Game design course
for children

Turning gamers into 2D and 3D game developers

Course duration: 8 months
Classes per week: 2 sessions of 60 minutes
Total lessons in the course: 64 lessons
Format: online
Requirements for learning: a computer with a headset or a laptop and a good internet connection

Suitable for
children aged 9-13

Lessons last
60 minutes

Introduction to
programming
with GDevelop

The perfect course
where creativity and logic combine

How the course learning process works

The program is designed for 64 lessons

Contains 8 modules, each of which is dedicated to learning the most important skills of game design: programming, design, sound design, scripting and marketing.

We will explore the basic principles of programming game mechanics

In this course, we use block-based programming, which helps to master even complex concepts—variables, loops, and functions—in an easy-to-understand way. It's a great way to learn programming even for those who are 'not mathematically inclined'.

Let's consolidate all the theory with practice:

We practically apply the theory of game design and level creation using animation, character drawing and game objects, we develop our own game mechanics from the very first lessons!

Let's create our own project portfolio

We will create more than 7 unique games and unique asset packs.

We issue a certificate after completing the course

What the child will be able to do after the course

Design your own 2D and 3D games for various gaming platforms.

Will learn basic game mechanics and algorithms, will be able to use them when programming his own game.

Learn how to "animate" characters and create game GUIs.

Will have a better command of the computer and its capabilities.

Masters all stages and processes of creating games from A to Z.

Game Design Course Program

Module 1

GDevelop Game Engine. 2D Game Development

10 themes

List of topics you will learn:

GDevelop interface overview. Basic object types. Platformer Parkour project.
Object behaviors. Adding characters. Platformer Parkour project.
Scene events. Adding obstacles. Platformer Parkour.
Coordinates. Creating objects at random coordinates. Top-Down Shooter project.
Implementing shooting mechanics. Top-Down Shooter project.

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Variables. Win/loss conditions. Scene transitions. Top-Down Shooter project.
Arithmetic operators. Implementing enemies and their movement toward the character. Top-Down Shooter project.
Local object variables. Creating a cutscene. Control simulation.
Creating frame-by-frame animations using GDevelop tools. Activating animations based on character actions.
Project work.

Module 2

Graphic Design

8 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Pixel art as a form of digital art. Character drawing.
Creating frame-by-frame character animations.
Exporting and programming animation playback in GDevelop.
Creating multi-layered images. Aerial perspective.

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PhotoPea. Using primitives to create game assets.
The 'Pen' tool. Designing a game logo.
Creating tileable textures.
Project work.

Module 3

UI and UX Design in Games

8 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Figma interface. GUI elements. Developing a wireframe for the game's main menu.
Creating buttons from primitives. Modifying object properties.
Implementing clickable prototypes. Creating new frames.
Exporting graphic assets from Figma. Implementing the main menu in GDevelop.

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Text and graphical variable indicators in the game.
HUD design.
Developing interactive interface elements.
Project work.

Module 4

Sound Design

8 themes

List of topics you will learn:

AI for music generation. Creating a Main Theme for the main menu.
Chrome Music Lab. Creating interface interaction sounds. Implementing sound playback in GDevelop.
Ambient sounds. Creating environmental sounds using household materials.
Audacity. Sound processing. Creating multichannel audio.

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Adding effects to sound. Reverb, Compression, and Delay.
Using sounds to create atmosphere. Sound playback events.
Using AI for character voiceovers.
Project work.

Module 5

Game Scripts and Narrative Design

6 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Narrative design. Types of game scripts. Representing a script as an algorithm.
Game world lore. Creating a historical timeline.
Sketching characters. Their personality and motivation.

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Conversation Trees. Using ChatGPT in story development.
Storyboard as a tool for visualizing the script.
Project work.

Module 6

3D Adventure Game

10 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Features of 3D game development in GDevelop. Implementing character movement.
Creating simple 3D models from primitives.
Scribble and Hole tools. Creating an artifact.
First-person and third-person cameras.
Character interaction with the environment.

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HUD design in a 3D environment.
Creating 3D character animations.
Game events. Activating scripts using invisible triggers.
Interacting with NPCs. Dialogue system in adventure games.
Project work.

Module 7

Marketing Strategies

6 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Game market and target audience analysis. Developing a user persona.
Game visual identity. Creating a game brand book.
Targeted and native advertising. Creating an ad banner. Working with mockups.

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Developing a promo video.
Communications. Influencers. Official and unofficial statements.
Project work.

Module 8

Comprehensive Platformer Game Development

8 themes

List of topics you will learn:

Drawing control elements. Implementing Touchscreen Controls.
Drawing tiles and building the scene.
Patrolling enemies. Adding environmental elements.
Implementing a shop as a separate GUI element.

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Adding sound effects.
Game interaction with device sensors.
Developing promotional materials.
Pitching. Project presentations.

Required field

I agree to have my personal data processed

Let's introduce our online school and platform

Let's test the child's abilities and determine his level of knowledge

Let's help create his first miniproject

Let's choose the optimal lesson and study plan

Our students' projects after a few months of studying Game Design

Oleksii, 11 years old

I always dreamed of making my own game – now I can play it with my friends!

