Video Game Design

Video games are on our phones, computers, and gaming systems and are played by both kids and adults all over the world. The gaming industry is growing, which means there is generally a larger interest in video game careers.

Stratford's home study program allows students to learn more about what is involved in a career in video game design. Our comprehensive curriculum focuses on fundamental concepts for the beginner designer.

Start Your Video Game Career
• Choosing a Career
• Salary
• Formal Education versus Learning on Your Own
• Applying for Jobs and Internships
• Writing Your Resume and Building Your Portfolio
• Interviewing for Jobs
• Career Networking
• Alternative Work Situations Succeeding at Your Job

Evolution of Video Games
• History of Video Games
• Pong
• Space Invaders
• Pac-Man
• Zork
• Donkey Kong
• ET: The Extra-Terrestrial
• Super Mario Brothers
• The Legend of Zelda
• John Madden Football
• Tetris
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Street Fighter II
• Mortal Kombat
• Super Mario Kart
• Myst
• Doom
• Tomb Raider
• Gran Turismo
• Final Fantasy VII
• Half-Life
• Dance Dance Revolution
• Pokιmon Yellow
• The Sims
• Grand Theft Auto III
• World of Warcraft
• Halo 2
• Guitar Hero
• Wii Sports
• Portal
• Little Big Planet
• Farmville
• Angry Birds
• Minecraft
• Uncharted 2
• League of Legends
• Skylanders
• The Walking Dead
• Overwatch
• The Future of Gaming

Video Game Design Principles and Practices
• World Building
• Field of Play and Objectives of Play
• Video Game Analysis
• First Order Optimal Strategies
• Player Motivation
• Pacing, Arc, Scene and Action
• Preparation, Prototyping and Testing
• Character Design
• Mood Boards
• Level Design
• Plotting the Player Path
• Sizing, Wayfinding, Silhouette Design and Choke Points
• Rewarding the Player
• Interface Design and Audio Design
• Understanding Monetization and Funding
• Using Publishers or Going Independent

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.