Game Design Principles Course | Unreal Authorized Training Centre

Uncover what makes a video game compelling and build foundations in designing game systems. Gain confidence in navigating industry-used software, including Unreal Engine and Photoshop, and explore essential game workflows.

Why study game design us:

Learn from game experts with real-world experience
Choose from private 1-on-1 or small group classes
We are an Unreal Authorized Training Center and Academic Partner
Blizzard Entertainment training partner

Using AAA case studies, learn to build immersive game levels and interfaces, combine different gameplay systems to create more engaging experiences, and discover what it takes to launch a successful game.

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Our Difference

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.

Industry Mentors Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.

Outcomes Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.

Community Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.

Private · one to one

1:1 Career Mentorship

Next Intake

Monthly

Duration

9 months

QUALIFICATION

Certificate

Train with a working professional focused entirely on you, reviewing your work every week the way a supervisor reviews a junior artist. Immediate, specific, tailored to exactly where you are. You set the pace, push past the set curriculum where you need to, and start the month you are ready.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Working professionals looking to upskill or pivot without leaving their job

Experienced artists who need targeted training in a specific tool or technique

Students who benefit from personalised instruction due to additional learning needs

Private 1-hour weekly sessions with a dedicated mentor

Flexible scheduling and pacing that fits around your life

Personalised feedback on your portfolio and career direction

Start any month, no waiting for a cohort

No prerequisites, assessments, or fixed cohort schedule

GET MORE INFO BOOK A CONSULTATION

Cohort · group class

Group Class

Next Intake

Duration

12 months

Qualification

Certificate

Learn in a small group led by a working professional, with everyone's work reviewed every week the way a studio team operates. You grow alongside people chasing the same goals, sharpening your eye on their work as well as your own, and keep the momentum that comes from not working alone.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Students who learn better in collaborative, social environments

Career changers who want structure and accountability while they transition

Recent school leavers looking for an alternative to a traditional university degree

Weekly 3-hour live classes with a small cohort of peers

Collaborative group projects that simulate studio team workflows

Structured curriculum with assessments and deadlines that keep you on track

Watch your work reviewed next to your peers', and learn from their feedback

Credits transfer directly toward a CGSI degree

GET MORE INFO BOOK A CONSULTATION

Game Design Principles and Tools

Before you can begin building a game you need a basic understanding of game design theory. We'll look at HOW things should be designed, WHY they work, and WHAT you need to do to make a compelling game. See how a platform can change the game design in fundamental ways, and how the differences must be adapted across genres.

Expect to play a LOT of games in the name of research. Every great designer must know how to analyze, deconstruct and understand how each game differs and why. You'll achieve this by learning how to paper design and concept, getting the hang of writing a level design specification, and ensuring level functionality and other technical needs are met.

What You'll Learn

Understand what a game and game systems are and how to design them
Design compelling game systems, quests & objectives
Design core gameplay mechanics
Add visuals to enhance levels
Start learning the Unreal game engine and building simple prototypes

Portfolio projects: Game pitch document, game design document, UE gameplay prototype.

Weekly Breakdown

What is Game Design?
Game Rules and Systems
Systems and Idea Generation
Level Blockouts and Prototyping
Ideas Communication
Iteration and Game Pillars
Fun and the Audience
Game Documentation
Introduction to Combat
Introduction to Puzzles
Components of Game Creation
Pipeline and Polish

Designing and Implementing Game Systems

It's very easy for game designers to get wrapped up in design theories and ideas. But most game ideas need to be touched, felt, played and tested sooner rather than later. In this term, you’ll learn how to bring your ideas to life and find out what goes into making a fun and compelling game.

Great ideas are a dime a dozen, being able to execute them well is more important. Using the concepts, processes and theories you’ve learned so far, you’ll learn how to validate and express your ideas then apply your new skills and knowledge of level and game systems design to tackle more complex level design problems and areas by creating your own playable game prototype in Unreal.

What You'll Learn

Design advanced game systems, maps and assets
Create a compelling game pitch
Use the Unreal Engine to design and build games
Whitebox a level in Unreal Engine

Portfolio project: UE beautiful corner prototype

Weekly Breakdown

Systems Architecture and Visual Scripting
Player Characters
Moving Actors
Damage Systems
Systems Design Diagrams
Pickups and Inheritance
Communication Methods
Spawning and Projectiles
Game UI and Events Dispatchers
Modes, Rules and Loops
Testing and Debugging
Prototyping and Optimization

Action Gameplay Development

Action and combat are an important part of many different games and genres. This term is about learning how to design and create great AAA combat and action games for PC and consoles. You'll take all of the theory and basic understanding of the Unreal engine which you have learned in previous terms and really learn how to apply it to make an incredible game that you can show off in your portfolio.

Take your game from idea to designing the game systems, to designing a fun level, to implementing it in Unreal so that others can play it using our custom toolkit for Unreal. You'll have all the assets and tools you need to build a game, even if you are not an artist or programmer.

