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.


Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Create Imaginative Games. Design a video game for independent distribution in just four courses.



Instructors: Fran Krause
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Specialization - 5 course series
(2,286 reviews)
Skills you'll gain
- Category: Interactive Storytelling
- Category: Game Design Document
- Category: Video Game Design
- Category: Game Design
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Specialization - 5 course series
(2,286 reviews)
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from California Institute of the Arts
¹Based on Coursera learner outcome survey responses, United States, 2021.

Specialization - 5 course series
Introduction to Game Design
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
World Design for Video Games
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
Character Design for Video Games
What you'll learn
Game Design Document: Define the Art & Concepts
What you'll learn
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Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.
Time to completion can vary based on your schedule, but most learners are able to complete the Specialization in 6 months.
Each course in the Specialization is offered on a regular schedule, with sessions starting about 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.
None! This Specialization is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about video game design, character creation, and storytelling.
We recommend taking the courses in the order presented, as each subsequent course will build on material from previous courses.
Coursera courses and certificates don't carry university credit, though some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.
You’ll be able to recognize and articulate foundational game principles; organize, present, and envision story concepts in outline pitches and storyboards; and create character designs. You’ll be equipped to conceptualize, develop, and present thriving worlds for proposed game titles through presentation art and written synopses or pitches.