The Gen Con Game Design Academy (GDA) is an immersive learning experience that features curated hands-on workshops, seminars, and panel events led by game design academics and industry professionals. It provides practical skills, industry insights, expert knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities in the tabletop gaming industry.
This program is designed for two tracks of interest and commitment:
This track is designed for individuals who want to learn more about the game design industry without the full commitment of the Student curriculum.
This track is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in game design. Participants who register as Students and complete the curriculum are eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
Events for the Student track will begin on Wednesday, coinciding with Trade Day. Throughout the four days of Gen Con Indy, additional events will be available for both tracks. If you plan to attend events on Wednesday, you must purchase a Trade Day badge with a Participation Type of Game Designer. Additionally, the Student track offers a certification program. Learn more about the Student track, curriculum, and certificate.
The Game Design Academy offers curated events organized by game design experts and industry leaders. Learn more about our Game Design Academy Coordinators. When event registration opens in May, search for 'Game Design Academy' in the Company field of the Event Catalog.
Gen Con is excited to announce the return of our Guest of Honor program at Gen Con Indy, where we will be hosting esteemed game designers and industry professionals. For 2025, we plan to invite two distinguished guests. Please stay tuned for updates, as we will share all the details about the guests as they become available.
The Game Design Academy is a component of Trade Day, enabling participants to benefit from various event offerings tailored to specific interests that can enhance their game design knowledge. Additionally, it provides an extra day of activities necessary for completing the certification program during Gen Con Indy.
Gen Con is continually seeking content from tabletop gaming industry professionals and experts in the field of game design.
Events for the Game Design Academy are being curated by our coordinators, who are experienced academics in the gaming industry. In line with Gen Con's open event submission policy, we are reviewing event submissions that focus on game design for possible inclusion in the program, specifically for the Explorer track.
To submit an event for Gen Con Indy, please visit the Host page on our website for more details. Visit here to learn more about the Academy coordinators. For any questions, please contact Game Design Academy.
Game Design Academy offers sponsorship opportunities to promote your company. You don't need to be a Gen Con Indy exhibitor or have purchased other marketing to take advantage of these offerings.
Bundle both Trade Day and/or Gen Con Indy sponsorships to create unique marketing opportunities designed especially for you and your company. A one-sheet of sponsorships for Game Design Academy will be coming soon. For more information and/or questions about these and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sales & Sponsorships.
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For questions, please click the Help bubble at the bottom right of the website. For the Game Design Academy FAQ, please click here.