DigiPen Game Design
- Location: DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus
- 3 High School Credits: Year 1: CTE (2.0), Third Year Math (1.0).
Year 2 - CTE (3.0). Course Equivalencies are under consideration
- No Tuition
- 2 Year Program Available
- Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students
- DigiPen College Credits Available: Year 1 - DES 100/DES 115, GAM 120
This is a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits).
What makes games fun, useful, or engaging? How can we design systems to allow users to get the most enjoyment, the greatest payoff? How do we provide the best value for the player’s investment of time and energy?
This program is intended to complement the current Video Game Programming track. It is for creative-minded students who are deeply curious to understand the behavior and psychology behind games and are eager to learn the skills and methods used for designing fun and engaging interactive experiences.
Students in this project-based program study engagement theory alongside concepts from computer science, psychology, economics, communications, and user experience.
Students will:
- Identify and apply foundational game design theories and mechanics.
- Investigate different game design disciplines including: systems design, level design, user experience design, narrative design, and technical design.
- Apply essential user experience design (UXD) techniques like wireframing, prototyping, user research, and usability testing.
- Learn basic scripting and programming skills to develop game prototypes using game engine.
- Identify industry game design roles and the specific skill sets required by each role, to develop a successful, individual career path.
- Collaborate on team projects with students from the other DigiPen WANIC tracks.
DigiPen Game Design Year 2:
This is a full-year, 3 period Skill Center class (3 high school credits). Second Year Game Design sets out to expand students’ voice as designers by building: confidence, communication techniques, programing, specialized expertise. Each second-year student will select an area of specialty to independently study, practice, and hone their skills to become a subject matter expert. Throughout the year students will mentor first year students and collaborate with peers as they create 3D games.
Potential Careers:
DigiPen Game Design students may be interested in pursuing a variety of career options.
Sample of reported job titles: Game Developer, Game Designer, Digital Interface Designer, Level Designer, UX Designer, Gameplay Programmer, or Systems Designer.
Median Yearly Salary Seattle Metro area*
Digital Interface Designers $95,380
Producers and Directors $83,480
Technical Writers $91,670
*Source: bls.gov/ooh, U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025
PREPARE FOR COLLEGE AND A CAREER!
Course Expectations: DigiPen Game Design. Located at DigiPen Institute of Technology
Reading Expectations of this class:
Students will be expected to conduct online research and read and review information from various websites. High-school and college-level technical documentation for software will be utilized.
Writing Expectations of this class:
Students will be asked to write technical documentation, including proposals and documents that outline the scope and approach they use to complete projects.
Math Expectations of this class:
Students will be using basic math skills and exploring and applying concepts of variables, probability and statistics within the context of game design.
Science Expectations of this class:
Students will look at the fundamentals of psychology and education theory, focusing on how players learn and the best ways to teach and assess them. Students will employ these core theories to develop games, providing an immersive experience for players.
Homework Expectations of this class:
All the coursework for this class is intended to be done during class. Lab time is planned in class for every assignment, and students are expected to be self-motivated during this time. The goal is for students to have all the help they need while they are actively working on their assignments. Any work done outside of class is typically preparatory work such as reading or reviewing a video in advance of the topic being introduced in the class.
To be successful in this class, the student should be prepared to:
Applying and practicing skills is key to showcasing your competency. Embrace an attendance policy reflecting the norms of business and industry, where you take on the role of an employee or professional. Commit to full daily attendance and active participation for optimal learning and productivity. Dive into the program's array of hands-on activities necessary for earning credit.
Additional Information:
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Two-year program available. Prerequisites Year 2: Successful completion of Year 1 and instructor approval.
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College credit may be available.
All content subject to change
Information on this website is subject to change without notice. WANIC endeavors to maintain accurate and current content; however, information may change prior to being updated on the website. We welcome notification of any discrepancies.
RSVP for Required DigiPen Info Session
RSVP for a DigiPen Information Session on the DigiPen Website. Attendance is required prior to enrollment.
DigiPen Game Design YR 1 Sample Syllabus (PDF)
This syllabus is a sample; updates may be made each year, but this will provide additional program information which you may find helpful.
Full Year Information
DigiPen Game Design Program Intro Video
