Program Overview

Game Design Winter School

The Game Design Winter School is a multidisciplinary course that brings together the artistic and technical aspects of game design. The course aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create their own games, focusing on low-code
o-code tools and independent work.

Teaching Period and Application

• Teaching period: 2.2.2026 - 13.2.2026
• Application period: 1.10.2025 - 7.12.2025

Course Format and Details

• Course format: Campus
• Duration: 2 weeks part-time
• Course level: Undergraduate
• Field of study: Art and design
• Credits: 2 ECTS
• Organiser: Aalto University
• Tuition fees: 1170

Course Description

This course is a crash course in the many ways game design can be utilized as a creative and rewarding medium. Students will be presented with artistic and technical aspects of game design as they develop their own games. The practical and theoretical foundations of game design are explained across a series of lectures, supported with insights from industry and research. A parallel set of prototyping workshops covers a wide range of game design tools.

What to Expect

1. Learn by doing with hands-on exercises together with peers from around the world.
2. Bring your ideas to life by building your own prototype to include in your portfolio and to show off to your friends.
3. Develop your skills in top-modern, creative campus spaces while learning from the best in the industry.

Course Schedule

The course includes three phases:

• Preparation before the two-week intensive course
• Two weeks of intensive on-site learning at Aalto University campus
• Additional time after the course to prepare and polish the final assignments

Learning Outcomes

• Discover the potential of games as an expressive medium
• Learn about the art and craft of game design from the traditional to the contemporary
• Explore a range of accessible game design and development software
• Develop the ability to translate ideas into prototypes quickly
• Utilise digital assets to complement individual or group projects
• Understand the variety of roles within the games industry and the paths that lead there

Workload and Grading

• Preparation Exercises: 9h
• Lectures: 15h
• Workshops: 15h
• Finalising Assignment & Learning Diary: 15h
• Total: 54 hours (2 ECTS)
• The course is graded as pass/fail.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

This course does not require previous experience in the topic. Students must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. All summer and winter school course students must be 18 years or older.

Applying

Please include a motivation letter or video in your application. Describe your motivation for taking this course, including what interests you about Game Design, any experience making games or other forms of digital media, and what you hope to learn in the course.

Course Fees

• Tuition fees for Summer School courses: 1170 (incl. VAT 25,5%)
• The course fee includes academic course sessions and assignments, an official digital Aalto University certificate, and support from the Summer School team. The fee does not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course.

Visas and Travelling

If you need a visa, it is recommended to apply by 1 November 2025 to ensure enough time for processing.

Cancellation

Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms, which will be provided before making the payment and confirming the course participation.