Game Design Fundamental

 

Online Certificate Courses

 

Level-up your game design skills and build a powerful creative portfolio.

In these online certificate courses, you will gain direct experience in game design and build the foundation necessary to pursue Vancouver Film School’s 12-month Game Design program.

We welcome enthusiasts, high school students, mature students, and anyone looking to make a career change. When you finish an online certificate course at Vancouver Film School, you will receive a digital certificate of completion confirming your experience.

Explore the certificate courses:

 

Game Design Fundamentals (online)

Jump into the world of game design with this exciting introductory course. Game Design Fundamentals will take you from game design theory and industry “war-stories” to hands-on lessons with simple game design tools, and finish off by outlining and pitching your very own game! Additionally, students with access to a Nintendo Switch will be able to try out their new skillset in Super Mario Maker 2, as a class assignment (*see learning outcomes below).

 

  • Learn about the different types of game designers in the industry and what they do day-to-day.
  • Explore the fundamentals of game design theory and some advanced concepts.
  • Design a game level on paper and implement it in the 3D software tool Sketch Up.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing spreadsheets to design systems and balance a game.
  • Design characters, content, and narrative for an existing game of your choice.
  • Create a Super Mario Maker 2 level with level design best practices (alternative Assignment Available for those without a Nintendo Switch).
  • Collaborate on a game pitch with other students and present it to the class.

 

 

  • Computer with a microphone & camera
  • Sketchup (free)
  • Google Sheets (free)
  • Google Docs (free)
  • Google Presentation (free)
  • Nintendo Switch console with Super Mario Maker 2 (recommended) – those who do not have a Nintendo Switch will be able to complete an alternative assignment using Sketchup

 

Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.

 

Course Details:

Dates: May 6 - June 17, 2026

Instructor: Braden Banning

Duration: 7-week course, one online class per week

Time: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. PST

Cost: $950

 

Register Now