Launch Your Career in Game Design and Development. Learn the theory and practice of game making using Unity 2020

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Brian Winn

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Game Design and Development with Unity 2020 SpecializationMichigan State University

What you will learn

The ability to design and develop 2D games.

The ability to design and develop 3D games.

The game design and development process.

Skills you will gain

Video Game DevelopmentUnityvideo gameGame DesigntechnologyGame Making

About this Specialization

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Break into the video game industry with theoretical, technical, and practical knowledge from one of the world’s best programs. In this completely revised 2021 version of the Specialization, learners build the skills necessary to design and development games. The Specialization focuses on both the theory and practice of game making. From a technical standpoint, learners create four game projects in the latest Unity 2020 game engine, include a 2D Shooter, 2D Platformer, First-Person Shooter, and 3D Platformer. In the Capstone Project, learners create a completely original game of their own design from initial concept up to the first playable prototype. The Specialization comes from the Michigan State University game program which is ranked as one of the top programs in North America.

Applied Learning Project

Learners build four complete Unity game projects while acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in the game industry. Learners build a solid foundation for industry roles as a game designer, level designer, technical designer, technical artist, programmer, and/or producer.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible Schedule

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Beginner Level

Basic computer literacy
The ability to follow instructions and learn new software interfaces
Programming experience is not required

Approximately 5 months to complete

Suggested pace of 4 hours/week

English

Subtitles: English

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible Schedule

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Beginner Level

Basic computer literacy
The ability to follow instructions and learn new software interfaces
Programming experience is not required

Approximately 5 months to complete

Suggested pace of 4 hours/week

English

Subtitles: English

How the Specialization Works

Take Courses

A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. It’s okay to complete just one course — you can pause your learning or end your subscription at any time. Visit your learner dashboard to track your course enrollments and your progress.

Hands-on Project

Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.

Earn a Certificate

When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.

There are 5 Courses in this Specialization

Course1

Course 1

Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter

4.7

stars

83 ratings

•

30 reviews

If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course will start you down that path. Making games is a creative and technical art form. In this course you will familiarize yourself with the tools and practices of game development and well as the process. You will get started developing video games using industry standard game development tools, including the Unity 2020 game engine. At the end of the course you will have completed two hands-on projects, including an Intro to Unity project and a 2D Shooter game, and will be able to leverage an array of game development techniques to create your own basic games.

Course2

Course 2

Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer

If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course is your second step down that path. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of game design, including an understanding of the game world, storytelling, gameplay, user experience, and game technology. You will continue developing videogames using industry standard game development tools, including the Unity game engine. At the end of the course you will have completed a 2D Platformer game, and will be able to leverage an array of game development techniques to create your own basic games.

Course3

Course 3

Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter

If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course is your third step down that path. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of game design, including an understanding of level design, game balancing, prototyping, and playtesting, as well as game asset creation techniques. You will continue developing video games using industry standard game development tools, including the Unity 2020 game engine. At the end of the course you will have completed a 3D First-Person Shooter game, and will be able to leverage an array of game development techniques to create your own basic games.

Course4

Course 4

Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer

If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course is your fourth step down that path. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of game design, including an understanding of game idea generation, design documentation, the business side of games, and social issues in games. You will continue developing video games using industry standard game development tools, including the Unity 2020 game engine. At the end of the course you will have completed a 3D Platformer game, and will be able to leverage an array of game development techniques to create your own basic games.

Instructor

Brian Winn

Full Professor

Media and Information

130,917 Learners

8 Courses

Offered by

Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Can I take the course for free?
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
What hardware and software will I need to complete the assignments?
The specialization will utilize the popular Unity game engine, which is available for free for Windows or MacOS computers. You may wish to use other tools to create game assets (graphics and sounds) but the choice of tools is flexible and there are many available commercially, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk Maya, or for free, such as GIMP or Blender, in the open source community.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
You will have a solid foundation to work toward an industry role as a game designer, level designer, technical designer, technical artist, game programmer, or game producer.
How long does it take to complete the Specialization?
Time to completion can vary based on your schedule, but most learners are able to complete the Specialization in about 20 weeks. That is five courses at 4-weeks each.
How often is each course in the Specialization offered?
Each course in the Specialization is offered on a regular schedule, with sessions starting usually once per month. If you don't complete a course on the first try, you can easily transfer to the next session, and your completed work and grades will carry over.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
Yes, you should take the courses in order as each course builds upon the previous course.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
Coursera courses and certificates don't carry university credit, though some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit as part of an indepedent study course. Check with your institution to learn more.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.