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    • Game Design

    Game Design Courses Online

    Explore game design principles for creating engaging games. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience.

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    Explore the Game Design Course Catalog

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Interaction Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Research, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Statistical Analysis, Usability, Ideation, User Research, Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Experimentation, Prototyping, Human Centered Design, A/B Testing, Usability Testing, User Centered Design, Mockups, Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Collaborative Software, Telecommuting

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)

      Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Learning Management Systems, Course Development, Design Thinking, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Education Software and Technology, Motivational Skills, Communication, Design, Student-Centred Learning, Creative Thinking, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Technology Strategies, Quality Assurance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      69 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Python for Everybody

      Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Software Installation

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      277K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Designing User Interfaces and Experiences (UI/UX)

      Skills you'll gain: User Centered Design, Responsive Web Design, Prototyping, Front-End Web Development, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Design Elements And Principles, Figma (Design Software), Web Design, Wireframing, Typography, Web Applications, Mobile Development

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      255 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      The Language of Design: Form and Meaning

      Skills you'll gain: Design Reviews, Design, Graphic Design, Design Elements And Principles, Visual Design, Peer Review, Typography, Creative Design

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      885 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Instructor Network

      Game Development: HTML to Unreal Engine Mastery

      Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Software Design, HTML and CSS, User Interface (UI), Animations, Debugging, Computing Platforms

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      10 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Tokyo

      Welcome to Game Theory

      Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Business Strategy, Probability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Story and Narrative Development for Video Games

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Storyboarding, Writing, Creativity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • E

      Epic Games

      Game Development and Prototyping

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Prototyping, Unreal Engine, Animation and Game Design, System Design and Implementation, Creativity, User Interface (UI), Artificial Intelligence

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      12 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • M

      Microsoft

      Fundamentals of UI/UX Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Human Centered Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Research

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      306 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Character Design for Video Games

      Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling, Creativity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      994 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Introduction to Basic Game Development using Scratch

      Skills you'll gain: Event-Driven Programming, Debugging, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Video Game Development, Computer Programming Tools, Game Design, Computer Programming, Program Development, Animation and Game Design, Interactive Design, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Science

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Game Design learners also search

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    1234…385

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular game design courses

    • Interaction Design: University of California San Diego
    • An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD): University of Michigan
    • Python for Everybody: University of Michigan
    • Designing User Interfaces and Experiences (UI/UX): IBM
    • The Language of Design: Form and Meaning: California Institute of the Arts
    • Game Development: HTML to Unreal Engine Mastery: Coursera Instructor Network
    • Welcome to Game Theory: The University of Tokyo
    • Story and Narrative Development for Video Games: California Institute of the Arts
    • Game Development and Prototyping: Epic Games
    • Fundamentals of UI/UX Design: Microsoft

    Skills you can learn in Design And Product

    User Interface (18)
    User Experience (16)
    Software Testing (13)
    Game Design (11)
    Agile Software Development (10)
    Graphics (10)
    Virtual Reality (9)
    Design Thinking (8)
    Web (8)
    Video Game Development (7)
    Web Design (7)
    Adobe Photoshop (6)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Game Design

    Coursera's Game Design courses offer learners the opportunity to acquire a diverse range of skills critical for creating engaging and immersive video games:

    • Fundamental principles of game design, including storyboarding, gameplay theory, and character development.
    • Techniques for creating interactive game experiences, focusing on user engagement and retention.
    • Skills in using game development tools and platforms, such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • Best practices for level design, ensuring games are challenging yet accessible.
    • Understanding of game aesthetics to enhance visual storytelling and player immersion.
    • Insights into the business of games, including market analysis, distribution, and monetization strategies.‎

    Game Design courses on Coursera are accessible to learners with varying levels of experience:

    • Beginners interested in game design can start with introductory courses that do not require previous programming or design experience.
    • Those with some background in related fields like software development or digital art can deepen their knowledge of specific aspects of game creation.
    • Advanced designers and programmers can enhance their skills with specialized courses in advanced game mechanics, engine-specific training, or professional game development practices.‎

    Upon completing Game Design courses, learners can obtain credentials that may support their career advancement in the game industry:

    • Professional certificates that may demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and hands-on skills in game design.
    • Specializations that focus on particular aspects of game design and development, offering a deeper dive into subjects like virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) in games, or multiplayer game settings.
    • Certificates that can showcase the learner’s capabilities to potential employers or collaborators within the gaming community.‎

    Skills acquired from Game Design courses can open doors to multiple career paths within the gaming industry and related fields:

    • Game Designer, crafting the core concepts and gameplay elements of new games.
    • Level Designer, focusing on the creation of engaging game environments and player progression.
    • Narrative Designer, developing storylines, dialogues, and character arcs within games.
    • Game Developer, implementing the technical aspects of game mechanics using programming languages.
    • Game Artist, designing visual elements such as characters, assets, and textures that define the game’s aesthetic.‎

    Looking to enhance your team's Game Design skills? Coursera provides tailored enterprise solutions for teams ranging of 5-125 employees. Our offerings include advanced analytics, customized learning paths, and collaborative tools. To explore our Game Design training options and make a purchase, please visit our Coursera for Teams page.‎

    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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