About 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.
Created by: California Institute of the Arts
Taught by: Fran Krause, Faculty, Character Animation
School of Film/Video
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 5 in the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 4 weeks, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Welcome!
- Reading: About this Course
- Video: Elements of Gaming
- Video: The Game Design Document
- Video: Feedback
- Video: Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming
- Video: Week 1 Homework
Graded: Make a Simple Paper-Based Game
WEEK 2
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.
6 videos
- Video: Introduction to Rules
- Video: Balance
- Video: What are rules?
- Video: Breaking the Rules
- Video: Learning the Rules
- Video: Week 2 Homework
Graded: Refining the Rules on Your Paper-Based Game
WEEK 3
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.
9 videos
- Video: Introduction to Story
- Video: Story Purpose
- Video: Who's In Charge of Your Game Story?
- Video: Writer-Driven
- Video: Writer-Led
- Video: Player-Led
- Video: Roleplaying & Character Motivation
- Video: Explaining & Imagining
- Video: Week 3 Homework
Graded: Narrative Elements for Your Paper-based Game
WEEK 4
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.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Introduction to Characters
- Video: Characters in Gaming
- Video: Types of Characters
- Video: Multiplayer Rules and Balance
- Video: Bonus Interview: Adam Spragg, Designer of Hidden in Plain Sight
- Video: Week 4 Homework
- Reading: Course Credits
Graded: Multi-Player Paper-Based Game!
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
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.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Fran is fun and helps put your mind at ease when having to do homework. I felt like it was okay to make mistakes and that i could have fun
这真的是一个很棒的课程。视频制作得很棒，作业也安排得很合理。四周的时间，从基本的概念开始一点一点的完成一个游戏，感觉真是很棒。推荐给和我一样想要尝试游戏设计，但不知道从何下手的朋友。大家一定要认真完成作业，这门课程的效果非常依赖于你的作业。只要完成每周指定的任务就好，不用试着在作业里放下太多的东西（实际上这也会给你的同学造成麻烦）
It is a very good introductory course for novice game makers. Easy to understand, and detailed introduction.
对于新手游戏制作者来说，是十分好的入门课程。简单易懂，且介绍详细。
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Simple course, but useful to me. I learn how to start game design by a correct direction.