Introduction to Game Design

This course is part of Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate

Instructor: Ryan Laley

42,172 already enrolled

Included with

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

515 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

80%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

515 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

80%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Category: Video Game Development
Category: Software Development Methodologies
Category: Game Design
Category: Conceptual Design
Category: Interactive Design
Category: Software Design Documents
Category: Ideation
Category: Creativity

Tools you'll learn

Category: Collaborative Software

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

13 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

Build your Design and Product expertise

This course is part of the Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from Epic Games

There are 4 modules in this course

This course introduces the fundamentals of video games and delves into the intricate art of game design, exploring concepts from generating original game ideas to crafting comprehensive design documents. Throughout the modules, learners will discover the iterative process of game development, emphasizing teamwork and reflection as essential components of creating compelling interactive experiences.

In this module you will be learning all about video games and in particular what we mean when it comes to 'game design'.

What's included

14 videos4 assignments

14 videosTotal 33 minutes

Genres of games2 minutes
Action and adventure2 minutes
Shooters2 minutes
Role Playing Games3 minutes
Platformers2 minutes
How to find and cultivate 'fun'2 minutes
Roles in a Development Studio2 minutes
Career paths2 minutes
Art Vs Design2 minutes
Specialities2 minutes
Indie Vs AAA Studio2 minutes
Different Roles in Game Design5 minutes
Responsibilities2 minutes
Skillset2 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Game Genres30 minutes
Video Game Industry15 minutes
The Role of a Game Designer15 minutes
Game Design Quiz30 minutes

In your second module you will be learning how to generate ideas and put together a pitch proposal for an original game idea.

What's included

20 videos1 reading3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

20 videosTotal 39 minutes

Where do ideas come from?2 minutes
Brainstorming2 minutes
Pillars of game design3 minutes
Market research2 minutes
Audience research1 minute
Technical research1 minute
Identifying scope2 minutes
What is the aim of balancing a game?2 minutes
How to be fair to the player?2 minutes
How do we keep players engaged?2 minutes
How do we entertain players?1 minute
What is a design methodology2 minutes
Waterfall methodology2 minutes
Agile methodology2 minutes
Double diamond1 minute
What is a work pipeline?4 minutes
Identifying target market3 minutes
SWOT analysis2 minutes
Pitch decks2 minutes
Presenting a pitch deck2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Designing for Player Feedback10 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Pillars and Game Ideation60 minutes
Design Ideas30 minutes
Designing Your First Game Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 180 minutes

Slide Deck Proposal Pitch180 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Which design methodology here is the ideal one in your opinion?10 minutes

The third week and module of the course, learners will be taught about the iterative design process of games development and how we work in teams to produce content and reflect on content. You will also begin working towards your design document for your own game idea.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

In this final module you will be putting together your game design document for your original game idea. You will learn what a game design document includes and how to use it to communicate ideas to peers.

What's included

4 videos5 assignments1 peer review

4 videosTotal 16 minutes

What is a game design document4 minutes
How are game design documents used3 minutes
Keeping organized3 minutes
Reviewing an example7 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 450 minutes

Game Design Document: Core Gameplay90 minutes
Game Design Document: Features and Player Mechanics90 minutes
Game Design Document: Game World and Characters90 minutes
Game Design Document: Enemies and Levels90 minutes
Game Design Document: User Interface and Player Experience90 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Game Design Document60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(192 ratings)

Ryan Laley

Epic Games

2 Courses42,867 learners

Offered by

Epic Games

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Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

This course is invaluable, understanding, and a great source to recommend to anyone looking to learn and grow.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

I wish there would be more video parts of the tools and examples, but other than that, amazing course

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

The last assignment is quite heavy for what's shown on the course, but it's quite informative nonetheless.

Frequently asked questions

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.