GDC Courses

Finding Harmony in Anime Style and Physically Based Rendering

Explore rendering techniques for creating physics-based anime-style worlds in games. Learn about deferred rendering, lighting, shadowing, and post-processing to blend modern graphics with toon shading.

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

Sunless Skies - A Narrative Postmortem

Explore the narrative development of 'Sunless Skies', from concept to execution. Learn strategies for crafting compelling stories, managing consultations, and overcoming challenges in game writing.

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

Building the World of 'The Ascent'

Explore Neon Giant's approach to 3D content creation, level building, and stylistic challenges in developing 'The Ascent', from modeling to lighting and world assembly.

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

Don't Make My Job Easy - Effectively Pitching to Publishers

Discover insider tips for crafting compelling game pitches to publishers. Learn to optimize your approach, understand decision-making processes, and increase your chances of securing a publishing deal.

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

How Web3 Games Work - and Sadly Don't

Explore Web3 gaming's potential and pitfalls, from controversial monetization schemes to innovative independent projects, with insights on blockchain technology's impact on game development.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Sparking Curiosity-Driven Exploration Through Narrative in Outer Wilds

Explore narrative design techniques in 'Outer Wilds' that spark player curiosity and drive exploration. Learn how storytelling elements can enhance gameplay and create a compelling, discovery-driven experience.

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

Research on Visual Fatigue When Playing Games

Explore NetEase Games' research on measuring and mitigating visual fatigue in gaming, including effective indicators and design suggestions for improved player experience.

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

Approaching a Pedagogy of Game Writing

Explore a framework for designing game writing and narrative design courses, focusing on functional competencies and essential roles in the field.

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

How Do You Make a Game That Was Supposed to Be Small, but Ended up Being Huge

Adam Alker shares insights on Outriders' production, People Can Fly's growth, and managing unexpected challenges in game development. Learn about scaling, cross-platform development, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

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

Accessibility on a Shoestring

Practical tips for game developers to enhance accessibility without high costs, featuring examples and techniques to ensure inclusive gaming experiences for diverse players.

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

How to - Not Create Textures for VFX

Explore texture creation for VFX, covering types, use cases, and practical tips. Learn creative techniques and shader magic to enhance your visual effects skills.

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

FIFA 22's Hypermotion - Full-Match Mocap Driving Machine Learning Technology

Explore FIFA 22's groundbreaking Hypermotion technology, featuring full-match motion capture and machine learning for unprecedented realism in football gameplay animations.

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

Where The - Are Your Tests?

Explore the benefits of automated tests in game development, learn how to build effective tests, and understand the cultural changes needed to leverage them fully.

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

How a Time Loop Influenced - Deathloop's Narrative Design

Explore Deathloop's narrative design, examining how its time loop premise shaped themes, systems, and character arcs. Gain insights into innovative storytelling techniques in game development.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Classic Game Postmortem - Q*bert

Explore the fascinating development journey of Q*bert with designer Warren Davis, uncovering its history, technical challenges, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk