K–6TechNest
Game Design Theory
What makes games fun
Quincy
JorahBefore you start
- Age band
- K–6
- Time
- 25–45 minutes
- Quest type
- Hanging Out
- Guardian
- Cass · Box Elder
- Materials needed
- Index Cards (200+ pack for prototyping)
- Dry-Erase Markers + Small Whiteboard
- The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses (Jesse Schell)
Why this skill rocks
Ever wonder why some games are super fun and others are just okay? Learning game design lets you peek behind the curtain and understand the secrets to making amazing games!
2034Where this could take you
By 2034, you could be designing the next big video game, maybe even a cool Olympic-themed one, thrilling players all over the world. You'll be a creative genius, building new worlds.
What You'll Need
Optional materials for this quest.
Index Cards (200+ pack for prototyping)
RequiredIndex cards are the single most important physical tool for game designers. You use them for cards, tokens, rule reference sheets, and quick iteration. Being able to scribble a new rule, cut it out, and add it to your prototype in 30 seconds is what makes paper prototyping so powerful.
Dry-Erase Markers + Small Whiteboard
RequiredA small whiteboard lets you map out game systems, draw flowcharts of player choices, and sketch level layouts — then wipe it and try again. Game design is a visual, iterative process and having a writable surface you can erase freely speeds up your thinking dramatically.
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses (Jesse Schell)
The most widely recommended game design textbook in university programs worldwide. Jesse Schell gives you 100+ design lenses — different ways to look at any design problem. Professional game designers keep this on their desk as a reference. If you want to go deep, this is the book.