Oleksii, 11 years old

I always dreamed of making my own game – now I can play it with my friends!

Sofia, 12 years old

I used to just play games, but now I know how to create them!

Maksym, 10 years old

I never thought game programming could be so exciting – now I want to create my own series!

Anna, 13 years old

I love that I can come up with ideas and bring them to life in a game!

Mark, 13 years old

Game design is like a magic button: imagine, draw, press – and the character comes to life!

About JustTech

JustSmart is an online school for children and teenagers, which is part of the JustTech product family.

428,500+ students are growing with us

16,500+ teachers choose our products

500+ employees in the team

7+ years on the market

4 educational products

Our course instructors

We have over 50 experienced teachers who explain complex concepts in simple terms, adapt materials to the student's level, and help take the first steps into the world of IT.

Our teachers use popular learning environments in the game design course:

GDevelop – developing 2D games in a visual environment.

PhotoPea – working with graphics and interface design.

Audacity – sound editing and creating audio effects.

Maria

Specialization: 2D game development, concept art for games

Teaches students:

Basics of game design and game mechanics
Creating characters and game worlds
Animation and interactive elements in games.

3.5

yearsTeaching experience

Rostyslav

Specialization: UX/UI in game design, sound design in video games

Teaches students:

How to create user-friendly and visually appealing game interfaces
Basics of sound design and working with Audacity
Game optimization for better user experience

yearsTeaching experience

Victoria

Specialization: game scriptwriting, balancing game mechanics

Teaches students:

How to create engaging and well-thought-out game stories
Principles of level design and gameplay balancing
Using graphics and sound to enhance the game atmosphere

yearsTeaching experience

What parents and students write about our course

My son is studying at the Game Design course. The program is interesting, the child is willing to work, the teacher managed to interest him even from the trial class. Thank you to the school team for the interesting and necessary classes. I hope that this knowledge will become a good platform for future life.

Maria Kovalenko

December 20 (Facebook)

My son is taking a game design course. He really likes this course. The teacher is a great instructor who presents the material in an accessible and interesting way. He learned a lot and is looking forward to the next lesson.

Tanya Mrochko

December 22 (Facebook)

So that my daughter did not sit on the phone in vain, a friend recommended taking a course in Game design programming at the JustSmart online school. We are already taking the second course, we are very satisfied. My daughter is doing well, I am satisfied. Managers respectful, always helpful, many options for scheduling, which is very convenient. Support is always in touch with various questions. Thank you for your work! You are a great team! 👍👍👍

Kateryna Volkova

December 21 (Facebook)

My boys are engaged in game design programming in an online school. I like it very much. They constantly have conversations with the teacher. The teacher always helps and comes in contact. Everything is top notch!

Ekaterina Lozyanko

December 18 (Facebook)

Son is engaged in the Game Design programming course. Although he is only 7 years old, he has been interested in creating games, programming and everything related to it for a long time. This is our third course and they are just perfect! Here is learning, not toys or monotonous repetition of the teacher. Thanks to these classes, the child not only learned to create his own games, but also acquired fundamental programming skills. The teachers present the material professionally, taking into account the interests of the children Hey.

Valeria Tronenko

December 20 (Facebook)

Maria Kovalenko

December 20 (Facebook)

Tanya Mrochko

December 22 (Facebook)

Kateryna Volkova

December 21 (Facebook)

Ekaterina Lozyanko

December 18 (Facebook)

Valeria Tronenko

December 20 (Facebook)

Maria Kovalenko

December 20 (Facebook)

Frequently asked questions

What is Game Design?

Game design is an exciting field that combines elements of art, technology, and strategy to develop games. This process includes designing gameplay, creating characters, defining game rules, and shaping the visual concept to build a unique virtual world. You can learn all of this in courses at the JustSmart online school for kids.

Where should I start learning?

We start with a trial lesson, after which we select a group that perfectly matches the student's age and schedule.

What equipment is needed for the classes?

To ensure high-quality online learning, a computer or laptop, a stable internet connection, and a headset are required.

Is any prior preparation needed before the courses?

No, the game design courses for kids are designed even for those who have never tried this field before. The course’s adaptability allows those who have attended before to take it again: the child can improve their level by completing more complex tasks and solving new problems in the most rational way.

What if my child misses a lesson?

Don’t worry: all recordings and materials are available on our platform. If a child misses a few lessons, they can catch up on their own. If they miss more, we can transfer them to a group studying the topic where they left off. Our goal is to ensure maximum flexibility and comfort in game design courses for children and teenagers.

What if my child doesn't like the game design course or finds it boring?

Our classes are never boring because game design courses offer an engaging process where every child instantly sees the results of their creativity. Our teachers use unique techniques aimed at encouraging and maintaining children's interest. They know how to create a positive environment where each student feels supported, grows, and discovers the joy of programming. However, if your child does not enjoy game design, they can choose from our other programming courses for kids.