Introduction to Game Design Methods
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this introduction to the theory and practice of designing games and playful experiences, taught through MIT's Comparative Media Studies/Writing program. The course is process-oriented, walking students through rapid prototyping, play testing, and design iteration built around a player-centered approach. Materials include readings drawn from game design literature, design exercises, and project assignments where students build and refine playable prototypes based on player feedback. The emphasis throughout is on iteration as the core design method: build something quickly, watch people play it, and use what breaks to guide the next version. As with other MIT OCW courses, materials are free to access under a Creative Commons license, with syllabus, assignments, and course structure posted for self-study rather than a live instructor-led format.