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    Video Games Courses Online

    Explore video game design and development. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and programming for creating engaging games.

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    Explore the Video Games Course Catalog

    • G

      Google Cloud

      Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation

      Skills you'll gain: Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Storage, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Computing, Network Infrastructure, Virtual Machines, Cloud Management, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Command-Line Interface, Firewall

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      17K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • M

      Michigan State University

      Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Unity Engine, Prototyping, Video Game Development, 3D Modeling, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Software Design, Computer Graphics, Multimedia, Animations, Music

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      64 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      A

      Adobe

      Adobe Content Creator

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Social Media Content, Target Audience, Video Production, Typography, Color Matching, Multimedia, Content Creation, Generative AI, Graphic and Visual Design, Social Media Strategy, Content Performance Analysis, Social Media Marketing, Visual Design, Storyboarding, Design, Prompt Engineering, Adobe Creative Cloud, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      766 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Università Bocconi

      Food & Beverage Management

      Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, Product Quality (QA/QC), Global Marketing, Market Dynamics, Business Strategy, Consumer Behaviour, Value Propositions, Competitive Analysis, Innovation, Brand Management, Growth Strategies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.9K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Software Developers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, CI/CD, Software Development, Software Development Life Cycle, DevSecOps, Data Ethics, Natural Language Processing, Prototyping, Software Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Code Review, Software Testing, Software Design Patterns, Image Analysis, Content Creation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Data Engineers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Database Design, Data Pipelines, Query Languages, Extract, Transform, Load, OpenAI, Snowflake Schema, Star Schema, Data Warehousing, Data Ethics, Data Infrastructure, Data Architecture, Data Mining, Large Language Modeling, Data Synthesis, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Image Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Social Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Experimentation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Image Analysis, Deep Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Data Ethics, Applied Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Information Privacy, Performance Testing, Machine Learning Algorithms

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Data Analysts

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Data Storytelling, OpenAI, Analytics, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Dashboard, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Python Programming, Query Languages, Image Analysis, Content Creation, Virtual Environment

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      K

      Knowledge Accelerators

      From Excel to Power BI

      Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Dashboard, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Import/Export, Business Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Sharing, Data Modeling

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of London

      Virtual Reality

      Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Unity Engine, Video Game Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphics, Game Design, Virtual Environment, Prototyping, Interaction Design, Storyboarding, User Interface (UI), Human Computer Interaction, Animations, Ideation, Usability Testing, Human Machine Interfaces, Display Devices, Technical Design, Usability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce

      Skills you'll gain: Media Planning, Search Engine Marketing, Email Marketing, Data Storytelling, Social Media Strategy, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Order Fulfillment, Google Ads, Online Advertising, A/B Testing, Social Media Campaigns, Target Audience, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Loyalty Programs, Customer Retention, Customer experience strategy (CX), Campaign Management

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      39K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular video games courses

    • Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation: Google Cloud
    • Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter: Michigan State University
    • Adobe Content Creator: Adobe
    • Food & Beverage Management: Università Bocconi
    • Generative AI for Software Developers: IBM
    • Generative AI for Data Engineers: IBM
    • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University
    • Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): DeepLearning.AI
    • Generative AI for Data Analysts: IBM
    • From Excel to Power BI: Knowledge Accelerators

    Frequently Asked Questions about Video Games

    Video games are electronic games played on computer systems, such as dedicated consoles, personal computers, or mobile phones. Often featuring elements of challenge, strategy, exploration, and entertainment, video games encompass many different genres, like action-adventure, platformers, shooters, and role-playing games (RPGs), that often (but not always) share certain game mechanics. As a result, while some video games may focus purely on gameplay, others may also pay particular attention to storytelling and worldbuilding.

    The wide range of player interests and preferences catered to by video games has made them a popular – and lucrative – form of art and entertainment. According to research from Statista, the worldwide revenue for video games is projected to reach a whopping $626.78 billion by 2028, or nearly three times its 2018 valuation 1. This suggests that demand for video games and the professionals capable of designing them will continue to grow in the coming years.

    1 Statista. “Video game market revenue worldwide from 2018 to 2028.” Accessed December 12, 2023.‎

    Online video game courses can help you build the skills to create your own video game or join the industry. Offered by top universities like the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Michigan State University, Coursera’s flexible, online video game courses and specializations offer a chance for you to build job-relevant skills at your own pace and cost-effectively. ‎

    The exact skills you’ll need for a career in the video game industry will vary based on the precise position you’re hoping to land. For example, while video game writers need a strong grasp of storytelling, game developers need a thorough understanding of programming in game engines. Regardless of your role, though, here are some of the skills that you might consider building:

    • Game design: Understanding of game mechanics, gameplay elements, level design, and user experience principles.
    • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and Java.
    • Game engines: Familiarity with game development engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • 2D and 3D art: Skills in digital art creation, including character design, environmental modeling, texture, animation, and visual effects.
    • Audio design: Knowledge of sound editing, music composition, and audio integration technique.
    • Gameplay testing: Ability to perform playtesting, identify bugs or issues, and provide feedback for game improvement.
    • Player experience: Awareness of player preferences, market trends, and the ability to create engaging, rewarding game experiences. ‎

    Video games are a multi-faceted medium that encompasses many different subjects. As a result, there are various topics that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge of video games, including game design, sound design, visual art, graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, storytelling, programming languages, and 3D visual effects (VFX), among other things.

    You can explore many of these topics and more on Coursera’s catalog of online courses, Specializations, and guided projects. ‎

    The video game industry employs many different types of people who hold a wide range of positions. Whether you want to design characters, program gameplay elements, or craft interactive narratives, there’s likely a job for you in the game industry. At a glance, here are just some of the jobs you might consider pursuing:

    • Gameplay designer • Game writer • Level designer • User experience (UX) designer • 3D modeling artist • Concept artist • Environment artist • Animator • Sound designer • Engine programmer • Gameplay programmer • Game tester

    Read more: What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?‎

    The pay range for video game professionals can vary considerably from one job to another. According to Glassdoor, for example, the average salary of a game developer in the United States is $90,160 a year as of December 2023 2. Meanwhile, the average salary for a 3D modeling artist is $61,930 a year as of December 2023 3. Ultimately, the precise pay you can expect to earn will vary based not only on your position, but also on your experience level, qualifications, and geographic location. ‎

    If you’re interested in joining the video game industry, you might consider pursuing a career as a video game developer. In addition to earning a higher-than-average salary – $90,160 a year, according to Glassdoor (Dec. 2023) 2 – as videogame develop you’ll also get the opportunity to build video games from scratch, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and craft engaging experiences for players around the world. ‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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