Game Design
Create the mechanics, stories, and worlds of video games
What You'll Study
Game Design is not just "playing games". It is the complex art of creating rules, systems, and experiences that are fun. It blends storytelling, programming, psychology, and art.
- Game Mechanics & Systems
- Level Design
- Game Engines (Unity/Unreal)
- Narrative Design
- 3D Modeling / Animation Basics
- Programming (C#/C++)
- Player Psychology
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You analyze games while playing them
- ✓You like creating rules for board games
- ✓You are a storyteller
- ✓You are tech-savvy but also artistic
- ✓You work well in diverse teams (coders + artists)
- ✓You are resilient (crunch time is real)
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You only want to play games (Testing is tedious work)
- ✕You dislike computers/coding entirely
- ✕You want a 9-5 job with no overtime
- ✕You can't take criticism on your creative work
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
When you lose a game, do you blame the game design?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Game Designer
Create engaging gaming experiences by designing gameplay mechanics, levels, and interactive systems.
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Work with cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems.
UX/UI Designer
Design intuitive and beautiful digital experiences that solve user problems and delight customers.
Product Manager
Lead product development from conception to launch, bridging business strategy with user needs and technical capabilities.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Level Designer
- •Systems Designer
- •Game Producer
- •Narrative Designer
- •QA Tester
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Design a board game on paper and play-test it with friends.
Follow a Unity or Unreal Engine tutorial to make a ball move.
Create a complete, simple game during a "Game Jam" (48hr event).
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
It is volatile. Layoffs happen after project shipping. But successful hits pay well.
Designers script (light coding). Programmers code (heavy). You need basic scripting.
CS is safer/broader. Game Design is specialized. Many do CS with Game minor.
Playing is research, but Making is the job.
Crucial. You must have shipped games (even small ones) to get hired.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Game Design is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.