Savvy x Alfaisal Game Design LevelUp Program
The Savvy x Alfaisal Game Design LevelUp Program is a 9-month professional program that equips aspiring game designers with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure needed to enter the gaming industry.
Delivered through a collaboration between Savvy Games Group and Alfaisal University, the program combines hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and industry master classes to develop strong foundations in game design, player experience, gameplay systems, and design documentation.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive priority consideration for internship opportunities with Savvy ecosystem partners during the July internship cycle, helping bridge the gap between learning and industry careers.
Program Curriculum
- Develop systems thinking in game design
- Understand mechanics, dynamics, constraints, and player motivation models
- Analyze and structure core loops, meta loops, and progression systems
- Critically evaluate genre conventions and design decisions
- Produce professional game design documentation
- Apply design theory to gameplay concepts and prototypes
- Game Design as a System (rules, feedback, interdependencies)
- Mechanics, Dynamics, Constraints, Player Agency
- Core Loop / Meta Loop / Progression Structures
- Player Motivation & Engagement Models
- Genre Literacy & Comparative Structural Analysis
- Formalization: System Mapping, Diagrams, Vocabulary
- Design Documentation Fundamentals (brief → specification)
- Design and analyze game systems using industry-standard terminology and frameworks.
- Evaluate player engagement, progression, and motivation systems.
- Create structured game design documentation and specifications.
- Apply design principles to prototype concepts and gameplay experiences.
- Gain direct exposure to industry practices through master classes and professional mentorship.
Eng. Hoda Elsayed
Software Engineering Lecturer
Game Innovation Center Director
Savvy Game Design Academy Director
I believe gaming is more than entertainment.. It is a powerful space where technology, creativity, and imagination come together to shape the future. Through my work as director at the Game Innovation Center, I strive to create opportunities that empower young talent to experiment, build, innovate, and transform their passion for games into real-world impact. My goal is to inspire the next generation to become not only players of the future, but the creators, innovators, and leaders who define it.
Eng. Muhammed Herwis
Instructor of Software Engineering
Savvy Instructor
Artist of 10 years, experienced in art and character design workshops with a passion for games.
Abdulrahman Helal
Game Innovation Center Researcher and Assistant
Savvy Instructor
Throughout my time on campus, I have continuously focused on applying my knowledge and skills to game development. Now, I am excited to use these skills to work on and build more games.
Abdullah Ajam
Game Innovation Center Researcher and Assistant
Savvy Instructor
I've been gaming for as long as I can remember, which naturally led me to study Software Engineering. I'm excited to combine my technical skills with my love for games to help build amazing player experiences.
Hissah Bensaidan
Software Engineer
Savvy Instructor
Maria Abbas
Savvy Instructor Software engineering student and game developer. Experienced in developing games across 2D, 3D, VR, and competitive projects. I love games as a form of storytelling, and I'm especially interested in their writing, music, and art.
Rania Waseem
Savvy Instructor Software engineering student with an ever growing love for games and game development. Experienced in 3D modeling and Animation on Blendr and Unity along with various aspects of 2D and 3D game design. My passion for games has been the driving force as to why I wish to forever create games and tell beautiful stories through them.
Abdulrahim Kachoum
Savvy Instructor I'm a senior Software Engineering student with a big love for gaming and game development. I've always enjoyed playing games, but over time I became more interested in what goes on behind them and how they're actually built. I'm excited to keep learning, creating games, and turning my ideas into experiences that people can enjoy.
The Program reserves the right to modify scholarship allocations, eligibility requirements, schedules, instructors, delivery methods, and policies when necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the program.
Master Class Schedule
Discover Game Audio: Sound, Voice and Music for Games
July 1, 2026After Program Starts
Master Class 2
Coming Soon
Master Class 3
Coming Soon
Master Class 4
Coming Soon
Master Class 5
Coming Soon
Master Class 6
Coming Soon
Master Class 7
Coming Soon
This program includes:
29 weeks in - Academic Year 2026-2027 (Estimated Start: October 11, 2026)
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sun ~ Tue ~ Thu
Alfaisal University
Up to 28 Students
7 Industry Master Classes
industry-academic certificate available upon program completion (>80% pass grade)
top participants will be nominated to game design internships with Savvy and partners upon completion
15,000 SAR
(non-refundable after program start date)
