Do you have a burning desire to develop games that aren’t just entertaining, but are also emotionally impactful and captivating? In this comprehensive masterclass, Renée Gittins, the esteemed Studio Head at Stumbling Cat, the creative force behind the acclaimed “Potions: A Curious Tale,” will guide you on a journey to elevate your game design prowess to new heights.

By the end of this masterclass, you will have the tools and confidence to design and develop games that not only entertain but also inspire, challenge, and move players. Whether you are an aspiring game designer or a seasoned professional, this masterclass will provide you with invaluable insights and practical skills to take your game design to the next level.

This masterclass will equip you with practical skills and effective strategies to:

• Grasp the core principles of game design: Learn about the different roles, key skills, and essential principles that lead to successful game design.
• Implement innovative design approaches: Discover ways to evoke emotions in your players, utilize psychological principles, and design compelling gameplay loops that keep players coming back for more.
• Become proficient in communication and documentation: Learn how to articulate your ideas effectively and produce clear and concise documentation that fosters team alignment.
• Improve and iterate your game: Acquire hands-on experience in iterative development and discover the best practices for playtesting to refine and balance your game.

Course Curriculum

Game Design Fundamentals

• Introduction to Game Design Roles and Skills
• Core Principles
• Target Audience

Game Design Lenses

• Emotional impact.
• Psychology.
• Core, motivation, and reward loops.
• User experience.

Communication and Documentation

• Effective communication and documentation.
• Tools and best practices.

Iterative Design and Playtesting

• Iterative game development.
• Playtesting best practices.
• “Juice”, polish, and balance.

Who Should Enroll?

• Game developers who want to enhance their game design skills.
• Game designers who are determined to stay ahead in the industry.
• Indie developers who are passionate about crafting extraordinary gaming experiences.
• Students eager to learn from the best.

Why This Masterclass?

• Learn from an Industry Expert: Renée Gittins is a respected figure in the indie game community, with vast experience as a developer in AAA, R&D, and indie projects.
• Network with Fellow Developers: Become part of a community of like-minded individuals and cultivate valuable relationships that will support your growth as a game designer.
• Advance Your Career: The skills and knowledge you’ll learn in this masterclass will give you a competitive edge in the game development industry.