Is this course suitable for aspiring tabletop game designers as well as video game designers?

Yes. By stripping away digital constraints, the curriculum focuses on the universal principles of ludology (the study of games). Whether you are designing for a game engine or a physical board, the rules of balance, conflict, and player psychology remain the same.

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.

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.

Introduction to Game Design

Introduction to Game Design

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

Instructor: Fran Krause

133,673 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,926 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

2,926 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Define the core mechanics, rules, and conceptual underpinnings that differentiate games from other forms of interactive media and entertainment.
Analyze how specific game design choices and systems influence player behavior, emotional engagement, and overall gameplay experience.
Create structured game design documentation that clearly communicates original concepts, mechanics, and win-state conditions to stakeholders.
Develop and iterate on playable game concepts using rapid prototyping techniques to test balance and engagement without requiring programming.

Skills you'll gain

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Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

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

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Study the foundational mechanics, rules, and conceptual underpinnings of game design. Define what makes a game compelling through industry-standard documentation and structured conceptual frameworks. Develop and describe original game concepts through four iterative assignments designed to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and playable mechanics—no programming experience required.

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.

What's included

6 videos5 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 17 minutes

Welcome!2 minutes
Elements of Gaming3 minutes
The Game Design Document2 minutes
Feedback3 minutes
Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming3 minutes
Week 1 Homework3 minutes

5 readingsTotal 23 minutes

About this Course10 minutes
Instructor Presence and Staff Support 1 minute
Academic Integrity2 minutes
Forum Guidelines5 minutes
Requesting Peer Reviews5 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Make a Simple Paper-Based Game60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 5 minutes

Meet and Greet5 minutes

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.

What's included

6 videos1 peer review

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.

What's included

9 videos1 peer review

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.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 peer review

6 videosTotal 27 minutes

Introduction to Characters1 minute
Characters in Gaming5 minutes
Types of Characters4 minutes
Multiplayer Rules and Balance4 minutes
Bonus Interview: Adam Spragg, Designer of Hidden in Plain Sight11 minutes
Week 4 Homework2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Course Credits10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Multi-Player Paper-Based Game!60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(642 ratings)

Fran Krause

2 Courses160,009 learners

Offered by

California Institute of the Arts

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Reviewed on Jan 3, 2025

It was one of the best courses I’ve ever taken. The fun and enjoyment throughout the course, combined with simplified real-world tasks, taught me everything I needed to get started.

Reviewed on Apr 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.

Reviewed on Dec 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!

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Frequently asked questions

This course defines the fundamental architecture of play, focusing on game mechanics, rule systems, and player agency. You will learn to deconstruct how these elements interact to create engagement, transitioning from basic systemic logic to complex narrative integration.

No. This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings and systemic design of games. All projects, including the final board game prototype, are designed to be completed using rapid prototyping methods like pencil and paper. This ensures a focus on design logic rather than technical implementation.

We treat Narrative Design as a functional tool for player motivation. You will explore how to synchronize story-driven objectives with core gameplay loops to maximize player retention and create "emergent gameplay"—where the story and mechanics work together to empower player choice.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. 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.