Students in the Game Design minor have the opportunity to learn to design games in terms of game-play, fun and user experience, system design, and level design. Classes in the minor focus on critical thinking, advanced theory, integrated scripting/programming, deep analytic skills and disciplinary knowledge to construct original game and simulation designs, as well as deconstruct, analyze, and evaluate existing works. Students learn to apply innovative game design patterns and use state-of-the-art techniques and tools to create game experiences that are engaging and immersive. The program focuses on the importance of using effective game production techniques from a variety of methodologies in order to create well-planned and documented projects of various sizes, ranging from large commercial-style teams, to smaller independent-scale projects.

Special emphasis is placed on fostering professional and productive collaborations between designers within an interdisciplinary game development team. Cross-disciplinary communication skills are required for a team of artists, designers, programmers, and sound designers to come together to create a fun and engaging game.