GDC Courses

Can You Make a Good Game Without Good Play Mechanics?

Explore game design beyond mechanics with Square Enix's Prasertvithyakarn, using Final Fantasy XV as a case study to illustrate the importance of a broader vision in creating engaging experiences.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

PR Success - How to Get Your Game Across in 5 Seconds

Learn effective game marketing through animated GIFs. Discover tips for creating eye-catching, platform-specific content to showcase your game in just 5 seconds.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Low Cost Facial Scanning Using Photogrammetry in State of Decay 2

Learn cost-effective facial scanning techniques using photogrammetry for game development, with insights from Undead Labs' implementation in State of Decay 2 over two years and 200+ scans.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Taking an Axe to God of War Gameplay

Explore God of War's gameplay design evolution, from camera changes to combat mechanics. Gain insights into character development, enemy interactions, and innovative features that shaped this iconic action-adventure game.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Illustrating Tamriel - Creating Key Art for The Elder Scrolls Online

Explore compositional strategies and character-centric techniques for crafting compelling narrative key art in The Elder Scrolls Online with ZeniMax Online Studios' Lucas Slominski.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Fandom-Ready - Creating Fiction in the Age of Fan Consumption

Explore fan-driven fiction creation with insights from Monster Prom's developer. Learn strategies for engaging fandoms, crafting immersive narratives, and balancing fantasy with realism in game storytelling.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

What I Learned About Tools Development From Games Industry Legends

Insights from game industry veterans on developing effective tools, focusing on user needs, learning from existing solutions, and understanding workflow integration.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

AMA - Brian Horton on Insomniac Games' Marvel's Spider-Man - Miles Morales

Insomniac Games' creative director discusses Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales development, covering character differences, diversity, technical aspects, and balancing gameplay with cinematic experiences.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Making Marketing Mistakes

Victoria Tran shares insights on embracing and learning from marketing mistakes in game development, offering strategies for accountability and growth in the face of inevitable failures.

• YouTube
• 23 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Many Dimensions of Kirby

Developers discuss transitioning Kirby to 3D gameplay, new features like Mouthful Mode, and reimagining 2D classics for modern platforms, exploring the evolution of the beloved franchise.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

From Box Products to Live Service - How Destiny 2 Transformed Bungie

Explore Bungie's transformation from traditional AAA game development to a modern live service model, focusing on organizational changes, prioritization strategies, and decision-making processes.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

How Great Key Art Can Lead to Doubling Marketing Numbers

Discover how effective key art can significantly boost your game's marketing performance, from attracting visitors to increasing wishlists and sales on Steam.

• YouTube
• 39 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Designing the Museum Flashback - The Last of Us Part II

Explore level design theories and methods for "Museum Flashback" in The Last of Us Part II, from concept to final production, with insights on player experience and gameplay pacing.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Inclusive Marketing for Indies

Explore intersectionality and inclusivity in indie game marketing, learning strategies to ensure your messaging reaches diverse audiences effectively.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Art Direction of Psychonauts 2

Explore Double Fine's artistic processes for creating the mind-bending world of Psychonauts 2 with Art Director Lisette Titre-Montgomery in this insightful GDC talk.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk