Program Overview

Introduction to the Game Design Certificate Program

The 1-Year Game Design Program at NYFA is an intensive course of study that focuses on the fundamentals of game design. Students complete projects that train them in the best practices of game design, providing the flexibility to pursue their interest in game design or continue their education.

Program Components

The program includes a range of components that provide students with hands-on experience in game design, including:

• 2D and 3D games
• 3D animations
• Coding prototypes

Paper Prototypes

Students create playable games on paper to learn how to design systems independent of technology. This involves:

• Conducting formal playtests of the games with classmates
• Learning the core game design skill of prototyping, playtesting, and iteration hands-on

2D Game Development

Students work in teams to build a portfolio-worthy 2D game over the course of one semester. This includes:

• Hands-on practice with team leadership, ideation, digital prototyping, playtesting, interaction, and execution
• Using state-of-the-art digital tools such as Unity (or Unreal), GitHub, Photoshop, ProTools Audio, and others
• Creating marketing materials, including a gameplay video

3D Game Development

Students work in teams to build a portfolio-worthy 3D game over the course of one semester. This includes:

• Hands-on practice with team leadership, ideation, digital prototyping, playtesting, interaction, and execution
• Using state-of-the-art digital tools such as Unity (or Unreal), GitHub, Maya, Photoshop, ProTools Audio, and others
• Creating marketing materials, including a gameplay video

Interactive Narrative Scripts

Students write scripts for interactive narrative in a game industry format. This involves:

• Creating scripts akin to screenplays but in interactive form instead of linear form
• Including dialog, setting, and plot

Coding Prototypes

Students create functional prototypes using the C# coding language or other language. This includes:

• Learning how to integrate their code into a game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine
• Learning the basics of how to express their ideas in code from the ground up

3D Animations

Students learn to build 3D models in tools such as Maya, ZBrush, and others. This includes:

• Learning how to texture models, rig them, and animate them in scenes

Publishing Plans

Students learn the business side of games by creating plans for game titles in industry format. This involves:

• Creating plans that are vetted for feasibility and accuracy

Art and UI Projects

Students learn how to create:

• Mood boards
• One-page design diagrams
• Product boxes
• Character bibles
• Individual assets for games