Carnegie Mellon University
IDeATe

Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology

Game Design

Build the gaming worlds of tomorrow

IDeATe  ›  Undergraduate Programs  ›  Game Design

Game Design

Game design is an art, a craft, and a science. Students in the IDeATe Game Design minor will gain mastery in all three aspects through game design, development, and assessment. You will learn about the rich histories, theory, and practice of game creation taught by faculty experts, and have opportunities to collaborate across the many disciplines needed to make successful game experiences. Through coursework you will be able to realize your own unique aesthetics and voice by reflecting on your own game play and by thoughtfully critiquing the games of others. Through the minor students will be able to build a strong game design portfolio, deepen cultural sensitivities as a game designers, and expand their creative practice. In particular, you will gain skills and competencies in the following areas of game design:

  • Game systems and mechanics design
  • Interactive narrative and character development
  • Visual and audio asset creation
  • Game programming
  • Interface design and user testing
  • Collaboration and the iterative design process

Game Design Minor - Minimum of 45 Units

One Computing Course - Minimum of 9 Units
  • 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice
  • 15-110 Principles of Computing
  • 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • 60-212 Intermediate Studio: Creative Coding

One IDeATe Portal Course - Minimum of 9 Units
  • 53-322 IDeATe: Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio
    • currently offered in Fall only
  • 62-150 IDeATe Portal: Introduction to Media Synthesis and Analysis
    • Section B: Introduction to Mediascapes: 2D to 3D Spatial Environments

IDeATe Game Design Courses - Minimum of 27 Units
  • 05-418 Design of Educational Games
  • 05-499 Special Topics in HCI
    • for sections related to Game Design
  • 15-466 Computer Game Programming
  • 53-325 IDeATe Special Topics in Animation: Bipedal Rigging for Animation Production
  • 53-353 Understanding Game Engines
  • 53-354 Principles of Lighting for Games and XR
  • 53-362 Advanced Look Development: The Two Worlds of Texture
  • 53-371 Role Playing Games Writing Workshop
  • 53-409 Game Design
  • 53-451 Research Issues in Game Development: Designing for XR
  • 53-471 Game Design, Prototyping, and Production
  • 53-472 Advanced Game Studio
  • 60-213 Intermediate Studio: Game Studio
  • 60-419 Advanced ETB: Game Studio
  • Additional courses as available. Please check IDeATe Courses for the options for the current and upcoming semesters.
Double-counting: Students may double-count up to two of their IDeATe minor courses for other requirements.

How to Participate

The Game Design minor is offered by the Entertainment Technology Center as part of the Integrative Design, Arts and Technology (IDeATe) network. 

Students interested in the minor should contact the IDeATe advisor to discuss curriculum and to make a loose plan of study. All students are welcome to take IDeATe's Game Design courses to fulfill requirements or to explore an area of interest. Pursuing the minor is not required to take the courses.

Game Design Faculty

The Game Design faculty represent Carnegie Mellon's expertise in Art and Entertainment Technology. They carefully oversee the collaboration of students while delivering the IDeATe Game Design courses. Learn more about participating faculty here.