Game Design
Immerse yourself in the process of inventing the history and rules of the game and unlock your creativity
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Early Admission
until March 31, 2026 -
Discount
€400 off the tuition fee
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Free Workshop
Career guidance from industry professionals
Early Admission
until March 31, 2026 
Discount
€400 off the tuition fee 
Free Workshop
Career guidance from industry professionals Тhe Program
The goal of the Game Design program is to build the skills and knowledge to create exciting game stories needed to launch a successful career in a game studio. The focus of the program is hands-on classes and technical skills, as well as the final semester when students from all game programs (Game Design, Concept Art and 3D Art) come together to create a prototype game with a studio producer.
The training takes place on-site at our campus, with classes mostly in the evenings and weekends to suit anyone with a busy schedule.
Game Design
Game Design focuses on creating the world in which a game takes place. It encompasses everything from the story to the game mechanics, the levels and the missions in which the player interacts with the environment.
Depending on the size of the studio or project, game designers may work on basic or specific tasks. One basic task would be world design – the background, setting and overall end goal of the game. A more specific one would be the combat, for example the ways in which characters fight and under what conditions they win or lose.
Benefits
ARC Academy provides you with a wide range of knowledge and skills for game development. During the training, you will receive personal feedback and mentoring while working on projects. You will be able to use fully equipped rooms with professional software and hardware.
Industry recognized certificate
Experienced mentors
Practical game projects
Strong portfolio
For Whom
The program is intended for future game designers who want to build strong skills in designing mechanics, levels, systems, and overall game experiences.
The program is suitable for those who:
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Want to design engaging game worlds, missions, and levels;
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Enjoy analyzing how games function and how their systems are built;
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Are interested in interactive storytelling through gameplay;
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Want to take part in game development without necessarily drawing or modeling.
Approach
The on-campus programs are designed for motivated individuals who want to immerse themselves in a creative environment and grow through intensive, hands-on projects and teamwork. They are suitable for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking for career-oriented training.
Format: Classes take place in person at ARC’s campus in Sofia, within a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.
Schedule: 8–10 hours per week of lectures and practical exercises, plus around 10 hours of independent work on assignments and projects.
Support: Direct mentorship from industry professionals, regular feedback, and access to an active community of students, alumni, and experts.
Skills
During the course you will develop your knowledge of game design, building mechanics, levels and systems and creating engaging interactive stories. You will learn about methods and tools used in the industry and apply what you learn to practical projects. You will learn to:
- Master the fundamentals of game design – from game mechanics and progression systems to interface and balance
- You will learn to design and create game levels that offer exciting and challenging experiences
- Use visual programming languages and tools to develop game systems and features. You will create game scenarios, manage game objects and interact with players
- You will work with the Unreal Engine and learn how to use its functionality to create interactive game environments
- Understand the game development process – from idea to prototype
- Meet industry demands and how to start a successful career
Curriculum
The Game Design major is a two-year (4 semesters) program. During the course you will acquire the knowledge, skills and techniques to work in the field of game design, learning to create the story, mechanics and levels of games, as well as their technical implementation in the Engine.
First semester
The first semester introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, offering them the chance to explore how gameplay, rules, and systems shape player experiences.
- Intro
- Production
- Game Design (Intro)
- Game Engines (Intro)
Second semester
During this semester you will learn about every aspect of content creation and rules in video games. You will deepen the knowledge you have gained so far and delve deeper into game design and some of its sub-disciplines.
- Assistance
- Soft Skills
- Game Engines
- Game Design
- Economy Game Design
- Level Design
Third semester
You will have the opportunity to practice hard by applying all the knowledge, techniques and skills in your practical projects.
- Project Structure
- Game Engines (Advanced)
- UI/UX Design
- Game Design (Advanced)
- Economy Game Design (Advanced)
- Level Design (Advanced)
- Visual Scripting
Fourth Semester: Game Lab
Everyone’s training during the two-year program at ARC Academy culminates with a hands-on Game Lab phase. In it, students come together to create a real-life video game where everyone contributes the skills they have learned and the career roles they aspire to. Game Designers are at the heart of the project, setting the genre and parameters of the project, they are involved in creating the mechanics, rules, levels and missions.
Lecturers
Our speakers in the program are working professionals with a variety of experience, from mobile games and indie studios to AAA titles. The learning process is interactive, hands-on and each student receives personalized feedback on their progress.
Game Lab
ARC Academy students complete their studies with a practical project, developing a video game as a team. Each participant contributes with their acquired skills, taking on a role that aligns with their career goals—ranging from designers to 2D and 3D artists. Under the guidance of mentors, they create their first game by following the real workflow of an indie studio. This approach not only enhances their technical and creative abilities but also prepares them for the dynamics of the professional environment.
Students artwork
Partners
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If you would like to find out more about preliminary, campus or distance learning programs, whether they are right for you and how they can help, contact us.
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