Game programming courses can help you learn coding languages like C# and C++, game design principles, level design, and physics simulation. You can build skills in debugging, optimizing game performance, and creating engaging user interfaces. Many courses introduce tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine, that support developing interactive experiences and implementing graphics and sound effects.

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unity Engine, Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Game Design, Video Game Development, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, C# (Programming Language), Prototyping, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Programming, Data Management, Event-Driven Programming, Software Architecture, Algorithms, File I/O, Data Storage, Application Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File I/O, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Design, Debugging, Computer Programming, Event-Driven Programming, Video Game Development, Unity Engine, Data Structures, C# (Programming Language), Data Storage, 3D Assets, Development Environment, Game Design, Software Documentation, Software Design Patterns, User Interface (UI), Programming Principles
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Android Development, User Interface (UI) Design, Animation and Game Design, C# (Programming Language), Mobile Development, Software Installation, Linear Algebra, Computer Graphics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Prototyping, 3D Modeling, Software Design Documents, Peer Review, Cross Platform Development, C# (Programming Language), User Interface (UI), 3D Assets, Animation and Game Design, Software Design, Storytelling, Software Documentation, User Experience Design, Conceptual Design, Computer Graphics, Ideation, Multimedia
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Game Design, Animation and Game Design, Video Game Development, Animations, Scripting, Software Architecture, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Interactive Design, Development Environment, Object Oriented Design, C# (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), UI Components, 3D Assets, Virtual Environment, User Interface (UI), Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Debugging
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Edinburgh
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Software Engineering, Programming Principles, Software Development, Software Design, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Debugging, Algorithms
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Unity Engine, Video Game Development, Peer Review, Cross Platform Development, User Interface (UI), C# (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Animations, Scripting, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), C++ (Programming Language), Application Development, Object Oriented Design, Data Visualization Software, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Programming Principles, Computer Graphics, Solution Design, Computational Thinking, Graphing, Verification And Validation, Development Environment, Software Visualization, Graphic and Visual Design, Data Presentation, Application Design, Data Validation, C and C++, Program Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Data Persistence, File I/O, C (Programming Language), Game Design, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Modeling, Computational Thinking, Data Integrity, Program Development, Application Development, Data Maintenance, Computational Logic, Data Validation, Command-Line Interface, Application Design, Animation and Game Design, User Interface (UI), Algorithms, Data Structures
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: 3D Assets, Unity Engine, Video Game Development, Game Design, Animation and Game Design, Virtual Environment, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Post-Production, Animations, User Interface (UI), Application Deployment, Computer Graphics, Software Installation, Release Management, Artificial Intelligence, UI/UX Strategy, Scripting, Music, Programming Principles, C (Programming Language)
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Android (Operating System), Unity Engine, Video Game Development, Mobile Development, C# (Programming Language), User Interface (UI), Scripting, Application Deployment, C and C++, Game Design, Software Installation, User Interface (UI) Design, Development Environment, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, Deep Learning, C and C++, Performance Tuning, Convolutional Neural Networks, Data-oriented programming, C++ (Programming Language), Digital Signal Processing, Linear Algebra, Distributed Computing, Computer Graphics, System Programming, Mathematical Software, Numerical Analysis, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Game programming is the process of designing and creating video games, encompassing everything from coding and graphics to sound and gameplay mechanics. It is important because it combines creativity with technical skills, allowing developers to bring interactive experiences to life. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled game programmers is increasing, making it a vital field for innovation and entertainment.
In game programming, various job opportunities are available, including game developer, software engineer, gameplay programmer, and technical artist. These roles can be found in game studios, tech companies, and even independent game development. Each position requires a unique blend of programming skills and creativity, allowing individuals to contribute to different aspects of game creation.
To succeed in game programming, you need a solid foundation in programming languages such as C++ and C#. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is also essential. Additionally, understanding algorithms, data structures, and game design principles will enhance your ability to create engaging and efficient games. Soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving are equally important in collaborative development environments.
Some of the best online courses for game programming include the C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development Specialization and the C# Programming for Unity Game Development Specialization. These courses provide comprehensive training in popular programming languages and game engines, equipping you with the skills needed to create your own games.
Yes. You can start learning game programming on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in game programming, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn game programming, start by selecting a programming language and a game engine that interests you. Follow structured online courses, practice coding regularly, and work on small projects to apply what you learn. Joining online communities and forums can also provide support and feedback as you progress in your learning journey.
Game programming courses typically cover a range of topics, including game design principles, programming languages (like C++ and C#), game physics, artificial intelligence, and user interface design. Additionally, courses may explore the use of game engines, asset creation, and optimization techniques to ensure smooth gameplay.
For training and upskilling employees in game programming, courses like the C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development Specialization and the C# Programming for Unity Game Development Specialization are excellent choices. These programs provide comprehensive training that can enhance the skills of teams working in the gaming industry.