GDC Courses

One More Run - The Making of 'Spelunky 2'

Derek Yu shares insights on creating Spelunky 2, exploring game design challenges, development processes, and the evolution of roguelike games while reflecting on sequel-making in the indie game industry.

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

Growing Your Code Library with Each New Project

Learn to build and maintain a reusable code library across game projects, enabling more ambitious development without a large team. Techniques for organizing, generalizing, and implementing shared scripts efficiently.

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

Creating Feudal Japan from Across the Pacific

Explore the cultural journey and creative process behind 'Ghost of Tsushima', including expert input, direction techniques, and visual inspirations that shaped this immersive feudal Japan experience.

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

Take Control of Animation

Remedy Entertainment's journey in building custom animation technology for 'Control' after losing their middleware, showcasing innovative solutions and overcoming challenges in game development.

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

Lessons from Duolingo - How to Make Learning Hard Things Easy

Discover strategies for making complex learning engaging and accessible, drawing insights from Duolingo's approach to balancing educational challenges with user retention.

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

Design by the Numbers - Using Data for Good

Explore data-driven mobile game design using Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem as a case study. Learn key metrics, behavior tracking, and dashboard creation for effective game development.

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

A Historian's Guide to Researching Your Historical Game

Discover techniques for researching and designing historically-themed games, exploring cultural perspectives and uncovering unique facts to enrich storytelling and character development.

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

Honoring the Blade - Lethality and Combat Balance in Ghost of Tsushima

Explore the design challenges of balancing lethality and combat in 'Ghost of Tsushima'. Learn how Sucker Punch Productions crafted an engaging samurai fantasy while maintaining gameplay integrity.

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

Tough Questions to Improve Your Leadership

Explore leadership growth through cognitive diversity, active listening, and adaptability. Challenge yourself with tough questions to enhance team dynamics and personal development.

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

King Me - A Defense of King-Making in Board Game Design

Explore competitive multiplayer game design that embraces player disruption, examining kingmaking's role in storytelling, risk, and victory conditions.

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

The Calm in the Storm - An Introvert's Guide to Success

Discover strategies for introverted game developers to thrive, leveraging their unique strengths and creating inclusive studio environments that foster success for all personality types.

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

A Recipe for Mixed Reality in Mario Kart Live

Explore the fusion of physical and digital worlds in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Learn about mixed reality techniques, SLAM, and innovative game design for an immersive racing experience.

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

Keyframes and Cardboard Props - The Cinematic Process Behind 'God of War'

Explore unconventional cinematic techniques used in God of War, from previs staging to final polish, with lead narrative animator Erica Pinto's insights on creating immersive game sequences.

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

Red Pill Blue Pill - Narrative AI for Deep Emotions

Explore AI's potential in narrative design beyond traditional methods, unpacking stage mechanics from popular media to create deeper emotional experiences and conflicts.

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

Disintegrating Meshes with Particles in God of War

Explore Sony Santa Monica Studio's innovative particle emission technique for mesh disintegration in God of War, its versatile applications, and future potential in game development.

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