Game Design

We all love to play video games, so let’s learn to create our own! From coding, art and design, storytelling and communication, and more there is a lot that goes into creating an awesome game. In our Game Design Mastery Pathway you will learn to create fully playable video games with a range of software whether you are a newbie game creator or are ready to turn pro.  Get ready to become the next big thing in gaming!

COURSES IN THIS PATHWAY

In the Game Design Mastery Pathway students are able to create a variety of fully playable video games through a range of courses that address the following learning goals:

 

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of coding (e.g. sequnce, conditionals, etc) across a range of programming languages
  • Be able to create a working video game that meets desired specifications through “remixing” projects and the creation of unique projects
  • Develop and use troubleshooting strategies to refine and iterate projects
  • Understand the real world applications of game design, related careers, and opportunities for personal growth through game design
Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Video Game Design wtih Bloxels

Using Bloxels, students will explore what it means to be a video game designer as they develop an engaging story, design their levels and characters, and program their game mechanics. This course will lead students through the entire process of creating a video game from the ground up.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection.

Tools & Additional Downloads: You will need to purchase access to Bloxels EDU. Bloxels EDU is available through the web or as a downloadable app.

Skill Level: 1/5

Video Game Design with MakeCode Arcade

Did you know your favourite video games are built with code? In this course, students will learn to create 5 fully-playable video games with MakeCode Arcade all while learning the fundamentals of code. From retro-style blaster games to a fully functional multi-level platformer, students will explore how to combine creativity and coding to make the next hit video game!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection.

Tools & Additional Downloads: No downloads/account creation required.

Skill Level: 2/5

Video Game Design with Flowlab

Why just play video games when you can design one yourself? Using Flowlab, students will explore what it means to be a video game designer as they design their story and program their game mechanics. This course will lead students through the entire process of creating a video game from the ground up, leaving them with a fully playable and shareable video game to enjoy for years to come!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection.

Tools & Additional Downloads: You will need to create an account with Flowlab.

Skill Level: 2/5

Video Game Design with Unity

Ever wondered how some of your favourite games are made? Now’s your chance to learn how to program games with one of the industry’s most popular tools; Unity! Gain hands-on experience in the Unity editor as you build your very own 2D or 3D game. Learn about important game development concepts like how to create objects, components, collisions, and more.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection.

Tools & Additional Downloads: You will need to download Unity. 

Skill Level: 4/5

eSports

eSports is quickly becoming one of the most popular career options for today’s youth. In this course, students will use gaming to encourage the promotion of social skills, use strategic and critical thinking to develop plans and solutions in and out of a game, learn about managing success and failure, and more!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection.

Tools & Additional Downloads: You will need to download Streamlabs. You will need access to Rocket League, League of Legends, and/or Super Smash Bros. 

Skill Level: 4/5

Video Game Design with Pygame **Coming soon**

Get ready to combine your love of coding and video games! Pygame allows you to create playable games using one of the most popular coding languages worldwide; Python! In this course, students will advance their understanding of Python through the creation of a range of games.

Technology Requirements: A computer with the IDLE software downloaded

Skill Level: 4/5

blank

blank

Coding with Scratch

Developed by MIT, Scratch is an amazing coding platform that allows students to create digital animations and games. In this course, students will learn to code as they create animated characters that really look like they’re moving, scenes and dialogue, and even fully playable games as they explore the creative side of code!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to create an account with Scratch. 

Skill Level: 2/5

Coding with Python

Learn the fundamentals of coding in one of the most popular programming languages around the world. With Python, students will explore new skills and exciting challenges to advance their understanding of computers and programming.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to create an account with Trinket. 

Skill Level: 3/5

Coding with Processing

Learn the fundamentals of coding in one of hottest programming languages; Processing! This unique language combines coding with digital arts and is designed for non-programmers to learn the fundamentals of computer programming. Get ready to explore the creative side of code!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to download Processing.

