GDC Courses

Getting Hired with a Personal Touch - Empathy as a Tool for Professional Success

Discover strategies for impressing hiring managers, avoiding common pitfalls, and using empathy to form deeper professional connections in the competitive job market.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Lore, Don't Tell - A Guide for Telling Culturally Rooted Stories Like Venba

Explore techniques for storytelling rooted in unfamiliar cultures, focusing on the "Lore, don't tell" approach used in Venba to highlight cultural details while maintaining narrative focus.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Classic Game Postmortem - Karateka

Jordan Mechner explores the creation of his groundbreaking 1984 game Karateka, discussing innovative techniques in storytelling, animation, and music that pushed Apple II technology limits and launched his career.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Bringing a Star Wars Cantina to Life in Jedi: Survivor

Explore the creation of Pyloon's Saloon in 'STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor', featuring hundreds of state-based NPC interactions that bring the iconic Star Wars cantina atmosphere to life.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Adapting Classics for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Design Philosophy

Explore design philosophies for adapting classic games, balancing nostalgia with innovation. Learn key strategies for reimagining beloved franchises while maintaining their essence and appeal.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Dark Place of Alan Wake 2 - Crafting an Evolving Nightmare Dimension

Explore the world-building techniques behind Alan Wake II's Dark Place, including tools and approaches for creating an evolving nightmare dimension with shifting realities and dream-like interconnected layers.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Valheim Development Journey: Vikings, Roadmaps, and Early Access Challenges

Explore Valheim's development journey, challenges, and lessons learned during early access. Gain insights into managing player expectations and navigating internal and external obstacles in game development.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

We Need to Talk About Games Leadership

Explore trends and challenges in games industry leadership, focusing on preparing teams for leadership roles and retaining current leaders. Gain insights from 80+ leaders across 50+ studios worldwide.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How to Make Things "POP" with Audio and Color in Video Games

Explore the synergy between color design and audio in video games, enhancing storytelling and impact through visual and auditory elements for a more immersive gaming experience.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Cult of the Lamb - Twitch Integration for Massive Audience Reach

Explore how 'Cult of the Lamb' leveraged Twitch integration for massive audience reach. Developers discuss design, development, challenges, and performance metrics of this innovative gaming strategy.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Step Into Your Player's Shoes - Making the Most of Team Playtests on 'Skate'

Discover a framework for empowering game development teams to enhance internal playtesting, increase player empathy, and gather more relevant feedback for improved game design.

• YouTube
• 41 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Larian Cinematics - A Top-Down Look at Bottom-Up Approach in Baldur's Gate 3

Explore Larian Studios' evolving cinematic approach for Baldur's Gate 3, from initial vision to final challenges, adapting tools and strategies to meet the game's scale and reactivity demands.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Finding Your Creative Voice Through Game Jams

Discover how game jams can help developers cultivate their creative voice and professional edge, essential for aspiring creative leads in game development. Learn strategies to overcome the "credibility trap" and advance your career.

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

The Best and Most 'Stealable' Mechanics from Tabletop RPGs

Explore innovative tabletop RPG mechanics and their potential adaptation to digital game design, focusing on unique features and the influence of Game Masters on computer RPGs.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Indie Starter Kit: The Basics of Founding a Successful Games Company

Comprehensive guide to founding a successful indie game company, covering crucial steps from initial idea to game release, including priorities, deal structures, and emotional challenges.

• YouTube
• 43 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video