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    Video Games Courses Online

    Explore video game design and development. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and programming for creating engaging games.

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    Explore the Video Games Course Catalog

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Esports

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Video Game Development, Professional Development, Contract Negotiation, Media and Communications, Branding, Organizational Structure, Organizational Strategy, Game Design, Recruitment, Journalism, Fundraising, Competitive Analysis, Brand Strategy, Contract Management, Live Streaming, Higher Education, Workforce Planning, Event Planning, Strategic Thinking

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      261 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • V

      Vanderbilt University

      Generative AI for Educators & Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Creative Problem-Solving, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Game Design, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Education Software and Technology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IE Business School

      Branding: The Creative Journey

      Skills you'll gain: Brand Strategy, Customer experience strategy (CX), Branding, Storytelling, Production Planning, Logo Design, Brand Management, Content Marketing, Target Audience, Advertising Campaigns, Content Creation, Advertising, Marketing Design, Creative Design, Marketing Communications, Brand Awareness, Proposal Development, Value Propositions, Content Strategy, Consumer Behaviour

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of London

      Introduction to English Common Law

      Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Case Law, Legal Research, Legal Proceedings, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Civil Law, Political Sciences, European History, Governance, International Relations

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Toronto

      Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age

      Skills you'll gain: Meeting Facilitation, Presentations, Persuasive Communication, Communication, Collaboration, Team Building, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Virtual Teams, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Telecommuting

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Bioinformatics

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Google Ads for Beginners

      Skills you'll gain: Google Ads, Keyword Research, Target Audience, Pay Per Click Advertising, Search Engine Marketing, Advertising Campaigns, Campaign Management, Online Advertising, Digital Advertising, Return On Investment

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.6K reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free
      Free
      E

      Erasmus University Rotterdam

      Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy, Return On Investment, Investment Banking, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance, Competitive Analysis

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments

      Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Research, Writing, Oral Expression, Interpersonal Communications

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of London

      3D Models for Virtual Reality

      Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Unity Engine, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Virtual Environment, Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Game Design, Performance Tuning

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      384 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University at Buffalo

      Electric Power Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Electrical Substation, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Equipment, Electrical Safety, Low Voltage, High Voltage, Environmental Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Reliability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Input and Interaction

      Skills you'll gain: Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, User Interface (UI), Usability, Interaction Design, Human Machine Interfaces, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Prototyping

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      719 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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    1…101112…114

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular video games courses

    • Esports: University of California, Irvine
    • Generative AI for Educators & Teachers: Vanderbilt University
    • Branding: The Creative Journey: IE Business School
    • Introduction to English Common Law: University of London
    • Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age: University of Toronto
    • Bioinformatics: University of California San Diego
    • Google Ads for Beginners: Coursera Project Network
    • Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital: Erasmus University Rotterdam
    • Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments: Duke University
    • 3D Models for Virtual Reality: University of London

    Frequently Asked Questions about Video Games

    Video games are electronic games played on computer systems, such as dedicated consoles, personal computers, or mobile phones. Often featuring elements of challenge, strategy, exploration, and entertainment, video games encompass many different genres, like action-adventure, platformers, shooters, and role-playing games (RPGs), that often (but not always) share certain game mechanics. As a result, while some video games may focus purely on gameplay, others may also pay particular attention to storytelling and worldbuilding.

    The wide range of player interests and preferences catered to by video games has made them a popular – and lucrative – form of art and entertainment. According to research from Statista, the worldwide revenue for video games is projected to reach a whopping $626.78 billion by 2028, or nearly three times its 2018 valuation 1. This suggests that demand for video games and the professionals capable of designing them will continue to grow in the coming years.

    1 Statista. “Video game market revenue worldwide from 2018 to 2028.” Accessed December 12, 2023.‎

    Online video game courses can help you build the skills to create your own video game or join the industry. Offered by top universities like the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Michigan State University, Coursera’s flexible, online video game courses and specializations offer a chance for you to build job-relevant skills at your own pace and cost-effectively. ‎

    The exact skills you’ll need for a career in the video game industry will vary based on the precise position you’re hoping to land. For example, while video game writers need a strong grasp of storytelling, game developers need a thorough understanding of programming in game engines. Regardless of your role, though, here are some of the skills that you might consider building:

    • Game design: Understanding of game mechanics, gameplay elements, level design, and user experience principles.
    • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and Java.
    • Game engines: Familiarity with game development engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • 2D and 3D art: Skills in digital art creation, including character design, environmental modeling, texture, animation, and visual effects.
    • Audio design: Knowledge of sound editing, music composition, and audio integration technique.
    • Gameplay testing: Ability to perform playtesting, identify bugs or issues, and provide feedback for game improvement.
    • Player experience: Awareness of player preferences, market trends, and the ability to create engaging, rewarding game experiences. ‎

    Video games are a multi-faceted medium that encompasses many different subjects. As a result, there are various topics that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge of video games, including game design, sound design, visual art, graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, storytelling, programming languages, and 3D visual effects (VFX), among other things.

    You can explore many of these topics and more on Coursera’s catalog of online courses, Specializations, and guided projects. ‎

    The video game industry employs many different types of people who hold a wide range of positions. Whether you want to design characters, program gameplay elements, or craft interactive narratives, there’s likely a job for you in the game industry. At a glance, here are just some of the jobs you might consider pursuing:

    • Gameplay designer • Game writer • Level designer • User experience (UX) designer • 3D modeling artist • Concept artist • Environment artist • Animator • Sound designer • Engine programmer • Gameplay programmer • Game tester

    Read more: What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?‎

    The pay range for video game professionals can vary considerably from one job to another. According to Glassdoor, for example, the average salary of a game developer in the United States is $90,160 a year as of December 2023 2. Meanwhile, the average salary for a 3D modeling artist is $61,930 a year as of December 2023 3. Ultimately, the precise pay you can expect to earn will vary based not only on your position, but also on your experience level, qualifications, and geographic location. ‎

    If you’re interested in joining the video game industry, you might consider pursuing a career as a video game developer. In addition to earning a higher-than-average salary – $90,160 a year, according to Glassdoor (Dec. 2023) 2 – as videogame develop you’ll also get the opportunity to build video games from scratch, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and craft engaging experiences for players around the world. ‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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