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Introduction to Game Design

The foundation of the online course “Introduction to Game Design” is theoretical information. You will learn to understand how games ... Show more
Instructor
Serhii Kuklin
115,509 Students enrolled
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Do you want to develop rules and objectives for video games, design game content and gameplay, but don’t know where to start? We recommend first taking the free online course on game development, “Introduction to Game Design”, on the well-known platform Coursera. In just 6 hours, you will learn about game principles, key elements, gameplay rules, story creation, and the importance of an opponent. In such a short period, you will gain all the necessary basic information and then confidently move on to online courses with a lot of practice.

What you will learn on “Introduction to Game Development”

  • Principles of simple games  

  • Why people play games  

  • What are the main elements of a game and gameplay  

  • What are the common and distinct features between games  

  • How players interact with game rules  

  • How to use a storyline to create an engaging game  

  • Why is an enemy needed

  • Is it possible to create a great game without an opponent  

A game designer is an incredibly important person who manages the entire process of creating a video game: from idea and script creation to release and support. If you want to become a game designer, you first need to understand how games are structured, what drives players, and how to create the best projects.  

The foundation of the online course “Introduction to Game Design” is theoretical information. With it, you can later delve into segments of advanced development, where you will demonstrate the acquired knowledge in practice. Considering that this is a free online game development course that lasts only 6 hours, it is definitely worth taking. Moreover, it contains a lot of useful information that will definitely come in handy later.

Who Teaches “Introduction to Game Design”

Fran Krause, originally from Utica, New York, is an accomplished animator and storyteller with a rich background in animation and comics. After earning his BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, Fran moved to New York City, where he contributed his talents as an animator and story artist to popular shows like Blue’s Clues, Superjail, Little Einsteins, and Saturday Night Live. His short film Mister Smile was widely recognized, screening at over fifty film festivals and winning top honors at the Ottawa Animation Festival, the Atlanta Film and Video Festival, and the USA Film Festival. Now, Fran shares his extensive industry experience and creative insights through the “Introduction to Game Design” course.

What is the focus of the "Introduction to Game Design" course?
The course provides a foundational understanding of game design, covering topics like game principles, key elements of gameplay, the importance of rules, and the role of storylines and opponents in creating engaging games.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The course is designed to be completed in just 6 hours, making it a quick yet comprehensive introduction to game design.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes, the course is perfect for beginners who want to understand the basics of game design before moving on to more advanced, practice-oriented courses.
Is the online course free?
Yes, the "Introduction to Game Design" course is offered for free on the Coursera platform.
What can I do after completing the course?
After completing the course, you will have the foundational knowledge needed to confidently pursue more advanced game development courses that include practical, hands-on experience.