Introduction to Game Design

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

The Introduction to Game Design program is a non-degree course at the California Institute of the Arts, taught in English and lasting several weeks. It's online, so you can participate from anywhere. This program is a great way to get started with game design.

The curriculum focuses on the basics of game design, including game mechanics and storytelling. You will develop skills in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. There are hands-on projects where you can create your own game ideas.

With this program, you could pursue careers like Game Designer, Level Designer, or Game Artist. You might work in the game development industry, with employers like game studios or entertainment companies.