What is game development?

Game development encompasses all the steps needed to conceptualize and craft a video game, including its music, graphics, and mechanics. Although some games are developed by a solo individual, most projects require the talents of multiple people. In fact, when it comes to the most complex projects, multiple studios and thousands of people may collaborate to produce a single game.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in game development?

Game developers tend to be very creative individuals who are passionate about gaming and storytelling. Not all video games succeed. So, game developers should be willing to accept criticism and ambitious enough to keep trying until they find a winning concept. Game developers also need to be analytical as well as curious enough to stay on top of the latest tech developments.

What jobs can I get in game development?

You can find a variety of jobs in the game development field, including game designer, music composer, programmer, animator, and game tester. Game designers conceptualize games. They may have a role in everything from writing the storyline to designing the stages and mechanics. Whether a game's score features simplistic eight-bit tunes or dramatic orchestral music, composers or audio engineers are needed on game development teams. Jobs are also available for programmers. These individuals tackle the technical aspects of game development, creating complex code that allows players to interact with the elements on the screen. Animators and artists have the task of creating a game's visuals, ranging from character designs to background scenery. Game testers spend plenty of time playing games. However, rather than playing for sheer enjoyment, they spend their time searching for glitches and testing the difficulty and functionality of each stage.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn game development?

Online courses can introduce you to core principles of game design, including how to tell stories through gameplay and how to generate and build on unique game ideas. You can also find courses on Coursera that focus on building specific skills, such as programming, designing characters, and creating pixel art. Other courses focus on the business side of the field, helping you learn how to pitch your creations to audiences or even start your own company.

What are the benefits of taking an online Game Development course?

Online Game Development courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Game Development skills. Choose from a wide range of Game Development courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Game Development courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Game Development, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Game Development Courses - Learn Game Development Online

Explore the Game Development Course Catalog

Case Western Reserve University
Inspired Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Employee Coaching, Coaching, Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Leadership Development, Compassion, Leadership, Organizational Change, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Development, Culture Transformation, Empowerment, Team Leadership, People Development, Influencing, Strategic Leadership, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Professional Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Science, Web Development, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Programming, Application Development, Scientific Visualization
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
IBM
Developing AI Applications with Python and Flask
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Application Deployment, Flask (Web Framework), Application Development, Python Programming, Web Applications, Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API), Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, IBM Cloud, Programming Principles, Style Guides
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Data Modeling, Data Integrity, Development Environment, Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Build a Full Website using WordPress
Skills you'll gain: WordPress, Content Management Systems, Web Content, Web Design and Development, Web Development, Content Development and Management, Social Media
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
IBM
Applied Data Science Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Plotly, Exploratory Data Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Science, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Web Scraping, Statistical Machine Learning, Data Wrangling, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of London
Introduction to Meteor.js Development
Skills you'll gain: MongoDB, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Development Tools, Web Applications, Web Development, Database Application, User Accounts, Application Security, Package and Software Management, Javascript, Software Installation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
FPGA Design for Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Electronic Hardware, Electronic Systems, Embedded Systems, Systems Design, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Semiconductors, Schematic Diagrams, Technical Design, Integrated Development Environments, Electrical and Computer Engineering, System Design and Implementation, Computer Architecture, Software Development Tools, Hardware Architecture, Software Development, Software Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Development Environment
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Meta
What is the Metaverse?
Skills you'll gain: Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Augmented Reality, Diversity and Inclusion, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Emerging Technologies, Virtual Environment, Virtual Teams, FinTech, Digital Assets, E-Commerce, Payment Systems, Interoperability, Technology Roadmaps, Infrastructure Architecture, Education and Training, Communication, Safety and Security
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
980 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
CentraleSupélec
Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course)
Skills you'll gain: Android Studio, Android Development, Storyboarding, Mobile Development, Application Development, User Interface (UI), Java, User Interface (UI) Design, Software Design, Interactive Design, Development Environment, Software Installation
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Learning to Teach Online
Skills you'll gain: Instructional Strategies, Teaching, Course Development, Blended Learning, Education and Training, Interactive Learning, Student Engagement, Curriculum Planning, Pedagogy, Developing Training Materials, Educational Materials, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Open Source Technology, Program Evaluation, Quality Assessment, Needs Assessment, Technology Strategies, Constructive Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Business Transformation, Business Priorities, Business Ethics, Environmental Issue, Systems Thinking, Economic Development, Strategic Partnership, Innovation, Collaboration, Social Justice
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months