Professional Certificate in Game Design
Unlock future-ready skills to build a career in game design
Prerequisites: Participants should have experience with basic coding concepts. Some assignments require the use of the Unity game engine (C#). Links to tutorials in Unity are provided.
Elevate Your Approach to Game Design
The worldwide games market is poised for growth on all fronts. With smartphones making games more accessible and innovative applications emerging in fields such as education and training, the global gaming market is projected to reach $340 billion by 2027. Tabletop games are enjoying a renaissance of their own, with the market expected to reach $30.93 billion by 2028 — more than twice its current value.
With this growth comes a demand for game design professionals who have a more sophisticated understanding of the field. Today’s designers must not only be able to design, develop, and launch games that foster connection and resonate with a diverse audience — they must also know how to scope projects, manage products, and work effectively with teams.
If you are looking to break into game design or advance in the field, the Professional Certificate in Game Design from MIT xPRO will give you the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the challenges of today’s game industry and prepare you to create games for the future.
$340 billion
$93,926
Who Is This Program For?
Recent graduates or postgraduates
in fields such as information technology (IT), information technology-enabled services (ITeS), technology, or game development who are aiming to start a career in game design by demonstrating their capabilities through a program designed by renowned faculty from the MIT Game Lab
Early career game professionals
looking to expand their career opportunities by gaining exposure to game design as a way to advance in a fast-growing field
Creative professionals
such as graphic or UX designers, sound engineers, production artists, or art directors who have a passion for games of any type and wish to build upon their creative backgrounds to break into the game design industry
Program Highlights
Distinguish yourself with a certificate from MIT xPRO, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs)
Gain insights from MIT Game Lab instructors and industry experts
Compile a Game Diary, a portfolio of your work you can share with potential employers
Complete a capstone project by applying your knowledge and skills to develop a functional game
Receive one-on-one career support from Emeritus
Key Takeaways
Understand the intricacies of game design by gaining in-depth knowledge of every stage
Learn how to communicate effectively with a game design team by clearly outlining your vision and correctly scoping projects
Future-proof your career by learning how to design games of tomorrow that are culturally responsive and accessible to all
Demonstrate your skills to potential employers by creating a Game Diary, a portfolio that highlights your expertise
Learn from MIT expert instructors who actively practice game design and conduct research in MIT's Game Lab
Program Topics
This program is organized into four parts, all focused on the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s game design market.
Learn the fundamentals of game design, learn how to analyze game mechanics and complex game systems, and re-create a game prototype in Tabletopia.
The Territory of Game Design
Games, Rules, and Players
Play Communities
Building Blocks of Game Design
Modes of Interaction
Emergent Behavior
Explore the intricacies of game design, including ideation methodologies, playtesting cycles, and prototyping, and learn how to design a game for impact.
Choice and Chance
Ideation and Concepts
Fundamentals of Prototyping
Playtesting and Iteration
Usability
Cultural Responsibility
Learn strategies for navigating the nuances of today’s market. Then, discover industry best practices that will help you confront common design challenges.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Digital Prototyping in Teams
Development Practices
Game Feel
Project Scoping
Opening the Black Box
Hear industry perspectives on starting a business, game development, and sound design. Then, prepare a pitch and put your learning into practice by designing a game in a final capstone project.
Demonstrating Game Ideas
Business of Games
Industry Voices I
Industry Voices II
Designing a Game I
Designing a Game II
Program Instructors
Research Scientist, MIT Game Lab
Philip Tan teaches courses in game design and production at MIT. His research translates the joy of expert challenge in scientific, professional, and competitive fields into p...
Research Scientist, MIT Game Lab
Mikael Jakobsson’s interest in game development began in the 1980s, the age of early home computers. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Master’s in Informatics, he we...
Guest Speakers
Senior Narrative Designer, Deep Silver Volition, Freelance Fiction Writer
Founder and President, Fire Hose Games
Audio Director and Cofounder, Hexany Audio
Product Manager and Game Developer, Multiverse
Certificate
Get recognized! Upon successful completion of this program, you receive 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a globally recognized measure of professional learning that reflects compliance with international quality standards, and a certificate of completion from MIT xPRO.
This program is graded as a pass or fail; participants must receive 75 percent to pass and obtain the certificate of completion.
FAQs
How do I know if this program is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.
Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
What other dates will this program be offered in the future?
Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other program participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What is the relationship between Emeritus and MIT xPRO?
Emeritus and MIT xPRO collaborate to create and deliver educational programs. None of these programs are Title IV-eligible.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.
This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.
How long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the learning platform and all program materials (videos excluded) for 24 months following the program end date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the program content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.
What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?
