Game Design
Game Design
The course focuses on leveraging the methodologies and techniques of game design and development to instil durable competitive advantages in areas such as planning, complex problem solving, and teamwork. Participants will learn the foundational principles of programming, storytelling, and game mechanics through practical activities.
Objectives and skills
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Foster a deep understanding of collaborative values, mission, and vision, empowering participants to align individual goals with collective success.
- Enhance critical thinking and communication through interactive and engaging activities that challenge conventional problem-solving approaches.
- Cultivate creativity and innovation, encouraging participants to think outside the box and design unique solutions in game-based scenarios.
- Develop leadership skills by immersing participants in team-based tasks that require strategic decision-making and coordination.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration by leveraging the dynamics of group challenges, emphasizing trust, and collective intelligence.
- Build essential “life skills” such as adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence through immersive game experiences that mirror real-life complexities.
This course aspires to transform participants by using collaborative games as a medium for personal and professional growth, equipping them to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.
Methodology
- Interactive Workshops: Each module is designed as a hands-on session to ensure active participation.
- Collaborative Projects: Participants work in groups to develop projects that simulate real-world game development processes.
- Experiential Learning: Incorporates techniques like Lego Serious Play to enhance creativity and 3D thinking.
- Case Studies: Practical examples of video and board games will be analyzed to draw insights into design and mechanics.
Benefits to participants – Skills and competences
At the end of the course the trainees will be able to:
- Strategic Communication:
Master effective communication within teams by learning how to articulate ideas clearly, actively listen, and build consensus during collaborative challenges. - Collaborative Problem-Solving:
Engage in dynamic scenarios where teamwork is essential to tackle complex challenges, fostering quick thinking and cooperative solutions. - Creativity and Innovation:
Develop innovative approaches to designing narratives, rules, and mechanics in games, with an emphasis on using creativity to break conventional thinking patterns. - Leadership and Facilitation:
Gain hands-on experience in leading teams, motivating peers, and facilitating group tasks, essential for project management and people leadership in any professional context. - Critical Thinking:
Learn to analyze problems deeply, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions through structured gameplay and design exercises. - Adaptability and Emotional Intelligence:
Strengthen your ability to adapt to changing dynamics, handle challenges with resilience, and foster emotional intelligence for a supportive team environment. - Game Design and Programming Foundations:
Acquire a foundational understanding of game design mechanics and programming (using Scratch and Python), equipping participants with technical tools applicable beyond the gaming context. - Building Long-Lasting Competitive Advantages:
Learn how the process of creating games enhances lifelong skills, such as strategic planning, creativity, and collaborative innovation, making participants stand out in their respective fields.
- Certificate of attendance
- Europass Mobility Document (if requested)
Training Programme
Day 1:
- Introduction and course overview.
- “Unplugged” computing: Exploring relational logic and the technology behind games.
Day 2:
- Visual programming with Scratch.
- Exploring the concept of games, mechanics, and examples.
Day 3:
- Python programming: Variables, conditions, loops, and lists.
- Mathematical foundations for game creation.
- Hands-on activity: Text-based adventure games.
Day 4:
- Storytelling for games: Visual and narrative environments.
- Introduction to board games: Examples and principles.
Day 5:
- Practical board game design: Narrative, rules, and mechanics.
- Lego Serious Play: 3D thinking and character creation.
- Final group project and certificate ceremony.
Standard course fee
450 EUR
Includes class materials & coffee-breaks
Optional pack
+75 EUR
Includes 3 visits to companies/business related to the topic of the training course + 1 cultural visit (e.g. local beaches and/or Underground Museum or similar)
Instructor
António Durão
Ana Ribeiro (ana.ribeiro@raisemotions.pt)
Target audience
This course is designed for educators, trainers, and professionals who wish to use the game production process to develop both soft and hard skills. It is also suited for individuals interested in game design as a tool for problem-solving, teamwork, and storytelling. |
Language(s)
English (Level B2 Required)
Duration
5 Days
“Game Design” availability