Game Design Academy - Student Track

From Inspiration to Innovation: Build Your Game Design Career

Are you passionate about creating games or dreaming of a career in game design? Join the Gen Con Game Design Academy Student Track, designed specifically for aspiring designers eager to develop their skills.

Packed with expert-led, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of game design—positioning you for future success.

Students can expect to explore key aspects of game design, including rapid prototyping, mechanics, themes, and player psychology while engaging with industry professionals and notable figures in the field.

This unique program kicks off on Wednesday and requires a Trade Day badge with a Participation Type of Game Designer.

Wednesday Curriculum (required)

Wednesday events offer exclusive content hosted by experienced academics in the gaming industry, developing the professional skills of a game designer, going from hobby to profession.

Thursday through Sunday

Events will be hosted over the four days of Gen Con Indy, with both morning and afternoon sessions and independent work during the day, along with required electives. These events are designed to integrate all that Gen Con Indy has to offer, making your experience at the show an immersive classroom. Learn things like:

  • The Player Experience
  • Narrative Design
  • Word Building
  • And more!

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the foundational concepts of game design, including the role of fun and the importance of player engagement.
  • Explore key questions in game design: “What is fun?” and “Who are the players?”
  • Identify and analyze different types of game mechanics through play and discussion.
  • Develop an iterative mindset by modifying a game and conducting a playtest.
  • Create a rapid prototype of a game concept to practice the principles of iteration and creativity

Certificate of Completion

Designed to align with academic credits, the Game Design Academy certificate allows for a practical and transferable foundation for further education, professional development or badge of honor. The Student curriculum is designed as an “Intro to Game Design” course.

Requirements for Certification: Mandatory to Meet the Minimum Standards of Academia

  • Purchase a Trade Day badge with a Participation Type of Game Designer * to receive a Certificate of Completion from the Gen Con Game Design Academy.
  • Participate in seven (7) hours of events on Wednesday.
  • Active participation of the daily assignments over the four days of Gen Con (“Assignment Sessions” and “Office Hours” events).
  • Complete the required assignment(s), documentation/artifact as directed.
  • Register for Game Design Academy events in advance. Generic tickets will not be accepted. Event Registration opens May 18.
  • Event Tickets redeemed (scanned or turned in (i.e. attend the event(s)).

*Trade Day badges with a designation other then Game Designer are eligible as well. Trade Day badge sales close Monday, July 14 at 12:01 am Eastern. There are no onsite Trade Day badge sales.

Process: Upon completing the program, Gen Con will conduct a review to assess the completion criteria and provide approval. Once approved, you will receive your Certificate of Completion, as well as access to the Gen Con Game Design Academy documentation library. This library will include the curriculum, event syllabuses, and information about the instructors' CVs, etc.

Timeline: The process is expected to take six-eight weeks after the convention for completion.

If you would like to attend the events being hosted on Wednesday but are not interested in the certification, you need to purchase a Trade Day badge with a Participation Type of Game Designer.


Articulation Agreements

Gen Con is pleased to announce an articulation agreement with the following institution.

We are working to add more distinguished higher-learning intuitions to this list.

* If you represent an accredited higher education institution and would be interested in seeing Game Design Academy's learning objectives so your school can have an Articulation Agreement with this program, please email Game Design Academy.

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