This last two weeks, our MYP2 students at the Vicenza school had the rare opportunity to step into the creative universe of professional game design, guided by Michele Garbuggio. Known for his work on Dune: War for Arrakis, The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying, and Trudvang Legends, Michele brought both expertise and passion into the classroom, captivating students with stories from his professional journey.
The lesson, part of the Design course, introduced students to the full spectrum of the design process: from choosing a theme and making design decisions, to prototyping and playtesting. Students were not just listening—they were asking questions, sharing ideas, and imagining the worlds they could create themselves. Michele also showcased e-Mission, a board game focused on ecology, carbon emissions, and sustainability, opening students’ eyes to how games can carry meaningful, real-world messages.
Experiences like these do more than spark creativity—they enrich the MYP curriculum in tangible ways. By analyzing and designing their own games, students practice critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and iterative design, all central to the MYP framework. They also gain a glimpse into professional workflows, learning how ideas move from concept to finished product.
Next Friday, Michele will return to give personalized feedback on student project ideas, and in November, two practical workshops will let students roll up their sleeves and bring their game designs to life under his mentorship.
For our students, this isn’t just a lesson in game design—it’s a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world skills, explore their creativity, and develop competencies that will serve them well across all areas of study and beyond.