Graduate program design · open curriculum
The Game Design Ladder
Teach game design from any starting point to graduate-ready practice. Six strands, eight bands, twelve observable competencies — free, print-first, no accounts.
Bands
G1–2 · 2 lessons
What is a rule?
Band 1 · Grades 1–2 · Ages 6–8
G3–5 · 1 lesson
What happens if we change the rule?
Band 2 · Grades 3–5 · Ages 8–11
G6–8 · 1 lesson
Why does this game feel the way it feels?
Band 3 · Grades 6–8 · Ages 11–14
G9–10 · 1 lesson
How do I make it feel the way I intend?
Band 4 · Grades 9–10 · Ages 14–16
G11–12 · 1 lesson
What am I trying to say, and to whom?
Band 5 · Grades 11–12 · Ages 16–18
UG↓ · 1 lesson
What has already been said?
Band 6 · UG 100–200 · Undergrad Yrs 1–2
UG↑ · 1 lesson
What can I do that hasn't been done?
Band 7 · UG 300–400 · Undergrad Yrs 3–4
Grad · 1 lesson
What is my contribution?
Band 8 · Graduate · 60 credits · 2 years
Bridge · 1 lesson
Where do I start from here?
Bridge · Adult on-ramp · 4–10 months
Six strands
Every band touches all six — depth changes, coverage doesn’t.
SYS
Systems & Formal Logic
Rules, loops, economies, models
PLY
Play & Design Practice
Make, test, iterate, ship
NAR
Narrative & Meaning
Story, criticism, voice
HUM
Human Factors
Players, ethics, accessibility
CFT
Craft & Technology
Tools, code, production craft
CTX
Context & Business
History, industry, sustainability