Video Game Design
What is Video Game Design?
With the vast majority of the world’s population owning some kind of computer or video game device, it’s no surprise that learning video game design has become increasingly popular. Video game design is the process of creating the both the artistic and technical elements of a video game. The artistry involved in game design includes creating the overall look and feel of the game, as well as the characters, locations, and objects within the game world. The technical aspects of game design include the programming that makes the game function, as well as the game’s audio.
Most people who want to learn video game design start by taking some kind of course or learning online. There are many different software programs that can be used to design video games, and the most popular ones are usually the most user-friendly. Many game design courses will teach the basics of using these software programs. In addition to learning how to use game design software, students will also learn the basics of game development, including storyboarding, level design, and game mechanics.
Once someone has learned the basics of video game design, they can begin working on their own projects. There are many small independent game developers who create games that are either released for free online or sold commercially. There are also many larger game development studios that employ hundreds of game designers. Working as part of a team, game designers are usually responsible for creating new levels, designing characters, or coming up with game ideas.
No matter what size game development studio you want to work for, or what kind of games you want to design, learning video game design is a great way to start your career in the ever-growing video game industry.
A video game design program will typically cover a range of topics, including programming, 2D and 3D design, game engines, level design, and game play mechanics. Students will also learn about game history and theory, and will have the opportunity to design and create their own games.
With a degree in video game design, graduates can find work in a variety of roles within the video game industry, including game designer, game programmer, game artist, and level designer.
Video Game Design Resources
CircuitMess ByteBoi 2.0 DIY Retro Game Console Kit
A solder-free DIY kit that builds a working handheld retro game console, then teaches game programming through the CircuitBlocks visual coding environment.
Boss Keys - Non-linear Level Design
A game-by-game analysis of non-linear level design in games like Zelda, Dark Souls, and Metroid...
Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
In this course, you will examine how storytelling acts as a vital mechanism for driving video gameplay forward. Looking at several historical and contemporary games, you will be asked to evaluate and interpret different story styles with the goal of...
World Design for Video Games
Start creating your world. A game world is not just a backdrop for your game—be it minimal or detailed, contained or part of a much bigger universe, it provides the context for your player. Ultimately, a game world should feel alive and wholly unique...
Gamestar Mechanic
Gamestar Mechanic uses fun, game-based quests and courses to help you learn game design and make your own video games! Go on Quests that power up your game design skills and let you earn items you can use to make your own games Take Courses Take gam...
The Infinite Arcade
Make & play your own games! Share them with friends! Make platformer games, adventure games, pinball games, ball and paddle games, text puzzlers, and mazes. Create your own characters! Make games with zombie mobs, hot lava, disco bricks, crystal...
Principles of Game Design
Principles of Game Design is course 2 of 5 in the Game Design and Development Specialization. Break into the video game industry with theoretical, technical, and business knowledge from one of the world’s best programs. This Specialization covers th...
Game Design Document: Define the Art & Concepts
The Capstone project is a place for you to develop your game idea into a fully-fleshed proposal. A game design document is your game bible, the go-to document that defines the genre of your game, its look and feel, and the evolution of gameplay. This...
Become an Asset Artist for Games
Enter the exciting world of game development and capitalize on your creativity and your passion for gaming as an asset artist. In this path, you'll learn how to create 3D models, understand the pipeline for creating assets for a game engine, an...
Game Design in the Science Classroom
This unit is designed as an educational option for gifted students in a regular education Science classroom. Video games are of high interest among adolescents and when used appropriately, can be an exciting part of the learning process, particularly...
Designing for Disability
Want to make your game more accessible to those with disabilities? Follow this series of instructional videos....
GameMaker Studio 2 Desktop
It has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With a fresh user interface and many new exciting features including; Real-Time Animation Editing, a new innovative workflow and seamless path from Drag and Drop to actual co...