What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to provide a focused introduction to games design and development for learners aged 16 and above who are seeking to upskill for entry into employment or progression to further study within the digital sector. Designed to be practical, it supports learners who are new to digital creative disciplines by building essential knowledge, skills, and confidence around games design and development.
Through this qualification, learners explore the core principles of games design, including the purpose, types, and platforms of computer games, and how design decisions influence player experience. Learners generate and develop creative ideas, plan a simple game concept, and produce and present a basic game prototype that demonstrates their design intentions. They also review their work, developing early reflective and evaluative skills that support continuous improvement.
The qualification offers clear value by developing creativity, problem solving, and basic digital production skills that are transferable across a wide range of digital and creative roles. It provides a strong foundation for progression to higher level study in games design, creative media, or related digital pathways, while also helping learners understand how creative ideas are translated into practical digital outcomes in real world contexts.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts and practical skills involved in creating computer games. Learners will develop an understanding of the purpose, types and platforms of computer games, generate ideas and plan a simple game design, develop and present a basic game prototype, and review their design and prototype to build early reflective skills.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• develop knowledge of the purpose of computer games and understand the different types, genres and platforms used within the games industry
• generate ideas and plan a simple game concept using basic design methods and documentation
• develop and present a basic game prototype that brings their planned design to life using accessible tools and techniques
• review and reflect on their game design and prototype to identify strengths, areas for improvement and next steps in the development process
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications, so that the qualifications will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
On completion of this qualification learners will be equipped with the basic knowledge, understanding and skills related to games design and development.
Successful completion of the Level 1 Award in Games Design and Development could allow learners to progress onto:
• Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Games Design and Development
• Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate/Diploma in Digital and IT Skills
• Level 2 qualifications in Digital and IT
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
