Before taking 247G, I never really saw myself as someone who belongs in the world of games. I wasn’t the kid who stayed up all night grinding levels, and I definitely wasn’t on top of the latest trends or hottest releases. I actually always looked up to people who were good at games—it felt like a talent I wasn’t born with. But earlier, one of my best friends introduced me to watching esports. We’d spend hours watching pros play Valorant or League, and I slowly started to wonder how people came up with ideas and created games like these. And that curiosity is what led me to our class. I didn’t think I’d be good at it, but I really wanted to learn more.
What I didn’t expect was how much there is behind the scenes. In my head, games were mostly about pretty visuals and clever code. But our class cracked that open completely. Through weekly prototyping, readings, and especially the incredible guest lectures, I began to understand the care, psychology, and systems thinking that goes into making games feel engaging. Concepts like MDA, core loops, types of fun, and juiciness now stay with me. I also really like the whole onboarding and flow—two things I didn’t realize were so intentional in good game design.
One of the projects I’m most proud of was our narrative game. I had no experience building worlds or writing dialogue, but I found myself caring so much about how to make each choice meaningful. I tried to apply what we learned about player agency, meaningful choices, and fantasy—thinking not just about what players can do but how I want them to feel. It made me realize that game design isn’t about being good at games. It’s about being good at understanding people.
There were definitely challenges—I felt behind when others talked about their favorite indie hits or classic mechanics. But I really felt that our teaching team was just amazing. Christina, if you’re reading this: thank you for creating such a welcoming, open space for people like me who didn’t grow up with a controller in hand. Every guest speaker felt like a window into a possible future, and I’m so grateful for that.
Now, I think I actually do want to design a game someday. Someday, one day! I’ve started sketching tiny game ideas in my notebook, thinking about loops, emotions, and themes. I’ve begun to see myself not just as a player but as a potential creator.
Next time I keep working on a game, I’ll be more intentional and mindful of all sorts of considerations. I’ll ask: what’s the core experience? How can I build around it with clarity and care? And most of all, how can I create a space where someone who didn’t think they were a gamer could feel seen?
Our class showed me that I don’t have to be great at games to fall in love with making them, which is pretty magical!
When you are ready to make a game, I’m ready with an independent study for you! And if you don’t want the units but just want to make another game, I’d be honored to playtest it. Have a great summer!