Game Design Fundamentals
From Killer Concept to Playable Prototype.
Transform Your Vision into Mobile Reality
Have a groundbreaking mobile game idea? This foundational course at Nomad Game Labs is designed to equip you with the essential principles, methodologies, and practical skills to transform your creative concepts into engaging, market-ready mobile game prototypes. Learn the complete process, from player psychology to pre-production documentation, ensuring your games not only stand out but succeed.
- Learn Core Mechanics & Player Psychology
- Master Level Design & Onboarding
- Build a Playable, No-Code Prototype
Course Snapshot
- Duration: 8 Weeks
- Level: Beginner-Intermediate
- Portfolio Project: Playable Game Prototype
- Prerequisites: None (passion for games required!)
What You'll Learn, Week by Week
This comprehensive curriculum covers every critical phase of mobile game design, structured to provide a clear path from conceptualization to a fully documented and prototyped game.
Weeks 1-2: The Core Loop & Player Psychology
Dive deep into what makes mobile games compelling. Deconstruct successful titles, analyze player motivations, and design robust core loops that drive engagement and retention. Master the '3 C's': Character, Camera, and Controls, laying the groundwork for intuitive gameplay.
- Key Topics: Player archetypes, motivation theory, genre analysis, core loop design, control schemes, camera perspectives.
- Activity: Deconstruct a popular mobile game, identify its core loop and psychological hooks.
Weeks 3-4: Concept to Game Design Document (GDD)
Translate your raw ideas into a structured vision. Learn brainstorming techniques, world-building essentials, and how to articulate your game's mechanics, narrative, and user experience. Develop a complete, industry-standard Game Design Document (GDD) for your mobile game concept, a crucial step for pre-production.
- Key Topics: Brainstorming frameworks, high-concept pitches, GDD structure, feature prioritization, technical specifications, competitive analysis.
- Activity: Begin drafting your own comprehensive GDD.
Weeks 5-6: Prototyping Without Code
Bring your GDD to life visually and interactively. Utilizing powerful tools like Figma, Miro, and advanced paper prototyping techniques, you will create clickable wireframes and interactive mockups. Experience rapid iteration as you test core mechanics and user flows without writing a single line of code, proving your design's viability.
- Key Topics: Wireframing principles, UI/UX for mobile games, interactive prototyping tools (Figma, Miro), playtesting methodologies.
- Activity: Build a complete interactive prototype of your game's core loop.
Weeks 7-8: Level Design & Player Onboarding
Refine your game's flow and ensure a compelling first-time user experience. Master the art of level design, balancing challenge and reward. Design intuitive tutorials and onboarding sequences that effortlessly guide players into your game, maximizing retention and enjoyment from the very first tap.
- Key Topics: Level progression, difficulty curves, tutorial design, user feedback integration, A/B testing basics.
- Activity: Design and iterate on the first few levels/onboarding experience of your prototype.
Your Final Project: A Market-Ready Prototype
The capstone of your Game Design Fundamentals course is the development of a comprehensive Game Design Document and a playable, interactive prototype. This isn't just an assignment; it's the foundation of your professional design portfolio.
What You'll Deliver:
- Complete Game Design Document (GDD): A professional blueprint detailing every aspect of your game.
- Wireframed UI/UX Flow: A clear, intuitive user experience mapped out for your mobile title.
- Clickable, Interactive Prototype: A playable demonstration of your core mechanics and user journey, ready to impress.
Why it Matters:
This project is your first major piece for a professional design portfolio. It demonstrates not only your raw creative vision but also your understanding of the technical and structural requirements of mobile game development. Graduate with concrete deliverables that speak volumes about your capabilities to future employers or investors.
Meet Your Instructor
Anya Sharma, Lead Game Designer, Apex Interactive
With over a decade of dedicated experience in the mobile gaming industry, Anya Sharma brings unparalleled real-world expertise to Nomad Game Labs. As a Lead Game Designer at Apex Interactive, she has spearheaded the creation of multiple chart-topping casual and mid-core mobile titles, amassing millions of downloads and critical acclaim. Anya specializes in crafting deeply engaging player experiences, optimizing monetization strategies through innovative design, and leading cross-functional teams from concept to launch.
Her passion lies in distilling complex design principles into actionable knowledge for aspiring developers. Anya's teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application, critical thinking, and fostering a designer's keen eye for what makes a game truly resonate. Learn directly from someone who has navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes of mobile game development at the highest level.
Tools You'll Master
Our curriculum integrates industry-standard tools to give you hands-on experience with the software professionals use daily.
Miro / Mural
Figma
Trello
Google Docs
Notion
Conceptboard
Begin Your Design Journey Today
Graduate with the skills, the confidence, and a market-ready prototype to impress studios or launch your own indie hit. The future of mobile game development starts here.
Enroll in Game Design Fundamentals - $799Join over 50 aspiring designers who have started their journey with this course.