Esports & Game Design Program
Miami Community Charter School’s Esports & Game Design Program gives students the opportunity to explore the creative and technical world behind video games and interactive media.
Through hands-on activities, students develop skills in game planning, digital design, technology, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program helps students understand that gaming is more than entertainment—it is also a growing field that connects creativity with technology.
Official FLDOE Program: Game/Simulation/Animation Visual Design
Program Number: 8208100
Grade Levels: 7-8
What Students Learn
Students participating in the program may develop skills in:
Game and simulation concepts
Game planning and development
Rules, strategies, and game mechanics
Storyboarding and visual design
User-interface design
Digital graphics, sound, and animation
Game testing and evaluation
Project planning and documentation
Teamwork and communication
Responsible and ethical use of technology
Career exploration in gaming and digital media
Courses Offered
Game & Simulation Foundations
This introductory course allows students to explore the gaming and simulation industry, related careers, and the role games and simulations play in society.
Students are introduced to the basic principles of game design, including planning, storytelling, game mechanics, visual elements, technology tools, and the process of developing an interactive experience.
Game & Simulation Design
Students build upon the foundational concepts introduced in the first course and examine the principles involved in designing games and simulations.
Topics may include:
- Rules and strategies of play
- User-interface design
- Game-development constraints
- Conditional actions and decision-making
- Integration of sound and animation
- Game-design software and tools
- Creation and presentation of a playable game
- Development of supporting design documentation
Hands-On Learning
Students may have opportunities to:
- Analyze existing games and simulations
- Develop original game concepts
- Create storyboards and design plans
- Design characters, environments, or interactive elements
- Apply sound, animation, and visual effects
- Test and improve game mechanics
- Collaborate with classmates on digital projects
- Present completed projects and explain design decisions
These experiences help students understand the complete development process—from the first idea to a functional interactive product.
Benefits for Students
Participation in the Esports & Game Design Program helps students:
- Explore careers in gaming, animation, and digital media
- Develop creative and technical abilities
- Strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Practice collaboration and project management
- Build confidence using digital tools
- Create original projects for an academic portfolio
- Prepare for future studies in technology and design
Career and College Connections
The knowledge developed through these courses can provide a foundation for future studies and careers such as:
- Game designer
- Game developer
- Digital artist
- Animator
- User-interface designer
- Interactive media designer
- Game tester or quality-assurance specialist
- Esports event coordinator
- Esports content creator
- Multimedia specialist
- Software developer
- Technology entrepreneur
From Players to Creators
The Esports & Game Design Program encourages students to look beyond playing games and begin understanding how interactive experiences are imagined, designed, tested, and produced.
By combining creativity, technology, strategy, and collaboration, students develop practical skills that can support future academic and career opportunities.