Game Design and the Trail to Eagle
Game Design is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Game Design Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Game Design. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Analyze four games you have played, game. Describe game mechanics.
- b.Discuss with your counselor five game design terms.
- 2
Discuss with your counselor the game design process.
- 3
Design a new game. Describe the objective, rules, and mechanics.
- 4
Build a prototype of your game and playtest it.
- 5
Find out about three career opportunities in game design.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Game Design Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Game Design, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Game Design is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 7 Game Design requirements for you.
Game Design Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Game Design merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Game Design is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Game Design merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Game Design in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Game Design merit badge?
Game Design is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Game Design can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Game Design merit badge have?
Game Design has 5 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 7 items in total.
