Video Game Design

Video Game Design is the core discipline within the broader field of Game Development that focuses on crafting the player's experience by conceptualizing and documenting a game's fundamental rules, mechanics, systems, narrative, and overall structure. Bridging creative vision with technical implementation, it draws upon principles from Computer Science to ensure that the designed systems are logical, balanced, and feasible to program. Designers create the essential blueprint that guides the entire development team—including programmers, artists, and sound engineers—in building a cohesive and engaging interactive world.

  1. Foundations of Game Design
    1. Understanding Games as Interactive Systems
      1. Defining Games vs. Toys vs. Puzzles
        1. Core Components of Games
          1. Players
            1. Objectives
              1. Rules
                1. Resources
                  1. Conflict
                    1. Boundaries
                    2. Player Agency and Choice
                      1. Meaningful Decisions
                        1. Feedback Systems
                        2. The Role of the Game Designer
                          1. Designer Responsibilities
                            1. Creative Vision Development
                              1. Communication and Collaboration Skills
                                1. Problem-Solving Methodologies
                                  1. Technical Literacy Requirements
                                    1. Types of Game Designers
                                      1. Lead Designer
                                        1. Systems Designer
                                          1. Level Designer
                                            1. Narrative Designer
                                              1. UX Designer
                                                1. Economy Designer
                                              2. Historical Context of Game Design
                                                1. Ancient Games and Their Influence
                                                  1. Board Game Evolution
                                                    1. Early Video Game Era
                                                      1. Arcade and Console Origins
                                                        1. PC Gaming Revolution
                                                          1. Online and Multiplayer Evolution
                                                            1. Mobile Gaming Impact
                                                              1. Indie Game Movement
                                                              2. Fundamental Design Theories
                                                                1. MDA Framework
                                                                  1. Mechanics
                                                                    1. Dynamics
                                                                      1. Aesthetics
                                                                      2. Elemental Tetrad
                                                                        1. Mechanics
                                                                          1. Story
                                                                            1. Aesthetics
                                                                              1. Technology
                                                                              2. Rules of Play Framework
                                                                                1. Player-Centered Design
                                                                                  1. Systems Thinking