GDC Courses

Cloth Self Collision with Predictive Contacts

Innovative cloth simulation technique using predictive contacts for efficient self-collision detection, enabling large time steps in game development.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Set this Game in Order - Organizing Hundreds of Levels and Mechanics

Explore methods for organizing level designs and game mechanics, including spreadsheets, folder searches, and specialized tools, to efficiently manage complex game development projects.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Good Design Makes Happy Customers - A Microtransaction Design Primer

Explore effective microtransaction design strategies for games, drawing from experiences with Guild Wars 2 and MapleStory to create high-quality, customer-friendly monetization systems.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Finding Inspiration - Tools for When You're Stuck

Discover creative techniques and word games to overcome creative blocks and spark inspiration in game development, enhancing your ideation process and problem-solving skills.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Vehicle Feel Masterclass - Balancing Arcade Accessibility with Simulation Depth

Explore principles for designing engaging video game vehicles, balancing accessibility and depth for racecars, X-Wings, and more in this insightful talk by Criterion Games' Matthew Harris.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

The Mechanics of Explosive Growth

Dissecting Roblox's explosive growth and sharing valuable lessons for companies aiming to achieve rapid expansion in the gaming industry.

• YouTube
• 38 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Robocalypse Now - Using Deep Learning to Combat Cheating in Counter-Strike - Global Offensive

Explore Valve's innovative use of Deep Learning to detect and prevent cheating in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, revolutionizing game integrity and fair play.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 5 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Inertialization - High-Performance Animation Transitions in Gears of War

Explore a cutting-edge animation transition technique developed for Gears of War 4, enhancing performance and visual quality in game character movements.

• YouTube
• 43 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

The Distributed Art Direction of Edith Finch

Explore the collaborative art direction process behind "What Remains of Edith Finch" and learn how Giant Sparrow managed diverse creative visions to craft the game's unique visual style.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Designing Text UX for Effortless Reading

Explore techniques for creating frictionless text interactions in games, enhancing readability and user engagement through innovative design approaches.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Games, Psychology, and UX

Explore the intersection of psychology and UX in game design with Celia Hodent, a PhD and consultant behind popular titles like Fortnite and Assassin's Creed. Gain insights on improving user experience across various domains.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Mastering Kombat - Designing Mortal Kombat 11's Empowering Tutorial Mode

Explore NetherRealm's innovative approach to in-game tutorials, enhancing player onboarding and engagement through flexible roadmaps and diverse teaching methods for Mortal Kombat 11.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Dead by Daylight - When Creative and Business Minds Are Cooking with GAAS

Explore how Behaviour Interactive balances creativity and business in Dead by Daylight, turning tension into a win-win monetization strategy for sustainable game growth.

• YouTube
• 36 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Until You Fall - Building Satisfying VR Combat on a Budget

Explore the challenges and key design decisions in developing satisfying VR combat, focusing on budget-friendly solutions and systems that enhance the fantasy of action-combat in virtual reality.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

A Cost-Benefit Analysis - Is That New Tech Worth It?

Learn to evaluate new technology implementation in game development through cost-benefit analysis, ensuring informed decision-making and optimal resource allocation.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk