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

4.7
stars
2,595 ratings

Fran Krause

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Game Design: Art and Concepts SpecializationCalifornia Institute of the Arts

About this Course

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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.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Course 1 of 5 in the

Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

Video Game Development
Gameplay
Video Game Design
Game Design

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 5 in the

Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.9/5 (516 Ratings)

Fran Krause

Faculty, Character Animation

School of Film/Video

119,057 Learners

2 Courses

Offered by

California Institute of the Arts

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating98%(11,356 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

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), 5 readings, 1 quiz

Week2

Week 2

1 hour to complete

Week 2: Rules and Discovery

1 hour to complete

6 videos (Total 19 min)

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Week 3: Tell a Story

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 32 min)

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Week 4: The Friend and the Enemy

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 27 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Reviews

4.7

792 reviews

5 stars
79.68%
4 stars
16.12%
3 stars
2.84%
2 stars
0.76%
1 star
0.57%

TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN

by TKJun 20, 2021

As someone who plays video game for his whole life, this is the course I can relate everything with the games I have played in my life. This course lead me to the journey where I want to start.

by DAOct 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.

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 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! :)

View all reviews

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?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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.
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.
Is financial aid available?
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.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Introduction to Game Design

About this Course

Skills you will gain