What You'll Learn

Create a compelling shooter project in Unreal Engine
Design and create amazing combat in action games
Implement complex AI in Unreal
Design complex objects in the game which players can use

Portfolio projects: Shooter project GDD, and UE shooter project prototype

Weekly Breakdown

Exploring Combat Systems
Player Systems
Designing Enemies
Enemy AI Systems
Enemy AI Perception
Designing Combat Levels
Planning Game Levels
Designing for Pillars
NPCs and Dialogue Systems
Combat and World Objects
Quests and Objectives
Advanced Combat Systems

Cameron Cintron

Cameron Cintron has been writing code for mobile games for 12 years, working with studios including Blue Street Studios and Azure Games while also teaching game programming at Columbia College Chicago. He mentors CGSI Game Programming students with a focus on the systems and patterns that hold up when a project ships to real stores rather than just a class assignment.

Known for Mobile game development

Casey Bradley

Casey is a multi-disciplined designer—he creates levels, designs gameplay systems, and leads design teams. He’s operated in the industry for over a decade and currently works at Traega Entertainment.

Known for America's Army franchise

Chris Kefalas

Chris Kefalas has spent 21 years designing games at studios including Striking Distance, Sumo Digital, Ubisoft, Sucker Punch, Codemasters, Rare, and Radiant Worlds. His credits include The Callisto Protocol, Watch Dogs: Legion, Far Cry 6, Hitman Season 2, Crackdown 3, Kinect Sports, and Operation Flashpoint. He mentors CGSI Game Design students through the design fundamentals that survive long production cycles and platform shifts.

Known for The Callisto Protocol

Eric Jensen

Eric is a Design Manager at PlayStation's Bend Studio. He is excited to share his journey and knowledge he has gained with others.

Known for Days Gone

Glenn Storm

Glenn Storm brings 26 years across game design and feature animation, with credits including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Iron Giant, and Sinbad through stints at Realtime Associates, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros Animation, USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, and the New York Film Academy. The Iron Giant alone earned an Annie Award and an LA Film Critics nod for Best Animated Feature. He mentors CGSI Game Design students with the rare cross-medium perspective that comes from shipping in both.

Known for Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Jason Barlow

Jason Barlow is Course Director for CGSI Game Design, drawing on 16 years across game design education and production. He shapes the program around the design thinking, prototyping, and shipping discipline that studios actually hire for.

Known for Game Design

Mathieu Bissonnette

Mathieu Bissonnette has spent 20 years designing games at Ubisoft, Eidos, Ninja Theory, and Cirque du Soleil, with credits including Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Stories: The Path of Destinies, and Season: A Letter to the Future. He mentors CGSI Game Design students through the rare combination of cinematic storytelling and live-experience design his career has shaped.

Known for Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Michael Cameron

While at award-winning game studio Blazing Griffin, Michael released titles like Murderous Pursuits, The Ship: Remasted, Distant Star: Revenant Fleet and Dino Tribes.

Known for Distant Star: Revenant Fleet

Ming Zhang

With over 6 years of experience in the game industry, Ming has worked for Ubisoft, Activision, and Gameloft. He has also applied his programming skills in a wide range of areas.

Known for Tom Clancy's EndWar

Philippe Baude

Philippe is a Lead Game Designer at Ubisoft. He specializes in 3Cs, Rational Systems Design, Meta-game/Economy Design, and Designer Mentorship. He’s worked on Far Cry, Watch Dogs, and Hyperscape.

Known for Watch Dogs

Ryan Laley

Ryan Laley is a notable figure in the game development community, known for his expertise in using Unreal Engine, a popular game development platform. He has gained recognition for his comprehensive tutorials and educational content, which he shares on various platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. Through his detailed and accessible tutorials, he has helped many aspiring game developers learn the intricacies of Unreal Engine, covering topics from basic concepts to advanced techniques. His approach is characterized by his clear and concise explanations, making complex topics more understandable for beginners and experienced developers alike. His contributions to the community extend beyond tutorials; he often engages with his audience through live streams, Q&A sessions, and community forums, providing personalized guidance and support. In addition to his educational content, he is actively involved in the game development industry, working on his own projects and collaborating with others. His hands-on experience and continuous engagement with the latest developments in Unreal Engine technology keep his content relevant and up-to-date. Overall, Ryan Laley is a respected and influential educator in the game development field, dedicated to empowering others through knowledge sharing and community engagement.

Known for Mimic

Tim Huntsman

Tim is in his fourth decade of designing and producing video games. He has a number of top-selling and award-winning titles to his name.

Known for Disney Infinity

Tom Oliver

Tom Oliver is Course Director for CGSI Game Design, with 13 years across game development and credits including Stuntfall. He shapes the program around the prototyping, iteration, and shipping discipline that turns design ideas into playable products.

Known for Stuntfall

Troy Dunniway

Troy is an award-winning game designer and executive with over 25 yrs of game development experience at major companies like Microsoft, Ubisoft, Insomniac, EA, Disney, and Samsung.

Known for Resistance: Fall of Man

Student Testimonials

Get The Education You Deserve

"CG Spectrum's training got me hired in the industry.