Program fees for Emeritus programs with MIT xPRO may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
What is the program refund and deferral policy?
For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Financial Options
We offer several options to help you afford tuition for the Professional Certificate in Game Design Program.
Available opportunities to lower tuition fees include:
Referrals – You and a colleague can each receive $745 off your tuition when you enroll together. Refer now
Group enrollments – A discount of up to 20% is available for group enrollments. For more information, email group-enrollments@emeritus.org
Climb Credit
Immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options are available. Click here to know more
Sallie Mae
(Select ‘Student’ and ‘Undergraduate Student’ to proceed)
Flexible Payment Options
Monthly payments as low as $1090. Click here to know more.
What is Sallie Mae?
Sallie Mae is one of the largest private student loan lenders in the industry.
What is the process to apply for a loan?
Once you’ve applied for your program, you can then apply for a loan with Sallie Mae. When approved, you’ll choose your interest rate and your repayment option and sign the loan documents. The lender will send the tuition directly to your school.
How long will it take until I get a decision?
You can receive a credit result is as few as 15 minutes.
Do I need a cosigner?
If you don’t have a credit history, you will need a cosigner for your loan. A cosigner can be a parent, relative, or any other creditworthy individual. Their good credit history may help you get a loan.
When does loan payback begin?
You can make your first payment about one month after your program starts (fixed repayment or interest repayment) or six months after your program ends (deferred repayment).
How long will I be making payments?
Most loans have a 10-year standard repayment. When you apply for the loan, you will be given more information on the repayment plan.
How do I find out how much my monthly payment is?
You can find your monthly payment on the Monthly Payment Calculator here.
Are there any circumstances that would allow me to put my loan payments on hold?
Delinquency occurs when you fail to pay all or part of your monthly student loan payment. You could be eligible for a student loan deferment, which would allow you to temporarily reduce or postpone payments on your student loans in special circumstances.
Can I pay off my loan early?
There is no penalty for paying your loan off early or paying extra throughout the life of your loan. You have the flexibility to make early payments of fully pay off your loan without prepayment fees.
What is Climb Credit?
Climb Credit is a new kind of student lender.
Climb believes education is an investment and should be treated that way — we partner with schools offering career-focused education, and then provide accessible and affordable loans to attend these schools.
What is the process to apply for a loan?
Simply type your school's name into the search bar after clicking "Apply now" to find a link to the application page. From there, you'll be able to complete our short online application.
You may also have received a link to apply for a Climb loan from your school’s admissions team, or you can find the link on your school’s website or Climb's website. Apply using your laptop, tablet, or phone.
You'll want to make sure you fill out an application for the specific school and program you'll be attending. We link our loans to each course, so your school will know you've been approved for a loan with us and that we'll be sending your tuition to them.
How long will it take until I get a decision?
On average, 4:01 minutes — and just applying will not impact your credit score. We know that your time is valuable, so we’ve kept our application as short as possible.
Do I need a cosigner?
No. Climb only fund loans for students who are attending the program. The program attendee should always be the primary borrower on the application.
During your application, you will have the option to add a co-borrower. If you have a co-borrower with a better credit score that you, adding them to your loan application can potentially help you get approved and/or receive a lower interest rate offer.
If my application is accepted, am I committed to using the financing?
No. Applying for Climb financing is free and comes and carries no commitment until you accept and finalize the loan. The initial application will not affect your credit score, and you are free to decline your loan offer if you change your mind about financing.
What are the terms of the loan?
To view the equation used to calculate your interest and monthly payments, check out this article HERE!
When does loan payback begin?
Depending on your program, we may offer loans with either an initial interest-only period while in class and for a few months after, a full deferral period while in class and for a few months after, or immediate full repayment.
For loans with an interest-only period or immediate full repayment, your first payment is due one month after your loan is funded.
How long will I be making payments?
Climb's standard loan tenor is 36 months, but you can pay any time before that, as there is no pre-payment penalty. You can repay your 3-year loan in 3 years or in 1 day.
Climb's goal is to make sure that your monthly payments stay low and affordable, which is why we give you the option to choose your term length when you apply.
Master’s students can choose between a 2-year or a 3-year repayment term.
Doctoral students can choose between a 4-year or a 5-year repayment term.
How do I find out how much my monthly payment is?
This amount is mentioned in your loan agreement.
Are there any circumstances that would allow me to put my loan payments on hold?
In order not to fall behind on your Climb loan payments, you can request a deferral of payments on your loan. A deferment will allow you to temporarily reduce your monthly loan payment amount.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Absolutely! You can pre-pay your loan, in whole or in part, at any time with no penalties.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 315 640 4846 (US) / +44 141 673 6416 (UK) / +65 3138 2327 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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