Game Design Labs

Learning objectives

• Acquire technical skills in designing and developing 2D/3D video games.
• Develop interactive storytelling skills and non-linear narrative design.
• Introduce students to the use of game engines (Unity, Unreal) and visual scripting languages.
• Teach teamwork, project management and rapid prototyping.
• Promote a critical approach to video games as cultural, educational and social tools.

Examples of skills developed

• Game design and gamification: designing game dynamics and rules.
• Interactive storytelling and worldbuilding: creating immersive narrative environments.
• 3D modelling and animation: creating characters and scenarios with professional software.
• Development with game engines: Unity, Godot or Unreal Engine.
• Audio design and music creation: designing the sound environment and effects.
• Testing, debugging and user experience: analysing the game experience and iterative improvement.

Examples of practical exercises

• Creating a 2D video game with level-based structure and a custom user interface.
• Designing and modelling an animated, playable 3D character.
• Developing a virtual escape game or educational serious game.
• Simulating a complete development cycle in a team (scrum/agile).
• Building a launch campaign with trailer, poster and promotional material.
• Debugging and balancing gameplay through test sessions and feedback.

Technical equipment (examples)

• High-end graphics workstations with dedicated GPUs
• Graphics tablets, virtual-reality headsets, 3D mice and game controllers
• 3D printers for physical prototyping of characters and objects
• Professional software for modelling, animation and game development (e.g. Blender, Unity, Unreal, Krita)
• Audio recording systems and studio microphones for dubbing and effects
• Mobile cart, high-performance networking, shared storage systems

Curricular integration

The Game Design labs are designed to support curricular teaching in the following tracks:

• Computer science and telecommunications
• Graphics and communication
• Art schools with a multimedia track
• Technical track for cultural and entertainment services
• Audiovisual, multimedia and digital vocational track

They can also be effectively used for work-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, school e-sport competitions, extracurricular creative labs and school productions in augmented or virtual reality.

Accessibility and inclusion

The lab ensures inclusive and accessible environments and workstations also for students with motor, visual or hearing disabilities. Activities are designed according to UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles, with adaptable experiences and personalized digital aids. The use of assistive technologies and facilitation tools is provided.

Technical support and teacher training

• Installation, configuration and complete testing of the lab
• Consultancy for inclusion in the school education plan, learning units and work-based learning paths
• Teacher training on teaching methodologies, game-based learning and the use of digital tools
• Access to portals with tutorials, project templates and resources for teaching with video games

Why choose this lab

• Learning-by-doing approach on professional technologies
• Promotion of creativity, problem solving and collaborative work
• Integration of narrative, visual, logical and musical languages
• High appeal for students and applicability in the digital world of work
• Opportunity to connect with the gaming industry and the world of creative start-ups