Skill Level: 3/5

Coding with Arduino

Get hands-on experience with coding like never before with Arduino! Explore the applications of coding as you create exciting circuitry-based projects as you discover the relationship between the digital and physical worlds.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to create an account with Tinkercad OR use the Arduino Web Editor. Purchase of an Arduino Uno kit is optional. 

Skill Level: 3/5

Coding with Micro:Bit

Want to get hands on in the world of coding? In Coding with Micro:Bit students will learn to use the built in LED screen, buttons, and sensors to create a variety of games and projects as they learn the fundamentals of this exciting technology!

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: No downloads/account creation required. We will use MakeCode for Micro:Bit. 

Skill Level: 2/5

App Development

Everyone has an idea for a great app, so why not learn how to turn that idea into a reality? Learn how to design your very own app prototype that you can download and use right on your phone! Learn about coding and programming, quality design, user experience and user interface, and more as you go through the process of creating an app from the ground up.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to create an account with Thunkable. 

Skill Level: 2/5

Web Development

Have a website you love? It’s powered by HTML! In this course, students will explore this important programming language as they learn to create their own websites from scratch using HTML and CSS.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to create an account with Trinket.

Skill Level: 3/5

Coding with Java *Coming Soon*

Learn the fundamentals of coding with Java. This programming language is used by developers around the world to create apps, websites, and more. With Java, students will explore new skills and hands-on challenges to advance their understanding of computers and programming.

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to download Eclipse. 

Skill Level: 4/5

Coding with C++ *Coming Soon*

Learn the fundamentals of coding in an advanced programming languages used in the workforce; C++.  This unique language provides robust coding experience. This program is designed for students interested in coding who have some prior understanding of the fundamentals of computer programming,

Technology Requirements: A computer with an internet connection. 

Tools & Accounts: You will need to download Eclipse. 

Skill Level: 4/5

Standards Alignment

STEAM Hub is fully aligned to core national and international curriculum including CSTA Standards, ISTE Standards, NGSS Standards, Common Core Standards, and more. 

FAQ

With more than 30 courses across 7 mastery pathways, you may be wondering where to start!

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about our individual courses to help you dive into your fearless learning journey.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no firm prerequisites for any individual course, although some are certainly more advanced than others. See our suggestions for each course for more information on skill level appropriateness. 

Do I need to start with a certain course?

You decide where you’d like to start! Based on your interests, experience, and goals you choose which courses you’d like to explore and in what order. You are able to determine your own learning pathway to create your own custom experience. 

How long will a course take me?

Each of our courses include 20+ hours of learning content (including optional extensions as part of our Global Goals Challenges), but every learner is unique! If you move faster or slower through a course, that’s okay. Take your time and explore at your own pace. 

I'm new to all of this. What's a good course to start with?

If you’re really want a course recommendation, some of our most popular courses include Video Game Design with MakeCode Arcade, 3D Design, Storytelling with Minecraft, Coding with Scratch, and Coding with Python. 

Do I need to complete all of the courses in a mastery pathway?

Nope! You decide which courses you’d like to explore. Our mastery pathways are here to help guide you if you find some courses that really speak to you. If you complete 3+ courses in a mastery pathway, you will earn the trophy for that pathway. However, you still earn medals for each individual course you complete.

What if I need help?

We’re here for you! Send us an email at support@stemminds.com and one of our experts will get back to you ASAP. 


I have completed many STEAM Hub programs

and I have found them all to be very helpful. They always teach me something  I haven’t learned before. In this course, I am happy to be able to code my game and entertain people. Thanks!”

Taylor S., Student

Foundational Courses

  • Foundational courses including computer skills, language and math
  • Free trials for introductory courses included
  • No prior knowledge required

Introductory Courses

  • For students ages 8+
  • Mastery Pathways of our most popular courses
  • No prior knowledge required
  • Some adult support for downloads required

Advanced Courses

  • For students ages 12+
  • Advanced Mastery Pathways with courses in AI, Cybersecurity, and more
  • Introductory courses recommended as a pre-requisite

Ready to get started?

Subscribe to STEAM Hub to get immediate access to these courses and more.