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.
Offered By
Game Design: Art and Concepts SpecializationCalifornia Institute of the ArtsAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
36%
started a new career after completing these courses
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 6 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), French, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, Russian, English, Spanish, Hungarian
Skills you will gain
Video Game DevelopmentGameplayVideo Game DesignGame Design
Learner Career Outcomes
36%
started a new career after completing these courses
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 6 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), French, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, Russian, English, Spanish, Hungarian
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
1 hour 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 17 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Welcome!1m
Elements of Gaming3m
The Game Design Document1m
Feedback3m
Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming3m
Week 1 Homework2m
3 readings
About this Course10m
Instructor Presence and Staff Support 1m
Academic Integrity2m
1 hour 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 19 min)
6 videos
Balance3m
What are rules?6m
Breaking the Rules2m
Learning the Rules3m
Week 2 Homework1m
2 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.
2 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
2 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.
2 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
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN
by TNApr 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.
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 JBJun 15, 2020
It was helpful as it showed me several tricks and tips on how to create a story and properly balance a game. While also showing me see how other people could complete something with different ideas.
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!
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
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