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Dungeons & Design - How to Develop Your Own Game: Dungeons and Dragons RPG 5E

In this ongoing adventure, Dungeons & Dragons becomes your gateway to game design mastery! As a veteran game developer, I'll guide you in using D&D to unlock the storytelling and design skills that top employers crave. Level up your future!
Bloom Academy
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(55)
Popular
Class
Play

What's included

1 live meeting
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hours per week
Assignments
1 hour per week. This class has no outside work required other than what you want to prepare for the upcoming campaign each week.

Class Experience

Beginner - Intermediate Level
📢 BOOKING NOTICE: For classes with no current enrollments, please book at least one week in advance to allow time for other players to join. Thank you!
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Hello, aspiring game designers! I'm Mr. Paj, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in both Dungeons & Dragons and professional game development. 

My journey began at age 13 with D&D, leading to a career as a Video Game and Level Designer on AAA titles like Thief, Lara Croft, and the Watchdogs series, as well as indie games like Rat Story and TSB. 

How This Class Works

"Dungeons & Design" is a unique class that combines playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) with learning about video game design. Here's what you can expect:

1. D&D Gameplay: Most of our classes will focus on playing epic D&D campaigns. Students will create characters, set out on adventures, and make decisions that shape the story.

2. Game Design Analysis: Every few weeks, we'll pause our campaign for a special class dedicated to analyzing what's happened so far from a game design perspective. We'll discuss:

   • How the story has developed and why
   • The impact of player choices on the game world
   • Character development and its importance
   • How these elements relate to video game design

3. Industry Insights: Throughout the course, I'll share how the concepts we explore in D&D apply to professional video game development, drawing from my experience working as a professional video game designer.

Why This Approach?

D&D has been essential to my creative design processes in developing games, without which I would not be a game designer today. I know that these are skills that employers are looking for and that are never talked about in typical D&D classes. That's what sets this class apart.

The goal is to use the engaging, interactive experience of D&D to help students understand core principles of game design. By playing and then reflecting on their experiences, students will develop:

• Storytelling and world-building skills
• An understanding of player choice and consequence in games
• Insight into character development and narrative structure
• Critical thinking about game mechanics and systems

These skills are directly applicable to video game design, giving students a unique foundation for potential future careers in the gaming industry.

For Parents

This D&D club is a bridge to developing professional game development skills. The gaming industry is booming, with vast opportunities across North America and beyond. While coding is crucial, the ability to craft compelling stories and design engaging experiences is what truly distinguishes successful game developers. 

By enrolling in "Dungeons & Design," your child will:

• Develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills essential in the game industry
• Learn collaborative teamwork in a fun, engaging environment
• Gain insights into professional game design practices from an industry veteran
• Build a foundation for a potential career in the thriving game industry
• Enhance reading, social skills, communication abilities, and creative thinking

Join us in "Dungeons & Design" and start an adventure that turns passion into profession, guided by someone who has walked this path from D&D enthusiast to professional game designer.

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IMPORTANT: If there are no  enrollments yet for a class, please book at least a week in advance to give time for other to join. Thank you!
Learning Goals
• Gain a deep understanding of narrative design and apply it to video game concepts
• Create immersive game environments through hands-on world-building exercises
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Optional: The Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Player's handbook. A set of TTRPG dice set consisting of a d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, d4.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2021
4.8
55reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Physics from York University
Mr. Romeo
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Calgary
Vicki Tran
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Wilfrid Laurier University
Karina Bray
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from University of Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Bachelor's Degree in Music from University of Western Ontario
Diana Alecu
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music
Nicole Demers
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from York University
Mr. Romeo
Associate's Degree in Computer Engineering from Polytechnique de Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Associate's Degree in Music from The Royal Conservatory of Music Canada
Diana Alecu
Hi everyone! I'm Mr. Paj, and I'm thrilled to be your Game Master for our exciting D&D adventures! 

My journey with roleplaying games began when I was just 13 years old, and it's been an incredible ride ever since. That early passion for D&D has shaped my entire career, leading me to become a Video Game and Level Designer working on both blockbuster AAA titles and indie games.

You might have heard of some of the games I've worked on - titles like Thief, Lara Croft, and the Watchdogs series, as well as indie games like Rat Story and TSB. What you might not realize is how much my experience with D&D has influenced my work in the video game industry. The storytelling, world-building, and creative problem-solving skills I developed through roleplaying games have been invaluable in my professional life.

As a video game level designer, I've found that the skills I honed as a Game Master translate directly into creating engaging, immersive video game environments. The ability to craft a compelling narrative, design challenging yet fun encounters, and create a world that feels alive and responsive to player actions - these are all skills I first developed running D&D campaigns.

In our sessions together, we'll be using tools like D&D Beyond or Roll20, which are great for sharing maps and keeping track of game mechanics. But don't worry if you're new to these platforms - they're designed to be user-friendly, and I'll be here to guide you every step of the way. 

I love creating unique campaigns that challenge players and spark their imagination. We might follow a classic adventure structure - perhaps inspired by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or the Dragonlance saga - where you'll face a great evil, uncover its motivations, and work together to save the world. Or we might dive into shorter, more focused campaigns that allow us to explore different storytelling styles and game mechanics.

My approach to running games is all about engagement and enthusiasm. I'll create a high-fantasy atmosphere with vivid descriptions and maybe even some background music to set the mood. Each of you will have plenty of opportunities to make decisions, roleplay your characters, and shine in your own unique way. I believe in maintaining a kind and inclusive table where everyone gets equal attention and feels valued.

But beyond the fun and excitement of our game sessions, I want you to know that D&D can have a real, positive impact on your lives. It encourages reading, builds social skills, enhances communication abilities, and fosters creative thinking. These are all skills that have served me well in my career, and I'm excited to help nurture them in you.

So, whether you're a seasoned player or this is your first time rolling a d20, I'm here to guide you through the fantastic realms of D&D. Together, we'll create stories of bravery, friendship, and magic that you'll remember long after the dice stop rolling. Are you ready to begin our adventure?

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$10

weekly
1x per week
90 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-6 learners per class

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