Gaming has evolved into a thriving industry, offering extraordinary opportunities for those ready to make a leap into its dynamic world. If you're in New Hampshire feeling the strain of career dissatisfaction or seeking financial stability and growth, the UNH // Flatiron Tech Bootcamps in Game Design could be your answer. Whether you're pivoting from an unfulfilling job or looking for financial stability and growth, this program provides the tools to turn your dream of working in game design into reality.
Graduates have successfully landed positions at industry giants like Riot Games, EA Games, Epic Games, Ubisoft, and Blizzard Entertainment. If you're curious about how the game design process works and how our bootcamps equip you with in-demand skills, keep reading.
Understanding the Game Design Process
Game design blends creativity and technical skill to craft the immersive worlds, engaging narratives, and dynamic interactions that players love. The process is divided into three core stages: pre-production, production, and post-production, each of which is covered in our curriculum. These stages provide a structured approach to mastering skills and understanding the mechanics behind successful games.
1. Pre-Production
Pre-production is where ideas take shape and planning begins. It’s the blueprint phase of game design, where everything from character concepts to level mapping is fleshed out.
Key components include:
- Concept Development: Brainstorming and crafting the creative vision for your game, including character bios, storylines, and gameplay mechanics.
- Storyboarding: Visual sketches of each scene that outline actions, cinematic direction, and how the narrative unfolds.
- Prototyping: Initial models and test versions to evaluate mechanics and functionality before full-scale development.
Our game design bootcamp focuses heavily on pre-production as a foundation. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard tools and draft a comprehensive game design document which sets up the framework for your project. Think of this as the scaffolding that supports the creation of vibrant, playable worlds.
2. Production
This is the action-packed stage where your ideas turn into digital realities. Collaborating with developers, you’ll create assets, build levels, and refine gameplay to make the game fun, immersive, and technically flawless**.**
Key Elements of Production Include:
- Level Design – Learn the art of whiteboxing to shape fully interactive spaces.
- 3D Modeling and Animation – Create detailed visuals and lifelike movements for characters, objects, and environments.
- Artificial Intelligence Programming – Add complexity to the gameplay with responsive, intelligent non-playable characters (NPCs).
With the Foundations I and II modules, you’ll tackle advanced concepts like worldbuilding, combat mechanics, and AI implementation. You’ll build stunning, playable prototypes in Unreal Engine, ready to showcase your talents during job interviews or networking events.
3. Post-Production
The post-production phase is all about polish, ensuring every last detail shines and the game delivers an unforgettable player experience.
What Post-Production Covers:
- Quality Assurance (QA) – Test and refine the game to eliminate bugs and optimize user experience.
- Sound and Visual Effects – Create immersive atmospheres that captivate players through tailored audio and captivating visuals.
- Marketing Strategies – Learn how to use your game’s narrative and design to connect with audiences through trailers and promotional materials.
Our bootcamp not only covers the technical design but also focuses on the career services needed to position yourself in this competitive market. You'll learn how to package your projects, pitch your ideas, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
Why Choose UNH // Flatiron Tech Bootcamps?
A mid-life career shift can feel daunting, but our Game Design Bootcamp makes the transition seamless. Designed for professionals in their late 20s to early 40s, it offers a flexible, beginner-friendly curriculum with targeted career services to help you thrive.
Program Highlights:
- Small Class Sizes: Personalized learning in cohorts of five students max.
- Career Support: From mock interviews to personalized job placement strategies, career services are embedded into the program.
- Real-World Mentorship: Work closely with game design experts with years of hands-on industry experience.
- Flexible Schedule: An entirely online format ensures balance between learning and life responsibilities.
Whether you’re starting fresh or leveling up your existing skills, our curriculum is designed to accommodate diverse needs and ensure meaningful progress.
Success That Speaks for Itself
UNH // Flatiron Tech Bootcamps isn’t just about teaching technical proficiency; it’s about connecting students with real-world opportunities. With guidance and training from graduates already placed at top-tier companies like Riot Games and Ubisoft, you’ll join a strong network of alumni proving the value of this program daily.
Their accomplishments demonstrate how the skills taught here translate directly into measurable career growth, whether that's through higher salaries, improved job satisfaction, or opportunities to lead creative projects in globally recognized firms.
Your Path to the Gaming Industry in New Hampshire
Beyond the bootcamp experience, New Hampshire itself is home to a budding gaming and tech scene. Local studios and networking events create a fertile ground for graduates to transition smoothly into rewarding careers. Leverage the community, mentorship, and resources that we offer to get a head start on connecting with industry professionals.
The state regularly hosts industry events and meetups including the International Game Developers Association, where students can network with professionals and explore internships. These connections not only foster collaboration and mentorship but also open doors to internships, part-time positions, and full-time roles in both established and emerging game companies across the region.
Additionally, with strong online and alumni networks, graduates can connect to global opportunities in game design.
Start Changing Your Career Today
Are you ready to take control of your career? UNH // Flatiron Tech Bootcamps can help you turn your passion for games into a rewarding career.
Gain hands-on training, industry mentorship, and access to job placement services to help you succeed in this fast-growing field. Your game design career starts here.
Join the ranks of alumni turning imagination into innovation. Design your future today!