This academic year (2025/2026) the Game Design Course (SEN9235) is taught again at the faculty of Technology, Policy and Management at the TU Delft. The course is given in English and takes place in the 1st quarter (Sept-Nov ’25). The course is open to MSc/PhD students and professionals interested in learning to design serious games. For students the course is 5 ECTS.
The simulation game design project offers conceptual insights as well as ‘hands on’ experience with simulation-gaming (SG), also called serious gaming. SG is an established field of practice with proven value, for instance in the field of spatial and urban planning, ecology, engineering and design, public administration, business management, learning, research and consultancy. The staggering growth and success of the video gaming industry has triggered the interest in simulation games– from paper-based games to video games for learning and policy making – even more. Besides creativity and enthusiasm, there are no entry requirements. In this course, students acquire advanced knowledge in, and experience with, gaming-simulation for serious use, i.e. for policy- and decision support, organization and management and professional learning.
Experienced speakers, from consultancy organisations (s.a. Accenture), game designers and universities, will give lectures on history, future, design, typology and facilitation of SG. (We will discuss the role of computers and video games, but emphasis is NOT on technology!) We will have ample opportunity to try out a number of (role-playing, board etc.) games that hold powerful messages about decision-making and management. Most of the work will be done in small teams, in which students will develop their own (non-digital) game to support a real-life or mockup case of policy/decision-making or organization and management. In a small group, you will also work on a scientific question related to game design.
After completion of this course the student will have acquired knowledge and insights about the history, backgrounds, key-concepts, formats and applications of simulation games. They will also be able to:
1. Design a (prototype) of a simulation game to be used for learning, research or intervention
2. Apply a game design cycle (or systematic design steps)
3. Define, conceptualize and construct the various game components
4. Facilitate simple simulation games
We hope to see you soon in the world of Serious Games!
More information
For more information check out: TU Delft Studiegids
Are you a student registered at another university? Please contact your own school on how to sign-up for an elective at another university.
Are you a professional who would like to follow this course? Please send an e-mail to Geertje Bekebrede (g.bekebrede@tudelft.nl) for more information on how to attend this course.