This course focuses on the fundamental ideas and techniques that define compelling game design. Exercises, lectures, and demonstrations will instruct students in how to build the foundations of a vertical slice game project, including a treatment of mechanics, gameplay, and storytelling. Students will explore the creation of a game design document, playtest a paper prototype of their creation, and conceptualize controls for their game idea. Weekly assignments that tie into corresponding lectures will instruct students in how to create a final project.