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
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About this Course
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Try Coursera for BusinessSkills you will gain
- Video Game Development
- Gameplay
- Video Game Design
- Game Design
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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1: The Simplest Games
Week 2: Rules and Discovery
Week 3: Tell a Story
Week 4: The Friend and the Enemy
Reviews
- 5 stars79.73%
- 4 stars16.10%
- 3 stars2.81%
- 2 stars0.77%
- 1 star0.57%
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN
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
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.
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.
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.
About the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization

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