BA in Game Design
Design mechanics, build levels, and craft player experiences. At USV, you’ll learn the art and science of game design through hands-on projects that prepare you for careers across the interactive industry.
On-Campus or 100% Online

ALUMNI SUCCESS
Program Overview
The Game Design program blends storytelling, logic, and technical design with practical experience in modern game engines. You’ll collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, manage projects from concept to launch, and graduate with a published portfolio.
What you'll learn:
Game design principles and best practices
Storytelling and narrative design
Programming and prototyping
Level design and playtesting
Project management in studio environments
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BA in Game Design will be able to:
Apply design principles to create interactive, engaging experiences.
Build and test user-centered systems, mechanics, and interfaces.
Integrate storytelling techniques into compelling gameplay.
Collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines.
Develop a professional portfolio showcasing shipped projects.
Game Design Course Highlights
Game Prototyping
Take ideas from concept to playable prototype. Learn how to design mechanics, test quickly, and refine based on player feedback.
Narrative Design
Explore the craft of game storytelling, from branching dialogue and cutscenes to worldbuilding that deepens player immersion.
Level Design
Plan, build, and playtest levels using industry-standard tools. Develop pacing, flow, and balance to create engaging player experiences.
Game Writing Focus
Game Writing is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in game development — and USV offers a dedicated track led by industry veteran Evan Skolnick (Marvel, Activision, Lucasfilm).
USV Game Writing students have earned top honors at the GDC Game Narrative Review (nine Gold awards in eight years) and gone on to narrative roles at studios such as Blizzard, Sony's Santa Monica Studio, Magic Tavern, Pixelberry Studios and others.
Create Projects for the Pros
CAREER PATHS
The USV Difference
USV students take 3 courses per term instead of the traditional 4. That means:
Deeper learning
You’ll dive deeper into each subject, with more time to absorb concepts, apply them in projects, and build lasting mastery that goes beyond memorization.
Better Balance
Fewer concurrent courses means less stress and more focus. You’ll have room to manage school, work, and life — without sacrificing academic performance.
Higher Success
With improved retention and a healthier pace, students are more likely to graduate on time and enter the job market prepared with real skills and strong portfolios.
Flexible Learning
Earn your degree on-campus in Silicon Valley or 100% online. No matter where you learn, you’ll join collaborative teams, ship real projects, and build a professional portfolio.
Faculty Spotlight

Real-World Learning
In USV Studios, Game Art students work on client-driven projects alongside peers in design, audio, and engineering. By graduation, you’ll have 3–5 shipped projects that demonstrate real industry impact.