I always wanted to design a game, which is why I took this class. Before this class, I had no idea how to approach designing games. I thought that game design was about having sudden bursts of inspiration and brilliant ideas. I viewed it as something that only naturally talented people could do, and I wasn’t sure if I could ever create something meaningful.
Through this class, I discovered that game design is actually a structured process that can be planned and learned. What fascinated me most was learning about the fundamental MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) framework that breaks down what makes games fun. I learned how to analyze games systematically by deciphering their MDA components, evaluate what makes games good or bad, conduct playtests like a professional game designer, and consider crucial elements like narratives, architecture, onboarding, music, and accessibility. Each of these components, I realized, could be studied, understood, and implemented methodically rather than relying on pure inspiration.
The class also opened my eyes to the ethical dimensions of games. Previously, I would simply enjoy games as I pleased, abandoning them if I didn’t like them without examining what offended me or questioning the underlying rationale. This new perspective has made me a more thoughtful player and designer. I began to notice how games could perpetuate harmful stereotypes or create problematic power dynamics, and how these elements could be addressed through thoughtful design choices.
I actively tried to implement these learnings in my work and thinking. Through assignments like sketchnotes and critical play exercises, I gradually adapted to this new mindset and saw my work improve. Playtesting was particularly enlightening – it taught me that different players’ tastes can be drastically different from mine. This experience helped me become more open-minded and critical of my own work.
I’ve grown to appreciate different types of fun in games, especially through exposure to games I would have never played otherwise. By reading the materials and hearing others’ opinions, I’ve learned to understand and appreciate the diverse ways games can be engaging and meaningful. Games that initially seemed unappealing revealed their depth when analyzed through the frameworks we learned, showing me that there are many valid approaches to creating engaging experiences.
Moving forward, I’m excited to apply these learnings to new projects. I’m particularly interested in designing a co-op game, as I believe the principles I’ve learned about player interaction, friendship formation, and smooth onboarding tutorial will be valuable in creating engaging collaborative gameplay. The idea of creating spaces where players can form meaningful connections through gameplay is especially appealing to me.
This class has transformed my understanding of games from a casual player’s perspective to a more analytical and thoughtful approach. I now see game design as a discipline that combines creativity with systematic thinking, having methodology, logic, theory, and practice. The journey from being a casual player to understanding the depth of game design has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to applying these insights in my future game design endeavors. The tools and frameworks I’ve learned have given me the confidence to pursue game design not as a mysterious art, but as a craft that can be learned and mastered through practice and reflection.
