Game Design & Development with Unity

Learn to design, code and develop your own video games using Unity and C# programming.

Course Overview

Game Design & Development with Unity is a practical programme introducing young people to the exciting world of video game development.

Using the Unity game engine and C# programming language, learners develop the technical and creative skills needed to design, build and programme their own interactive games.

Throughout the programme, participants explore game mechanics, player movement, programming logic, level design, user interfaces, sound and interactive storytelling.

Across three school-term blocks, learners progress from their first game prototype to a more complete, playable project that they can present and share with others.

Term 1 — Foundations of Game Design

Learners are introduced to the Unity game engine and the C# programming environment. They explore the fundamentals of game design, including game mechanics, player experience, scenes, game objects and level layout.

Through guided practical activities, participants begin writing their first scripts and learn how programming instructions control objects and behaviours within a game.

By the end of Term 1, learners will have:

• Installed and explored the Unity development environment.
• Understood the basic structure of a Unity project.
• Explored scenes, game objects and components.
• Developed an introduction to C# scripting.
• Designed and built a simple 2D game prototype.

Term 2 — Programming & Interactivity

Learners build on their programming knowledge and develop more advanced C# scripting skills. They explore how to create interactive gameplay experiences by controlling characters, responding to events and implementing game logic.

Participants continue developing their game prototypes, introducing new features and improving the overall player experience.

By the end of Term 2, learners will have explored:

• Player movement and character controls.
• Collisions and object interactions.
• Variables, conditions and programming logic.
• Scoring systems and game rules.
• User interfaces and interactive elements.
• Sound effects, visual elements and game feedback.
• Testing and improving gameplay.

Learners will work towards a more complete and playable version of their game.

Term 3 — Refinement & Showcase

The final block focuses on developing, refining and completing each learner's game. Participants apply their programming and design knowledge to improve gameplay, resolve errors and create a polished final project.

During Term 3, learners will:

• Refine and improve their game mechanics.
• Debug scripts and resolve programming errors.
• Balance gameplay and improve the player experience.
• Add final visual, artwork and audio elements.
• Test and prepare a complete playable game.
• Develop a short presentation or demonstration of their project.

By the end of the programme, each learner will have developed a game project that demonstrates their creativity, programming ability and understanding of game development.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the programme, participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of video game design and development.
• Gain practical experience using the Unity game engine.
• Develop foundational text-based programming skills using C#.
• Understand programming concepts, variables, conditions and game logic.
• Create interactive gameplay mechanics and player controls.
• Develop skills in level design and user interface development.
• Learn to test, debug and improve software projects.
• Gain confidence in developing and presenting their own games.

Our Teaching Approach

At First Step Robotics, we believe the best way to learn technology is by creating something of your own.

Our approach combines structured programming lessons with practical game development challenges. Learners are encouraged to experiment, solve problems, test ideas and develop their own creative solutions.

Rather than simply following tutorials, participants progressively develop their understanding of how games are designed, programmed and built.

The emphasis is on developing real programming skills while encouraging creativity, independent thinking and technical problem-solving.

Equipment & Software Requirements

Learners must bring their own laptop for use during the sessions.

Unity and the required development tools will be used throughout the programme. We will provide guidance and support with software installation, account setup and configuring the development environment.

Basic computer literacy is recommended to help learners navigate the development environment and manage their projects.

Learning Requirements

No previous coding or game development experience is necessary. The programme is designed to introduce learners to programming from the foundations.

Basic computer literacy, including using a computer, managing files and navigating software applications, is recommended.

Curiosity, creativity and an interest in video games and technology are all you need to get started.

Showcase Your Game

In Term 3 (May or June 2027), learners will have the opportunity to showcase their completed projects at our Family Tech Day.

Participants can demonstrate their games, explain how they developed them and celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

This is an opportunity to share their creativity, programming skills and progress as young game developers.

Important Information

This course is designed to be taken from the beginning of a block, as each session builds on previous learning.

Learners joining mid-block may need to complete additional work at home to catch up. Regular attendance is recommended to get the most from the programme and successfully complete their projects.

Learners must bring their own laptop to every session.

Ready to Create Your Own Game?

Turn your ideas into playable games. Learn to code, design and develop with Unity.