Free online courseGame Design course

Duration of the online course: 10 hours and 16 minutes

New course

Explore game design with this free course by Extra History. Covering tutorials, level design, mechanics, and more, it's perfect for aspiring game developers.

Course Description

Game Design Course by Extra History

The "Game Design" course by Extra History offers a comprehensive journey through the complex and dynamic world of game development. With a total duration of 10 hours and 16 minutes, this course forms part of the Information Technology category, focusing specifically on Game Development. Although it has not been reviewed yet, the depth and breadth of the subjects covered are enough to pique the interest of any aspiring game designer.

The course delves into various fundamental and advanced topics in game design. For instance, it explores the fascinating world of speedrunning and provides insider tips from developer perspectives on optimizing game experiences. You will also learn about the marketing strategies that elevate games like Destiny and Warframe, offering insights into how $500 million in free marketing can influence game popularity and reception.

Students will gain a better understanding of game pacing by examining the thriller tension in Battle Royale games like PUBG. Moreover, the course covers the intricate energy systems used in casual games and the psychological tricks they employ to hook players. It even addresses the often-overlooked issue of simulation sickness, offering valuable advice on how to mitigate discomfort for players.

The design elements that make games like Overwatch enjoyable, such as asymmetric level design, are dissected to reveal why specific map layouts are more fun. The concept of "choice paralysis" is explained, shedding light on how too many options can impact player satisfaction. The course goes further by teaching design strategies that communicate effectively with players without the use of words, enhancing user experience through intuitively understandable affordances.

Creating effective tutorials and ensuring game accessibility are crucial elements covered in this course, focusing on how to introduce new players to game mechanics without overwhelming them. Other key topics include the complexities of pre-production planning and the pitfalls of bioessentialism in character creation, urging designers to avoid stereotypes and develop richer, more inclusive narratives.

Students will explore the underlying psychology in popular games, such as Persona 5, and how themes from Jungian psychology can be integrated into game design. The course also addresses why many games feel generic and offers solutions to this widespread problem. Moreover, it presents a compelling case for incorporating board game elements into video game design to elevate creativity and strategic depth.

The potential of lesser-known gaming genres, such as hidden object games, is discussed to broaden the designer's toolkit. The course breaks down the importance of balancing different types of play, from planning to improvisation, and combines various genres to create unique experiences. It offers insights into the challenges of free-to-play mechanics and how to make them work effectively.

Other significant topics include the impact of randomness in game mechanics, the intersection of art and fun, and the ways in which analyzing games can lead to better design. The concept of optimal versus fun design is examined, demonstrating how different playstyles can be catered to for a richer gaming experience. Tutorials that don't condescend, the intricacies of multiplayer designs, and the core attributes of RPG character sheets are also covered extensively.

The course is meticulous in addressing every nuance of game design, from moral dilemmas and narrative context to the history and mechanics of various game genres. It ensures a rounded education by emphasizing the importance of viewing games from both a player and a designer perspective.

With such a diverse and exhaustive curriculum, the "Game Design" course by Extra Histor

Conteúdo do Curso

  • Video class: Speedrunning - Games Done Quick and Developer Tips - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Exercise: Which of the following elements is NOT essential when designing a speedrunning-friendly game?

  • Video class: Destiny vs. Warframe - $500 Million in Free Marketing - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Video class: The Pacing of PUBG - The Thriller Tension of Battlegrounds - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Video class: Energy Systems - How Casual Games Suck You In - Extra Credits

    0h05m

  • Exercise: What are the three main purposes of energy and timer systems in game design according to the provided text?

  • Video class: Simulation Sickness - Causes and Cures for Game Headaches - Extra Credits

    0h05m

  • Video class: Overwatch and Asymmetric Level Design - What Makes the Maps Fun? - Extra Credits

    0h08m

  • Video class: Choice Paralysis - Too Much of a Good Thing - Extra Credits

    0h09m

  • Exercise: What is the term used to describe the psychological state where a player feels overwhelmed and indecisive due to too many options in a game?

