What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to offer a focused qualification that supports learners aged 16 and above in developing core games design and development skills as a route into employment or further study within the digital sector. Designed to be accessible to those new to the subject area, the qualification provides a further introduction to both creative and technical processes involved in game creation, helping learners build confidence and practical capability.
Through this qualification, learners develop fundamental knowledge of different types of computer games and the purposes they serve, while applying creative and problem solving skills to design a game in response to a client brief. Learners plan, build, and test a functional game prototype, gaining hands on experience of turning ideas into workable digital solutions, and critically review their finished product to develop reflective and evaluative skills.
The qualification offers clear value by equipping learners with transferable skills such as creativity, logical thinking, collaboration, and self evaluation that are relevant across a wide range of digital pathways. It provides a strong foundation for progression to further study or entry level roles within games design and development, and the wider digital sector, supporting learners to take their first steps towards sustainable digital careers.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the core knowledge and practical skills needed to design and develop a simple computer game. This qualification supports progression into further study or entry‑level opportunities within the games design and development field and broader digital sector.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• understand key features, genres, and characteristics of different types of computer games
• apply creative and technical skills to design a computer game that meets the needs of a client brief
• develop and test a functional computer game, demonstrating problem‑solving and iterative improvement
• review the completed game, identifying strengths, areas for development, and potential enhancements
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 to ensure that the qualification 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 2 Award in Games Design and Development could allow learners to progress onto:
• Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate/Diploma in Digital and IT Skills
• Level 2 qualifications in Digital and IT
• entry-level employment roles related to games design and development
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.
