Computer Game Design

Description from DukeHub

Learn foundational principles of video game design and development by combining technical implementation with creative design. The course examines how interactive software systems are built, evaluated, and refined, with emphasis on second order design principles that explain how player behavior emerges from system rules. Students gain hands on experience developing 2D games, progressing from concept and prototyping through implementation and playtesting. No prior game development experience is required, but a strong foundation in programming is expected. Prerequisite: COMPSCI 210 or 250.

Skills

• programmingdescription: "software" and 2 more
• designdescription: "design" and 3 more

AI-resilient: 0 of 5 0/5

• No: Physical, lab or field work
• No: Live work with people
• No: Judgment someone is accountable for
• No: A craft you practice with your hands or body
• No: Small, in-person format

The checks lean on Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025), which found generative AI applies least to physical work and hands-on work with people. A signal, not a promise. How the score works

More in COMPSCI

• Introduction to Computer Science COMPSCI 101L
• Data Structures and Algorithms COMPSCI 201
• Introduction to Computer Systems COMPSCI 210D
• Everything Data COMPSCI 216
• Discrete Math for Computer Science COMPSCI 230
• Computer Architecture COMPSCI 250D

All COMPSCI courses · All of Undergraduate