60-418 Advanced ETB: Experimental Game Design
10 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Experimental Game Design: Postgaming is an intensive game-making class focused on rapid prototyping and creative risk-taking. The course examines a game industry in the midst of transformation (and possible implosion) while tackling crucial questions in contemporary game-making. In the first half of the semester, students will create a new game prototype every two weeks, each one responding to a provocative prompt. This phase builds on the established practices of game jams and serial experimentation in independent development. Topics include streaming culture, the attention economy and market saturation, viral marketing on social media, the rise of generative AI, and more. In the second half of the semester, the most promising prototypes will be iterated, playtested, and refined into complete projects. The course is format-agnostic and encourages "out of the box" solutions: you may use any engine or programming language, and rely on as much "vibe coding" as you like. Mods, tabletop and physical games, interactive performances, and other playful experiences are all welcome. Students will generally work in teams of three, solo projects are allowed. No previous experience is required. The class meets only on Fridays, during the late morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour break in between.
Prerequisites: 60-419 or 15-466 or 53-353 or 15-110 or 15-104 or 15-112 or 16-465 or 60-212
Offered: Spring 2026
Courseweave needs JavaScript to show sections, workloads and planning tools.