Course Overview

Course Details

Course Delivery: Online Course

Course Availability: On Demand

Instructor: Don Hileman – Unreal Authorized Trainer

Course Description

GD 201: Game Design Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts and methodologies behind creating compelling interactive experiences. Using Unreal Engine as the primary development environment, students explore the core pillars of game design — from mechanics and systems thinking to player psychology and level design — while gaining hands-on experience in one of the industry’s most powerful real-time engines.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and apply fundamental game design principles including mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics (MDA framework)
2. Design and iterate on game loops, reward systems, and player feedback structures
3. Navigate Unreal Engine’s interface, Blueprints visual scripting system, and level editor
4. Prototype playable game concepts using Unreal Engine’s built-in tools
5. Conduct playtesting sessions and apply iterative design improvements based on player feedback
6. Document design decisions through Game Design Documents (GDDs)

Topics Covered

Core design theory · Player motivation & engagement · World-building and level design · UI/UX in games · Unreal Engine Blueprints · Prototyping & playtesting · Balancing & tuning · Genre conventions & innovation

Course Format

This course combines lecture-based instruction with weekly hands-on labs in Unreal Engine. Students will complete milestone-based projects culminating in a fully playable prototype presented during a final showcase.

Who This Course Is For

GD 201 is ideal for aspiring game designers, developers, and interactive media creators who want a structured foundation in game design while building practical skills in an industry-standard engine. No prior programming experience is required.