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Esports, Gaming, and Strategy

Tabletop Game Design

This course introduces students to the creative process of designing tabletop games, including board games, card games, and role-playing games.

Grades 3rd-12th Esports, Gaming, and Strategy
Tabletop Game Design
About

About this program

This course introduces students to the creative process of designing tabletop games, including board games, card games, and role-playing games. Students will learn how to develop game mechanics, rules, objectives, balance, and player engagement, while exploring themes, storytelling, and visual design. The course emphasizes iteration, playtesting, and feedback, helping students refine their ideas into fully playable experiences. Through hands-on activities, students will gain skills in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and design, while also learning how games are developed and brought to life.

Final Projects or Artifacts:

Final projects or artifacts

The final project can include: A Fully Playable Game Prototype – A board game, card game, or tabletop experience created by the student, complete with rules and components. A Rulebook and Instructions Guide – A clear and organized explanation of gameplay, objectives, and mechanics. A Playtesting Report – Feedback collected from peers, along with revisions made to improve game balance and engagement. A Design Reflection – A written or recorded explanation of the concept, inspiration, and development process.

Program Requirements

Program requirements

Instructor access to SmartBoard or Projector
Art supplies (ex: colored markers; drawing paper; Sketchbooks; Rulers; Paintbrushes; paints)
General Stationary - Ex: Pencils paper pens
Access to Printer (for Instructor documents)
Gallery

Program gallery