Game Design Academy
Chart Your Game Design Journey
The Gen Con Game Design Academy (GDA) is an immersive learning experience that features curated hands-on workshops, inspiring seminars, and specialized panel events led by game design academics and industry professionals.
The Game Design Academy program provides practical skills, industry insights, expert knowledge, and valuable networking opportunities to help you enter the tabletop gaming industry.
The Explorer Track
The Explorer track is designed for individuals who want to learn more about game design without a full commitment to the Student Track curriculum.
The Student Track
The Student track is intended for those interested in pursuing a career in game design. Participants who register as Students and complete the curriculum are eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
Student track events begin on Wednesday, coinciding with Trade Day at Gen Con. Throughout the convention’s four days, additional events are available for participation.
If you plan to attend Game Design Academy events on Wednesday, you must purchase a Trade Day badge and select a “Participation Type” for “Game Designer.”
The Game Design Academy offers curated events organized by game design experts and industry leaders. Learn more about the Gen Con Game Design Academy coordinators. Once event registration opens in May, search 'Game Design Academy' in the Gen Con event catalog using the ‘Company’ field.
Guests of Honor
Gen Con is thrilled to host a Guest of Honor program featuring esteemed game designers and industry professionals. Gen Con is excited to announce the 2026 Guests of Honor: Helaina Cappel and Geoff Engelstein.
How to Get a Badge
The Gen Con Game Design Academy is a branch of Trade Day, offering participants access to events tailored to specific industry-related interests that enhance game design knowledge. Additionally, the Game Design Academy provides a bonus day of activities during Gen Con to help complete certification.
To participate in Game Design Academy, participants must apply for a Trade Day badge with the designation 'Game Designer'.
Hosting Events for Game Design Academy
Gen Con consistently seeks curriculum and content from tabletop gaming industry professionals and game design experts.
Game Design Academy events are curated by academic coordinators with significant experience in the tabletop gaming industry. In line with Gen Con's open event submission policy, the coordinators review game design-focused event submissions for potential inclusion.
To submit an event for Gen Con, please visit the Event Host page for more details. Click here to learn more about the Gen Con Game Design Academy coordinators. For any questions, please email [email protected].
Game Design Academy Sponsorships
The Gen Con Game Design Academy is pleased to offer promotional sponsorship opportunities during the convention. Sponsors do not need to be a Gen Con exhibitor to inquire. For more information, see the Game Design Academy sponsorship page in the Gen Con Sponsorship & Marketing Guide.
Bundle Trade Day and/or Gen Con sponsorships to create unique marketing opportunities tailored to your business! For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].
Game Design Academy Newsletter
Stay updated on all things related to the Gen Con Game Design Academy with our exclusive email newsletter. Subscribe here.
Questions?
Click the yellow ‘Help’ bubble at the bottom right corner of the screen. For Game Design Academy FAQs, please click here.
