Game Design

 

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:

 

* Upon successful completion of this CONNECT course, the cost can be deducted from any full-time Advanced Production program tuition at VFS. Only one discount may be applied. Contact a VFS Advisor for eligibility.

**Students must confirm they are at least 16 years old at the beginning of the course in order to register.

***Please note that courses may be cancelled at any time due to low enrolment. Upon cancellation, registrants will receive a full refund.

 

To meet your industry instructor(s), click here.

If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]

 

FAQ Page

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: September 24 - November 5, 2025

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

Time: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. PST

Cost: $950

 

Register Now