Casual game design concepts and prototypes

Casual Game Design Mastery

Create engaging casual and hypercasual games that captivate broad audiences and generate strong retention

Duration

10 Weeks

Investment

¥41,000

Level

Intermediate

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Course Overview

This program focuses on designing mobile games that appeal to mass audiences through accessible mechanics and compelling progression systems. You'll learn principles of core loop design, difficulty curve balancing, and satisfying feedback implementation. The curriculum covers various casual game genres including match-3, puzzle, idle, and hypercasual mechanics.

Through hands-on prototyping, you'll develop game concepts and iterate based on playtesting feedback. The course addresses color psychology, tutorial design, and meta-game systems that encourage long-term engagement. You'll learn to create games that are approachable for new players while maintaining depth for continued play.

Player Psychology

Understand what makes casual games addictive and how to create satisfying player experiences through feedback design and reward systems.

Rapid Prototyping

Develop skills to create and test game concepts efficiently, iterating based on playtesting data and player feedback.

Design Career Paths

Graduates of this program develop skills applicable to game design roles across mobile studios. The knowledge gained is relevant for positions including game designer, level designer, and systems designer in casual gaming companies.

82%

of participants apply design skills in game development positions within several months after completion

110+

designers trained in casual game mechanics and progression systems since October 2024

4.8/5

average course rating from participants based on recent feedback and evaluations

Design Methodologies & Frameworks

The course explores proven design frameworks used in successful casual games. You'll learn systematic approaches to creating engaging mechanics and analyzing what makes games compelling for different player types.

Core Loop Architecture

Master the art of designing compelling core loops that keep players engaged. Learn to balance challenge and reward while maintaining accessibility for casual audiences.

Progression Design

Create systems that provide meaningful advancement through levels, unlocks, and power curves. Understand pacing and how to maintain player interest over extended play sessions.

Feedback Systems

Design satisfying visual and audio feedback that reinforces player actions. Learn color theory, particle effects, and sound design principles for mobile games.

Monetization Integration

Understand how to design games that support various monetization models without compromising gameplay experience. Balance free and paid content effectively.

Quality Standards & Iteration

The program emphasizes iterative design processes and data-driven improvements. You'll learn to conduct effective playtests, interpret player behavior data, and refine game mechanics based on insights.

Playtesting Methodology

Develop structured playtesting approaches to gather meaningful feedback. Learn to identifybility issues and design problems through observation and player interviews.

Tutorial Optimization

Create effective onboarding experiences that teach game mechanics naturally. Understand first-time user experience and retention through early game design.

Metrics Analysis

Learn to interpret key performance indicators for casual games including retention rates, session length, and player progression. Use data to inform design decisions.

Ideal Participants

This course is designed for individuals passionate about creating accessible gaming experiences. Whether you're a developer wanting to improve design skills or a designer focusing on casual game mechanics, this program provides comprehensive design knowledge.

Aspiring Game Designers

Individuals interested in game design careers who want to specialize in casual and hypercasual game mechanics.

Game Developers

Programmers who want to understand design principles and contribute more effectively to game development discussions.

Creative Professionals

Artists or designers from other fields interested in applying their creative skills to interactive entertainment.

Independent Creators

Solo developers or small teams creating mobile games and wanting to improve their design skills and understanding.

Learning Path & Projects

The course follows a structured learning path where you'll design multiple game prototypes. Each project builds upon previous concepts while introducing new design challenges and mechanics.

1

Foundation Phase

Learn core design principles and analyze successful casual games. Design your first simple hypercasual game prototype.

2

Mechanics Phase

Create puzzle and match-3 game prototypes. Learn progression systems and difficulty curve design through practical application.

3

Systems Phase

Design idle game mechanics and meta-progression systems. Implement event design and seasonal content planning strategies.

4

Portfolio Phase

Complete a polished casual game design with full documentation including core loop, progression, and monetization design.

Begin Your Design Journey

Learn to create engaging casual games that resonate with millions of players across mobile platforms

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