CG Spectrum helped me build the skills and connections that directly resulted in getting hired as a Gameplay Programmer at New World Interactive."

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Jeff G | Game Development

"CG Spectrum has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality of learning, support, and continued guidance from mentors and peers.

Also, the community at CG Spectrum is amazing! People are passionate about what they study and do. It's a great study and work environment."

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Alexios V | Game Development

"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.

If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."

shaulhagen-headshot
Shaul H | Game Development

"A cornerstone for your career.

I can honestly say that even by having experience in the field, I've gained a mind-blowing volume of understanding, even when considering the most basic of aspects behind Game Design and Development! Concepts I thought I knew now look so different in a new light. Lessons are challenging, and assignments and classes engaging. A must for any professional looking to up their game a notch or 73."

fritz-m
Fritz M | Game Development

"I chose CG Spectrum because I wanted to take my learning to the next level & ensure I was working on the most efficient way to get into the industry.

Chris Swain was the guiding force that kept me headed in the right direction with his sage advice. He was also a calming presence that kept me relaxed during what was often an overwhelming experience.

Thank you Chris for being a friend, a motivator, and a teammate during my time at CG Spectrum and beyond."

luke-williford Luke Williford | Game Development

"CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.

The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. "

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Loris C | Game Development

"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.

My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."

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Kieran L | Game Art & Animation

"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.

Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.

benjamin oman
Benjamin O | Game Art & Animation

"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!

I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"

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Kasia P | Game Art & Animation

"Having someone that is part of the industry personalizing your training, and providing honest feedback backed up by years of experience is something very valuable you won't get in other Game Programming Courses.

My mentor assisted me in realizing a game prototype I had in mind for quite a long time, and that was amazing. I highly recommend anyone interested in the course to spend that extra money and go for the 1-to-1 formula, because that's where you'll see the biggest difference with other online resources."

luca-perdelli
Luca Piedrelli | Game Development

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for the Game Design Principles course?

Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Can I start in a later term if I have prior experience?

At CG Spectrum, occasionally, it is possible to skip ahead and start studying in later terms. We highly recommend that most students do not skip ahead as each subject covers a tremendous amount of information and skills that will be used throughout the entire program (and will require some catching up in your own time if skipped).

Term one is still incredibly challenging and covers a lot of material. It includes over 25 hours of lecture videos and there are over a dozen assignments students need to complete. All of the future course material will build upon this foundation.

The course will cover some basic concepts, teach the basics of using the Unreal Engine, teach the fundamentals of system and level design, and teach you how to deconstruct games properly and design using a systemic approach.

If you have not released an indie game or worked professionally to design PC/Console AAA games, we highly recommend you do not skip the first term. Even if you have designed mobile games, VR, or other genres or platforms of games, we do not recommend skipping it as the nuances are different in each platform.

If you want to be considered for skipping the first term, you must submit a portfolio to be reviewed and considered. The portfolio must include:

Example Pitch Deck, Game Pitch, and a Game Design Document (GDD) for a major action, adventure, role-playing, shooter or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.
Whitebox level prototype in Unreal Engine or Unity.
Example PLAYABLE level or game built in Unreal Engine or Unity. It must also be action, adventure, role-playing, shooter, or other mainstream AAA PC/console game.

This will ensure that you are familiar with the right materials, concepts, and tools to design new game concepts and build them in a game engine.

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio when you apply, and we'll arrange for the department head to review it and, depending on the circumstances, a student interview.

What are the game design software and hardware requirements?

Software:

Students are required to use Unreal Engine, which is free to download.

We also recommend that you purchase Photoshop/Illustrator (Creative Cloud 'All Apps' plan with a student discount) for the length of your studies. Free alternatives to Photoshop include GIMP/Inkscape.

Hardware:

Students will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Unreal Engine and Photoshop.

Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enroling.

What game design careers can I explore post-graduation?

This course gives you an excellent understanding of game design fundamentals. Depending on your level of commitment, skills, and portfolio pieces, you may be ready to start applying for entry-level artist positions.

To further hone your skills and increase your hiring potential, the Game Designer Specialization course (available early 2025) is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and building your portfolio to prepare you for junior game design jobs such as:

Students also gain access to additional career services to support them in their job hunt. The CG Spectrum community is another great resource—you can network and find out about game development job vacancies through graduates and mentors already working in the industry.

Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

EXPLORE GAME DEVELOPMENT JOBS

Game Design Principles

Start Building Your Own Games with Guidance from Industry Game Designers

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Same Course. Same Mentors. Two Ways to Train.

1:1 Career Mentorship

WHO IS THIS FOR

Group Class

WHO IS THIS FOR

Course Curriculum

Game Design Principles and Tools

Designing and Implementing Game Systems

Action Gameplay Development

Download the Course Guide

Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors

Cameron Cintron

Casey Bradley

Chris Kefalas

Eric Jensen

Glenn Storm

Jason Barlow

Mathieu Bissonnette

Michael Cameron

Ming Zhang

Philippe Baude

Ryan Laley

Tim Huntsman

Tom Oliver

Troy Dunniway

Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Questions? We Have Answers

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