Game Design Fundamentals

 

Online Certificate Course

 

Build the foundation of your game design skills for post-secondary study.

Whether you have prior training or no experience at all, our entry-level certificate courses have everything you need to take meaningful steps towards portfolio development for post-secondary study and your dream career. We welcome aspiring game devs, high school students, mature students, and anyone looking to upskill or make a career pivot. Developed by VFS's team of industry professionals, these courses will provide insight into what VFS’s 1-year Game Design program can help you achieve.

Course Details:

Dates: May 6 - June 17, 2026

Instructor: Braden Banning

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

Time: Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. PDT

Cost: $950 CAD

 

Register Now

 

 

Game Design Fundamentals (online)

Jump into the world of game design with this exciting introductory course. You’ll be taken through theory, industry “war-stories”, 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.

 

  • 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.