Games are increasingly recognized as powerful tools for purposes beyond entertainment, including education, training, marketing, and more. This Certificate in Basic Game Design introduces you to the fundamentals of both video and analog game design, with a focus on how games can be used in various business and non-entertainment contexts.

In the first course, you’ll explore the essential components of game design, including mechanics, verbs, and the various activities that make up the design process. You’ll learn how to identify and develop game ideas, create compelling game experiences, and increase your chances of success as a game designer. You’ll also gain a basic understanding of how to collaborate effectively with game developers to bring your ideas to life.

In the second course, you’ll dive deeper into video game design, including the key stages of the development process, the major genres of video games, and the tools used in game creation. You’ll also have hands-on experience with a game development application, taking the first steps toward designing and building your own games.

Upon successful completion of this Certificate, you will have a foundational understanding of game design principles, the skills to start creating your own games, and the knowledge to explore a variety of real-world applications for games beyond traditional entertainment.

The next cohort starts April 6, 2026  

Questions? Email pdi@lynchburg.edu

This two-course certificate includes:

• Introduction to Game Design
• Intermediate Video Game Design