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Introduction to Game Design

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Introduction to Game Design

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

Instructor: Fran Krause

133,608 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

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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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

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.

Module details

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 Courses159,932 learners

Offered by

California Institute of the Arts

Learner reviews

5 stars
79.49%
4 stars
16.06%
3 stars
2.87%
2 stars
0.85%
1 star
0.71%

Showing 3 of 2926

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!

Reviewed on Jun 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.

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