Introduction to Game Design and Development

Introduction to Game Design and Development online course
Course Name

Introduction to Game Design and Development

Do you like to play games? Do you secretly want to develop your own games and market them? If you enjoy games and want to get started with game design, then this course provides a solid foundation.

This course presents an overview of the games development process including important historical perspective, content creation strategies, production techniques, and a look into the future. The course covers game development history, platforms, goals and genres, player elements, story and character development, gameplay, levels, interface, audio, development team roles, game development process, and marketing and maintenance . Students will play games, analyze them, and complete portions of game designs with appropriate documentation.

Course Objectives: at the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the history of electronic game development.
  • Distinguish between the different game platforms and player modes.
  • Distinguish between the different game goals and genres.
  • Define elements related to game strategy, theory, and gameplay.
  • Apply story and character development to games.
  • Discuss various aspects of gameplay that can be used to design game interaction.
  • Discuss the design and use of levels.
  • Discuss the use of the interface for game design.
  • Use audio to enrich the game atmosphere.
  • Identify the distinct roles and responsibilities of game development team members.
  • Discuss the production and management of the game design process.
  • Evaluate the game industry and market.
  • Discuss the future of game design.
  • Analyze games.
  • Use game design software.
  • Develop game design documentation.
  • Design games.

Applicable IT Job Roles: Some of the job roles for the game industry include Executive Producer, Producer, Creative Director, Art Director, Lead Game Designer, Junior Game Designer, Content Designer, Technical Art Director, Lead Animator, Character Animator, Character Rigger TD, Game Designer, Level Designer, Cinematics Director, Storyboard Artist, Concept Artist (Characters, Environments, Creatures, Vehicles and Tech), Level Artist, 3D Animator, Visual Effects Animator, 3D Modeler Character and Props, Texture Artist, User Interface Designer, and others.

Who Should Attend: This course will benefit industry professionals including graphic designers, animators, web developers, music composers, sound designers, voice actors as well as art and entertainment media professionals such as writers, producers, artists and designers who are interested in becoming involved in the gaming industry. This course will also benefit anyone who has an interest in game development and wants to further their knowledge and experience.

Outline
Week 1: Game Development History and Platforms
  • Game Development History
    • The Arcade
    • Console Games
    • Video Games
    • Personal Computer
    • Multiplayer
    • Mobile and Handheld Games
    • Industry Convergence
    • The Future
  • Platforms
    • Platform
    • Time Interval
    • Player Mode
    • Game Elements
Week 2: Goals, Genres and Player Elements
  • Goals and Genres
    • Goals
    • Genres
    • Game Elements and the Significance of Goals and Genres
    • Geographics
  • Player Elements
    • Game Market
    • Player Motivation
    • Psychographics
    • Demographics
    • Applying Player Markets to Platforms, Genres and Goals
Week 3: Story and Character Development
  • Storytelling Traditions
  • Generating Ideas
  • Classic Character Archetypes
  • Traditional Story Structure
  • Story Elements
  • Plot
  • Game Story Devices
  • Game Characters
  • Character Development Elements
  • Point-of-View
  • Visual Character Development
  • Verbal Character Development
  • Movement
  • Background, History, and Advancement
  • Character Description
  • Game Storytelling and Documentation
Week 4: Gameplay
  • Rules of Play
  • Interactivity Modes
  • Game Theory
  • Challenges
  • Balance
  • Economies
  • Gameplay and Documentation
Week 5: Levels and Interface
  • Levels
    • Level Design
    • Structure
    • Time
    • Space
    • Space and Time: Levels, Gameplay and Story
  • Interface
    • Player-Centered Design
    • Interface and Game Features
    • Interface Types
    • Usability
    • The Player Experience
Week 6: Audio
  • The Importance of Game Audio
  • Sound Effects
  • Voiceovers
  • Music
  • Audio: A new Dimension
Week 7: Development Team Roles and Game Development Process
  • Development Team Roles
    • Company Roles
    • Team Roles
    • Tools
    • Game Development Business
  • Game Development Process
    • Development Phases
    • Management
    • Game Documentation
    • Making It Happen
Week 8: Marketing and Maintenance and Future of Game Development
  • Marketing and Maintenance
    • Marketing
    • Community Management and Customer Support
    • Prosumerism: Player as Developer
    • Community is King
  • Future of Game Development
    • Type of Future Games
    • Developers of Future Games
    • Techniques for the Future
    • Game Players of the Future
    • Future of Entertainment
Prerequisites
This course requires general familiarity with computer concepts, an interest in and experience with games, and a vivid imagination.
Requirements
Students will need access to a Windows computer that can be used to install companion CD material (game engines, modeling and animation software, game design documentation, game design articles, game demos, mobile apps and videos, and accessibility videos and games) and other game development software. Students will also need access to the internet and web page space to upload files for others to view. Students must submit assignments and other work in a PDF file format.
Course Books
Course Price
  • Member Price: $120 US
  • Non-Member Price: $220.00 US
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Additional Information:
Your place in the course is confirmed by your payment. Introductory courses are intended for students with no experience in the subject matter and are seeking beginner level training.

Refund Policy: Please read our "Terms and Refund Policy" before registering for this course.

Additional Cost: Book and software migh be required for the course. Read the Requirements and Book section for more information. Course fee does not include the book and software cost .

Start Date: Click on the Register Now button to process to the registration page. You will see the start date of the class on that page.

How eClasses Work:Instructors post lectures, reading selections, and hands-on assignments once a week in the online classroom. Students can discuss the assignments with the instructor and amongst themselves in the classroom area. This format has no set meeting time, which allows students to attend class at a time most convenient to them, yet still provides logically organized communication between class participants. Students can apply for the completion certificate after finishing the class. Web Study certificate is also available. Click on the Certificates link on the top navigation bar for more information.

 

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Before you register for this class, please read carefully the Outline, Prerequisites, Requirements, Books, and Refund Policy sections.


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