Duration:
1 year full time

Location:
Confetti Nottingham

This one-year Level 2 Games course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of game design and development. The course is divided into three terms, each focusing on different skills and concepts essential for a career in the gaming industry.

On this course you’ll get experience in a range of games development techniques, and will learn how to:

  • Plan and programme your own 2D game 
  • Create graphics for game assets
  • Create digital art for tabletop and digital games 
  • Do 3D modelling and animation
  • Explore storytelling and game theory

You will work with other courses including Esports and will collaborate on gaming tournaments.

This course is for you if:

  • you have a passion for games and understand the way in which these are developed and designed.
  • you enjoy being creative, taking on new challenges and learning new skills 
  • you are excited by the idea of collaboration and developing new games

Read our course commitment

  • 4 GCSEs grade 9-3 (A*-D)* including English and maths
  • An appreciation of and passion for games with a level of practical experience

Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course

When you’re ready to apply, there’s a few ways to start the process:

  • Apply online – Start your application now!
  • Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
  • Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day

Term 1: Foundations of Game Design

  • Digital Graphics: Introduction to creating digital art assets for games, including textures, sprites, and user interfaces.
  • Mechanical Design for Games: Learn the fundamentals of game mechanics and systems, applicable to both video games and table-top games.
  • Pitching a Game Idea: Develop skills in pitching game concepts, focusing on articulating ideas clearly and convincingly to potential stakeholders.
  • 3D Modelling: Introduction to 3D modelling software and techniques, focusing on creating basic game assets.

Term 2: Game Development and Storytelling

  • Coding for 2D Games: Learn the basics of coding and algorithms necessary for creating 2D games, focusing on problem-solving and logic.
  • Artistic Decision Making: Explore the artistic choices involved in game design, including colour theory, composition, and visual storytelling.
  • Narrative and Gameplay: Study the relationship between narrative and gameplay, and how to integrate story into game mechanics.
  • Table-Top Game Prototyping: Apply design principles to create and test a table-top game prototype.

Term 3: Final Project and Animation

  • 2D Game Final Project: Develop a complete 2D game from concept to playable prototype, demonstrating all learned skills.
  • Creating a Trailer using Visual Effects: Learn how to create a compelling game trailer, focusing on visual effects and marketing techniques.
  • Animation: Study the core principles of animation to enhance the quality and appeal of game animations.

Additionally, students will learn Industry Practice to support personal development and professional practices throughout the year.

By the end of the course, students will have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases their ability to design, develop, and present video games and table-top games, along with a final 2D game project that demonstrates their technical and creative skills.

Do It For Real

Industry Week

Studying at Confetti you’ll take part in Industry Week where you’ll be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries. 

Past guests include Games Workshop, Ubisoft, Brenda and John Romero, and Anna Hollinrake.

Celebrate

Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.

Student work

Our Talent Development team works closely with course leaders to link students with opportunities across the industry. 

You’ll also go on trips to:

  • Comic Con
  • Zero Latency
  • Insomnia Gaming Festival

You’ll have access to a range of industry standard equipment and software including:

  • Mac and PC computer suites
  • GameMaker Engine
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Art studio

Courses

Once you’ve completed your course, you can go on to study one of our Level 3 courses:

Future careers

  • Games Developer
  • Game Tester
  • Concept Artist

Open Days

Saturday 28 September
Book your place
Saturday 16 November
Book your place