Endstar Game Studio Certificate
100% ONLINE
SELF-PACED
NO COST
Summary
The Endstar Game Studio Certificate introduces learners to the core principles of game development through hands-on creation and iterative design. Participants explore the fundamentals of game design while working directly in the Endstar sandbox environment, gaining practical experience in building, testing, and refining games.
This certificate is ideal for beginners and creatives interested in turning game ideas into playable experiences.
Duration: 12 hours
Location: Online
Modality: Self-paced
This Course is not for Academic Credit
What you'll learn:
- How to choose the right game engine or sandbox for your project
- Core principles of game design
- Iterative design and development processes
- Game playtesting and constructive feedback techniques
Module and Content:
This certificate includes a handful of modules that include short videos, readings, and an optional worksheet to test your knowledge of the material.
- Game Design Foundations
Understanding mechanics, systems, and player experience - Tools & Engines
Selecting and working within the Endstar sandbox - Iterative Game Development
Prototyping, refining, and improving gameplay - Playtesting & Feedback
Testing games and applying structured feedback
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this certificate, students will be able to:
Design basic game systems and mechanics
Build and test games using the Endstar environment
Apply iterative design methods to improve gameplay
- Analyze and provide constructive feedback on games
What you'll receive:
Upon finishing this certificate, students will receive an online certificate of completion.
Meet the instructor:
Elina Ollila
Elina Ollila is a seasoned expert in user experience design, game development, and launching and scaling entertainment products to reach millions of consumers. Over her career, she has held leadership roles at global companies such as Nokia, Daybreak Games, and Live Current Media, driving advancements in UX, game design, and games user research. Her contributions have shaped iconic games like H1Z1, a pioneer in defining the Battle Royale genre, and Candy Crush Saga, which she helped launch on mobile before it became a global phenomenon. As an early trailblazer in mobile gaming, she worked with renowned companies like Rovio, Digital Legends, and Sulake to elevate industry standards and align mobile game development with best practices in the broader video game industry.
Beyond her corporate work, Elina served as President of UX Speakeasy, the San Diego chapter of the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), where she fostered a vibrant local community of UX professionals. Through her leadership, she facilitated knowledge sharing, career growth, and collaboration among designers in the region.
At ASU, Elina explores the intersections of games, learning, and emerging technologies. She is dedicated to fostering innovation, mentoring future designers and developers, and leveraging games to create meaningful business and societal impact. As a Professor of Practice, she helps develop and teach new courses in ASU’s BSc program, preparing students for successful careers in the games industry. Additionally, as Associate Director at the Endless Games and Learning Lab, Elina focuses on launching game-based learning programs that make high-quality education accessible to learners on a global scale.