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This introductory course investigates how we can embody the spirit of meaningful, creative play into the design of games. In the world today, games have become a pervasive part of our lives, not only for leisure but also in the form of “gamified” labour. In this context, what does it mean to design a game that goes beyond entertainment to offer a meaningful, transformative experience for the player? To answer this question, students will embark on a journey encompassing the meticulous crafting of game worlds, the delicate balancing of gameplay systems, and the lively performance of roleplaying sessions, among others. Weekly readings will inform the students’ participation in class workshops, leading up to the final production of a game demo. No programming will be needed for the course. No prior experience with games is necessary.