Learn how to design an engaging and consequential educational game, so you can launch its development.

Whether you are a journalist, researcher, or member of an association, institution, or international organization, games—whether video games or board games—can offer you an innovative platform for sharing messages and knowledge, thereby reaching diverse and unexpected audiences.

This course teaches the design of serious games by drawing on the fundamental principles of game design, such as the game loop, the concept of “flow,” and the difficulty curve. It also emphasizes the importance of fun, wonder, and exploration in creating an engaging experience.

For example, a board game designed to raise public awareness of social or health issues in an educational way can be a powerful tool for sparking interest and engagement around these topics. Designed as interactive and playful tools, these games offer information and perspectives while involving players in educational missions.

The goal of this training is to help you acquire the fundamentals of serious game design.
You’ll learn how to identify a target audience, formulate a game pitch, develop rules and mechanics, and create a testable prototype. These elements will enable you to present your game concept and envision its future development.

Explore the many possibilities offered by serious games and discover how they can be used as a powerful tool for raising awareness and sharing knowledge. To learn more, visit our website: http://head-games.ch

Target skills
This workshop will enable participants to develop a game concept and produce the materials needed to explain and present it to a production team. Through the analysis of existing games, the writing of a pitch, and the creation of a testable prototype, participants will learn not only concepts such as the game loop and the gameplay experience, but also the art of pitching—which enables them to explain a project and secure the funding and collaborators needed to bring a game to life.

• Learn how to create a testable game prototype
• Learn fundamental game-specific concepts such as game mechanics, the game loop, the difficulty curve, and interaction design 
• Gain a basic understanding of tools for experimentation, rapid prototyping, and game development
• Understand how to convey a message and/or educational content through a game-based system
• Develop skills in the art of pitching, particularly in defining the game concept, gameplay, and game mechanics, and in identifying the target audience
• Learn to write game design documents for future team members, as well as a concise presentation for potential investors

Prerequisites
There are no mandatory technical skills required other than a basic understanding of how a computer works.
However, it is recommended that participants have some basic knowledge of the following software (non-exhaustive list):

• Presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote)
• Image editing (Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Krita) 
• Layout (InDesign, Affinity Publisher)
• Illustration (Illustrator, Affinity Design)
• Prototyping (Figma, InVision, XD)

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Duration: 5 days. The course requires independent study outside of class.

Dates : 

• Lundi 30 août 2027 de 09h00 à 17h00
• Mardi 31 août 2027 de 09h00 à 17h00
• Mercredi 1er septembre 2027 de 09h00 à 17h00
• Jeudi 2 septembre 2027 de 09h00 à 17h00
• Vendredi 3 septembre 2027 de 09h00 à 17h00

Cost: CHF 1500 / Alumni HEAD - Geneva CHF 1200
Course format: lectures and workshops
Language: French (English possible)
Title awarded: Attestation de formation continue
Credits: equivalent to 2 ECTS
Location: HEAD Campus, Geneva

Course led by :

Information and registration
Contact : fc.head@hesge.ch
Registration form
General terms and conditions