Washington Network for Innovative Careers Skill Center – DigiPen Game Design

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

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. Second Year Game Design sets out to expand students' voice as designers by building: confidence, communication techniques, programing, specialized expertise.