Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design

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.

This course introduces the fundamental aspects of video game design, focusing on concept ideation, narrative development, and the creation of structured game designs. It covers the evolution of gaming, highlighting industry roles and the creative process involved in shaping game ideas into well-defined concepts. Through structured game design documentation and narrative design, learners will gain the tools to transform their creative ideas into viable game designs. The course emphasizes a mix of conceptual frameworks, real-world examples, and practical guidance to help learners understand the mechanics of video game design. By applying these principles, learners will explore ways to develop engaging narratives, create memorable characters, and ensure their concepts are suitable for production. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on balancing theoretical foundations with real-world application. It equips learners with the skills to document, refine, and improve game concepts, creating a strong foundation for aspiring game designers. This course is suitable for anyone interested in game design, especially those looking to enter the industry. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to formalize your knowledge, this course offers a structured approach to video game design. This course is part one 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.