Introduction to Game Design

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Introduction to Game Design

This course is part of Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization

Instructor: Fran Krause

133,558 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,926 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,926 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization

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

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course

Welcome! This course is an introduction to the primary concepts of gaming, and an exploration of how these basic concepts affect the way gamers interact with our games. In this course you will understand what defines a “game” and the mechanics and rules behind different types of games. Through four linked assignments you'll learn ways to create and describe a game concept, and specifically what makes a compelling game. This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings of games, and all assignments can be completed with a pencil and paper – no previous programming knowledge is required.

This week we start at the beginning: what are the principles of very simple games, like Hangman and tic-tac-toe? How do these games work? Why do people play them? What are the elements that define games and the gaming experience? And finally, what do games have in common with each other, and what sets them apart? In addition to covering the basics and ground rules for this course, we'll conclude this week with a very simple, low-tech assignment: create a game on a single sheet of paper.

What's included

6 videos5 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 17 minutes

Welcome!2 minutes
Elements of Gaming3 minutes
The Game Design Document2 minutes
Feedback3 minutes
Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming3 minutes
Week 1 Homework3 minutes

5 readingsTotal 23 minutes

About this Course10 minutes
Instructor Presence and Staff Support 1 minute
Academic Integrity2 minutes
Forum Guidelines5 minutes
Requesting Peer Reviews5 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Make a Simple Paper-Based Game60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 5 minutes

Meet and Greet5 minutes

How does a player learn the mechanics of your game? How do they learn anything about your game? This week we will talk about the rules that define gameplay, and how those rules are communicated to your players. We also discuss the way rules are bent and broken by players.

What's included

6 videos1 peer review

How does narrative drive a player to start playing your game? Or to finish it? This week we'll look at some of the ways you can make your game more compelling with story, and discuss some of the ways story can drive gameplay forward, or enable a player to make their own way through it.

What's included

9 videos1 peer review

What purpose does an enemy serve in a game? What effect does a second player have on two-player games? Can a game work without an adversary or a final goal? We'll address all of those questions in this last week of the class, and work towards finalizing your board game project with characters.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 peer review

6 videosTotal 27 minutes

Introduction to Characters1 minute
Characters in Gaming5 minutes
Types of Characters4 minutes
Multiplayer Rules and Balance4 minutes
Bonus Interview: Adam Spragg, Designer of Hidden in Plain Sight11 minutes
Week 4 Homework2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Course Credits10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Multi-Player Paper-Based Game!60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(642 ratings)

Fran Krause

2 Courses159,870 learners

Offered by

California Institute of the Arts

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Reviewed on Oct 8, 2017

Excellent course.Fran is such a good teacher. He addressed all my previous concerns regarding game design and explained the fundamental features in easy to approach and direct ways.

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2021

This ia very simple but accurate course for being an introduction to game design, and it´s also funny which makes it very different form other courses, ans that´s something I really apreciate.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2020

I really loved doing this course. Learnt how to make a simple game and make it really interesting! I loved how the easily the instructor was able to teach us and make us curious throughout the course.

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.