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 course is part of the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Introduction to Game Design
Offered By
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
42%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
14%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
Video Game DevelopmentGameplayVideo Game DesignGame Design
Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
42%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
14%
got a pay increase or promotion
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Course 1 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 11 hours to complete
Suggested: 4 weeks, 2-3 hours/week
English
Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified), Portuguese (Brazilian), German, Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
California Institute of the Arts
CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
Week 1: The Simplest Games
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.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 17 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Welcome!1m
Elements of Gaming3m
The Game Design Document1m
Feedback3m
Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming3m
Week 1 Homework2m
2 readings
About this Course10m
Academic Integrity2m
2 hours to complete
Week 2: Rules and Discovery
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.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 19 min)
6 videos
Balance3m
What are rules?6m
Breaking the Rules2m
Learning the Rules3m
Week 2 Homework1m
3 hours to complete
Week 3: Tell a Story
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.
3 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 32 min)
9 videos
Story Purpose7m
Who's In Charge of Your Game Story?1m
Writer-Driven6m
Writer-Led1m
Player-Led1m
Roleplaying & Character Motivation5m
Explaining & Imagining4m
Week 3 Homework1m
3 hours to complete
Week 4: The Friend and the Enemy
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.
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 27 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
6 videos
Characters in Gaming5m
Types of Characters3m
Multiplayer Rules and Balance3m
Bonus Interview: Adam Spragg, Designer of Hidden in Plain Sight11m
Week 4 Homework1m
1 reading
Course Credits10m
Reviews
4.7
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN
by DGFeb 12, 2020
The lecture videos from Professor Fran and his old friend were surprisingly entertaining. Kudos to the team because they were able to make it fun, informative, and engaging throughout the four weeks.
by SBDec 26, 2016
A very basic course to start off the game design career. Great if you want to start right from the ground stage and make your way up! Complex concepts broken down and put ever so simply! Try it out!
by OONov 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this course. It was a lot of fun designing and redesigning a game, as well as getting to play other people's games. I enjoyed the lectures and found the peer reviews very helpful.
by YXDec 5, 2015
This course inspire me a lot. It is not easy, but with tons of fun. I spent a long time to think out the idea and make it and improve it. I did progress in gaming making as a fresh man. Thank you!
by JLJan 6, 2016
Simple, clean course that focuses beautifully on the core of what is being taught.\n\nAlso very enjoyable vibe to the instructor and the assignments; there's a puppet as a TA... enough said. :)
by JSOct 14, 2015
Fran Krause is the best teacher. He really knows what are games, what we use them for and How make them fun!\n\nIn simply steps he tought me that game designing is what i want to do in my life
by EEDec 22, 2015
My review is when i'm already in week 3 of this course. Really worthed to participate in this course, especially when you've finished your assignment and your classmate review your works! :)
by DAOct 8, 2017
Excellent course.\n\nFran 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.
by VSMar 9, 2017
this course is amazing the teacher is cool , funny and he explains the class in a really cool way with puppets and stuff and i learnd a lot and the best part of all is that it was fun
by DCNov 1, 2016
I really enjoyed the course. The assignments helped me think about games in new ways, and I developed several that I will be able to use with my high school language arts students.
by RFFeb 23, 2017
This course is going to teach you techniques on how your Video Games can become popular,can reach a wide audience.It will also talk to you about the importance of Documentation.
by AOJun 29, 2019
This course is excellently presented, with a nice splash of humour. Great core concepts covered and the assignments really impart the importance of play testing and prototyping.
About the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Stemming from the principles of storytelling and design established in CalArts’ renowned Animation programs, this Specialization lays a primary foundation for experimentation and exploration of video game design, story, character development, and winning gameplay before programming begins. These four courses emphasize the self-reliance and personal expression of the gaming artist, and encourage you to take conceptual risks and develop new modes of expression and form through gaming. In the final Capstone Project, you’ll put your creative skills to work by generating an engaging game design document for a personal game project, outlining the conceptual, narrative and aesthetic elements of your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.