Welcome! This course is an introduction to the primary concepts of gaming, and an exploration of how these basic concepts affect the way gamers interact with our games. In this course you will understand what defines a “game” and the mechanics and rules behind different types of games. Through four linked assignments you'll learn ways to create and describe a game concept, and specifically what makes a compelling game. This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings of games, and all assignments can be completed with a pencil and paper – no previous programming knowledge is required.
Introduction to Game Design
Introduction to Game Design
This course is part of Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Instructor: Fran Krause
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4.7
(2,818 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 6 hours
Learn at your own pace
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Taught in English
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This course is part of the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
This week we start at the beginning: what are the principles of very simple games, like Hangman and tic-tac-toe? How do these games work? Why do people play them? What are the elements that define games and the gaming experience? And finally, what do games have in common with each other, and what sets them apart? In addition to covering the basics and ground rules for this course, we'll conclude this week with a very simple, low-tech assignment: create a game on a single sheet of paper.
What's included
6 videos5 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt
How does a player learn the mechanics of your game? How do they learn anything about your game? This week we will talk about the rules that define gameplay, and how those rules are communicated to your players. We also discuss the way rules are bent and broken by players.
What's included
6 videos1 peer review
How does narrative drive a player to start playing your game? Or to finish it? This week we'll look at some of the ways you can make your game more compelling with story, and discuss some of the ways story can drive gameplay forward, or enable a player to make their own way through it.
What's included
9 videos1 peer review
What purpose does an enemy serve in a game? What effect does a second player have on two-player games? Can a game work without an adversary or a final goal? We'll address all of those questions in this last week of the class, and work towards finalizing your board game project with characters.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 peer review
Instructor
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4.9 (605 ratings)2 Courses142,698 learners
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Stanford University
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Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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