INDIANAPOLIS (January 31, 2025)—Gen Con, North America's largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention, announced the establishment of its inaugural Game Design Academy and certificate program. The program is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and continue throughout The Best Four Days In Gaming™, July 31—August 3. This innovative program will run concurrently with the convention's esteemed Trade Day and provide a thorough exploration of game design principles.
The Game Design Certificate program emphasizes practical learning combined with expert insights. It caters to aspiring game designers, educators, and enthusiasts who wish to enhance their knowledge of game-based learning and design methodologies. Participants will engage with industry leaders, experienced educators, and distinguished game designers within a collaborative and interactive setting.
"We're combining the creativity and community associated with Gen Con with the structure and rigor that characterize an academic learning experience," said Dr. Andrew Peterson, a lead developer of the program and adjunct professor at Ferris State University. "This certificate bridges the gap between game design as a hobby and a viable professional career."
The Game Design Certificate program is structured to provide academic credit equivalence for participants interested in transferring their experience to their chosen higher education institution, with an articulation agreement in place with Ferris State University. This innovative partnership ensures the certificate is a badge of accomplishment and a step toward academic and professional growth.
Spaces for the program are limited, and registration opens on February 9 at noon Eastern. To learn more about the Gen Con Game Design Academy and the Game Design Certificate program, and to secure your spot, visit https://gencon.com/gen-con-indy/game-design-academy.
For more information about Game Design at Ferris State University, visit https://www.ferris.edu/business/digital-animation-game-design/.
Gen Con is North America's largest and longest-running annual event devoted to tabletop gaming culture. The convention, which began in 1968 in Lake Geneva, WI, takes place each summer in Indianapolis, IN. During the convention, attendees shop and demo games from hundreds of exhibiting companies and choose from thousands of ticketed events representing a wide array of board games, card games, roleplaying games, seminars, entertainment events, and more.
Gen Con Logos and Brand Kit: https://www.gencon.com/press/brand-resources
Photographs of Gen Con Indy 2024: bit.ly/gencon2024media
Stacia Kirby, (206) 363-1492, [email protected]
Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, is a nationally recognized institution dedicated to providing hands-on, career-focused education. Known for its commitment to innovation and experiential learning, Ferris offers a wide range of programs that prepare students for success in today's competitive job market. The university's emphasis on practical application and collaboration makes it a natural partner for initiatives like the Game Design Certificate program. www.ferris.edu