Level Up: University of the People Launches Online Game Design Certificate to Turn Players into Creators

University of the People (UoPeople), the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited online university, today announced the launch of its new Certificate in Game Design, an 18-credit, fully online program designed to open doors into one of the fastest-growing creative industries. The credits can also be used toward a full Bachelor’s degree. The Certificate in Game Design was made possible through support from Endless Foundation, whose partnership was instrumental in its development.

The six-course certificate introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, including games and society, narrative and storytelling, prototyping, and hands-on development using the Godot game engine. The program culminates in a capstone portfolio project, equipping students with tangible work to showcase to employers or academic institutions. Designed for flexibility, the certificate can be completed in approximately six to eight months.

The launch comes as the global gaming industry continues to grow with billions of players worldwide and revenues approaching $200 billion. As demand for innovative gaming experiences grows, so does the need for skilled designers who understand both the creative and social impact of games.

“Video games are one of the dominant languages of young people today, but too many only experience them as players, not creators,” said Shai Reshef, President of University of the People. “With this new certificate, we are lowering the barriers to entry so that motivated learners anywhere in the world, regardless of finances or location, can begin designing and building their own games and graduate with a portfolio that speaks to employers and future study opportunities.”

Open to learners aged 16 and older, the program requires no entrance exams or prior coding experience. It follows UoPeople’s tuition-free, pay-as-you-go model, with students paying modest assessment fees per course. The certificate is designed to stack into further studies in technology and design while preparing graduates for entry-level roles such as game designer, level designer, narrative designer, QA tester, and interactive media creator.

By combining accessibility, rigorous coursework, and portfolio-based learning, the Certificate in Game Design reflects UoPeople’s mission to make high-quality education accessible to all.

For more information, visit www.uopeople.edu.

About University of the People

UoPeople provides a unique and essential opportunity for qualified high school graduates to overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal barriers to attaining higher education. Our tuition-free model offers students an affordable solution to earn a quality degree with minimal fees, which are waived if a student cannot afford them. Founded in 2009 and accredited in 2014, UoPeople currently serves more than 170,000 students from 213 countries and territories