Description
Graphic Design & Video Game Making
In today’s digital world, design and interactivity shape how we learn, play, communicate, and create. This course combines the foundations of graphic design with the fundamentals of game design, giving students a broad skillset for both print/screen media and interactive entertainment.
Fall Semester:
Students will begin by exploring the principles of visual communication, learning how designers use words, images, and layout to tell powerful stories and inspire action. They will work with free, web-based tools such as Photopea, Pixlr, and Fotor to develop projects in branding, typography, advertising, packaging, social media campaigns, and digital interfaces. Along the way, students will gain practical skills in concept generation, portfolio development, and visual storytelling.
Spring Semester:
The course then transitions into the world of game design, examining how games evolve from initial concepts to fully playable experiences. Students will study core mechanics, gameplay balance, user interfaces, and storytelling while considering how new platforms—such as mobile devices, motion capture, and free-to-play models—are shaping the industry. Using case studies, design worksheets, and hands-on exercises, students will explore the art of creating engaging, interactive worlds without the need for programming.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand and apply design principles across print, digital, and interactive platforms.
- Create effective visual messages through advertising, branding, and media projects.
- Develop foundational skills in game concepting, mechanics, and player experience.
- Analyze how design decisions influence audience behavior, whether through a poster, an ad campaign, or a video game.
- Assemble a portfolio showcasing both graphic design and game design work.
This course offers the best of both worlds—graphic design for communication and media, and game design for play and interactivity—giving students a strong foundation to pursue further study in design, web development, or interactive media.
High School Credits
- 1 credit
Grade Levels
- 9th – 12th grade
Prerequisites
- None
Required Materials
- Sketch pad and pencil, colored pencils, color markers
Estimated Workload
- 1 hour/week
