivation
Lesson 5Game Genres & Their Conventions
Lesson 6Rules, Constraints & Emergence
Lesson 7Feedback Systems: Positive & Negative
Lesson 8Challenge & Difficulty Curves
Lesson 9Game Feel: Juice & Polish
Lesson 10Reward Systems & Progression
Section 2Advanced Design, Prototyping & DocumentationLessons 11–22
Lesson 11Level Design Principles
Lesson 12Economy Design: Resources & Balance
Lesson 13Combat Design
Lesson 14Narrative & Mechanics Integration
Lesson 15Accessibility in Game Design
Lesson 16UI/UX Design for Games
Lesson 17Prototyping: Paper & Digital
Lesson 18Playtesting: Methods & Feedback
Lesson 19Game Design Document (GDD)
Lesson 20Pitching Your Game
Lesson 21Ethical Game Design
Lesson 22Analysing Great Games
Section 3AI Design, Indie Scope & ProjectsLessons 23–28
Lesson 23AI-Assisted Game Design in 2026
Lesson 24Indie Game Design: Scope & Constraints
Lesson 25Design a Core Loop & Prototype on Paper
Lesson 26Write a Full Game Design Document
Lesson 27Conduct a Playtest Session & Iterate
Lesson 28Design & Pitch an Original Game Concept
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