  • Video class: Affordances - How Design Teaches Us Without Words - Extra Credits

    0h05m

  • Video class: Tutorials 101 - How to Design a Good Game Tutorial - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Video class: Accessibility - The Curb Cut Effect - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Exercise: Which of the following is NOT one of the benefits mentioned for incorporating accessibility features into video games?

  • Video class: The Pre-Production Problem - How to Improve the Planning Process in Game Design - Extra Credits

    0h08m

  • Video class: Evil Races are Bad Game Design - Bioessentialism

    0h08m

  • Video class: Persona 5 and Jungian Psychology - Masks, Major Arcana, and Meaning - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Exercise: What is the primary focus of Jungian psychology as illustrated through the game mechanics of Persona 5?

  • Video class: The Content Conundrum - Why So Many Games Feel Generic - Extra Credits

    0h08m

  • Video class: A Case for Board Games - Why Board Games Help You Make Better Video Games - Extra Credits

    0h05m

  • Video class: Overlooked - The Hidden Potential of Hidden Object Games - Extra Credits

    0h05m

  • Exercise: What significant realisation did the game designer James have when he explored hidden object games?

  • Video class: Ladders and Team Games - Doing it Wrong - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Video class: Plan, Practice, Improvise - Understanding the Three Types of Play in Games - Extra Credits

    0h07m

  • Video class: Combining Genres - How to Pick the Right Design Mechanics For Your Game - Extra Credits

    0h04m

  • Exercise: In the context of game design, what is the primary reason for combining genres according to the provided text?

  • Video class: De-Gamification - Flexibility to Play Your Way - Extra Credits

    0h08m

Game Design

Free online courses on Game Design

Free Game Design Courses

Welcome to our comprehensive list of free Game Design courses, a subcategory of Game Development. Whether you are a beginner looking to break into the world of game design or an experienced developer seeking to sharpen your skills, our curated selection of courses offers something for everyone. Dive into the fascinating world of game mechanics, storytelling, level design, and more, all without spending a dime.

Our free game design courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Introduction to Game Design: Learn the basics of game design, including essential concepts, terminology, and tools.
  • Game Mechanics: Understand the fundamental mechanics that make games engaging and fun to play.
  • Level Design: Explore the principles of creating captivating and challenging game levels.
  • Storytelling in Games: Discover how to craft compelling narratives that keep players invested.
  • Character Design: Learn how to design memorable and relatable characters for your games.
  • User Experience (UX) in Games: Understand the importance of UX in game design and how to create intuitive and enjoyable experiences for players.
  • Prototyping and Playtesting: Master the art of prototyping and playtesting to refine your game ideas.

Each course is designed to provide you with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, receive feedback from industry professionals, and connect with a community of like-minded learners. Best of all, these courses are completely free, making high-quality game design education accessible to everyone.

Our list of free game design courses includes offerings from top educational platforms and institutions, such as:

  • Coursera: Access free courses from renowned universities and colleges.
  • edX: Explore free game design courses from top institutions around the world.
  • Udemy: Find free courses taught by experienced game designers and developers.
  • Khan Academy: Learn the basics of game design through interactive lessons and activities.
  • Codecademy: Discover free courses focused on coding and game development.
  • FutureLearn: Access free courses on game design and development from leading universities and organizations.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Take advantage of free trials to access high-quality game design courses.

By enrolling in these free game design courses, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help you pursue a career in the game industry or simply create your own games for fun. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best and take your game design skills to the next level.

Start your journey into the world of game design today with our curated list of free courses. Whether you are interested in designing immersive worlds, crafting engaging stories, or creating innovative game mechanics, our selection of courses has something to offer. Explore the possibilities and unleash your creativity with free game design education.

Remember to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates, as we continuously add new free game design courses to our list. Happy learning!

This free course includes:

10 hours and 16 minutes of online video course

Exercises to train your knowledge

Certificate of course completion

100% free, from content to certificate

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