Advanced Game Design: Platforms & Monetization

via Coursera

Go to class Write review

Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

9 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

AI, Data Science & Cloud Certificates from Google, IBM & Meta — 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera. 40% off Coursera Plus Annual.

Unlock All Certificates

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Explore advanced game design topics, including player engagement, multiplayer systems, VR/AR/XR, monetization strategies, and industry realities. This course equips you with the frameworks needed to create compelling, market-ready games. Learn to apply practical design strategies, integrating music, narrative, and business insights to enhance player experience and commercial success. By the end, you will understand how to navigate both creative and business challenges in game development. Combining theory with real-world examples, the course stands out by offering actionable guidance from industry practices. It balances creative design thinking with strategic monetization approaches. Ideal for game designers, developers, and industry enthusiasts seeking advanced knowledge. Prior experience in game design or development is beneficial. By the end of the course, you will be ready to design engaging games for diverse platforms. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. From Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved. Illustrations in this course are copyright © 2025 Scott Rogers. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

Level 13: Now You're Playing with Power

This module delves into the design and impact of power-ups, rewards, and player engagement mechanics in games. Learners will examine how temporary boosts, scoring systems, and collectible items enhance player motivation and satisfaction, while also exploring strategies for balancing challenge and reward. The module also addresses the importance of positive player experiences and thoughtful difficulty design.

Level 14: Multiplayer—The More the Merrier

This module delves into the fundamentals of multiplayer game design, including connection types, optimal player counts, and strategies for creating engaging and scalable multiplayer levels. Learners will gain insights into balancing gameplay and designing environments that enhance the multiplayer experience.

Level 15: Reality Check: VR, AR, XR, and Beyond

This module introduces the fundamentals of virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended reality, tracing their historical evolution and technological milestones. Learners will examine the unique challenges and opportunities in designing immersive experiences, from gaming to workplace applications. Practical examples and design strategies will help you understand how to create engaging and effective XR environments.

Level 16: Everybody Wins: Monetization and Marketing

This module delves into the essential strategies for monetizing and marketing video games, covering business models such as microtransactions, DLC, and product placement. Learners will examine the ethical considerations of monetization, as well as practical approaches to promoting and releasing games in a competitive market. By the end, you'll understand how to balance profitability with player experience and game sustainability.

Level 17: Some Notes on Music

This module explores the evolution and integration of sound and music in game design, highlighting practical strategies for creating immersive audio experiences. Learners will discover how to communicate effectively with music directors, plan for musical and sound effect needs, and manage audio assets in production workflows.

Level 18: No One's Going to Watch Them Anyway

This module explores the effective use of cutscenes in games, offering strategies for balancing storytelling with player engagement. Learners will discover screenplay writing basics, alternatives to traditional cutscenes, and practical techniques for script development and audio planning.

Level 19: The Play's the Thing

This module delves into the principles of game system design, focusing on how balancing mechanics and iterative playtesting shape player experience. Learners will discover practical strategies for refining game stability and engagement through continuous testing and adjustment.

Level 20: And Now the Hard Part

This module delves into the realities of pitching game ideas, navigating industry challenges, and understanding the business side of game development. Learners will explore strategies for effective communication, production planning, and the varied expectations of a game designer's role. By the end, you'll gain practical insights into what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of video games.

Level 21: Continue?

This module explores the importance of creativity and persistence in the game design process, emphasizing the ongoing journey of developing and refining your ideas. Learners will reflect on their progress and discover strategies to maintain motivation and joy as they continue designing games.