• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Game Design

    Game Design Courses Online

    Explore game design principles for creating engaging games. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.
    Graduate level learning within reach.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Game Design Course Catalog

    • M

      Meta

      Front-End Developer Capstone

      Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Front-End Web Development, Git (Version Control System), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, HTML and CSS, React.js, Code Review, Usability, Usability Testing, Web Applications, Semantic Web, Data Validation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      418 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • R

      Rice University

      Parallel Programming in Java

      Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Distributed Computing, Programming Principles, Application Frameworks, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Functional Design, Scalability, Computer Science

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Michigan State University

      Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Peer Review, Color Theory, Storytelling, Creativity, Information Privacy, Web Design and Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Secure Coding Practices

      Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, Cryptography, Authentications, Encryption, Penetration Testing, Application Security, Data Security, Security Controls, Vulnerability Assessments, Software Design, C and C++, Vulnerability Management, Authorization (Computing), Java, Linux, Programming Principles, Debugging, Security Engineering

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      592 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Alberta

      Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements

      Skills you'll gain: Sprint Retrospectives, Scrum (Software Development), Software Technical Review, Code Review, Agile Project Management, Software Quality Assurance, Agile Methodology, User Story, Debugging, Issue Tracking, Requirements Analysis, Usability Testing, User Research, Data-Driven Decision-Making

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Arduino y algunas aplicaciones

      Skills you'll gain: Automation, Internet Of Things, Prototyping, Integrated Development Environments, Electronic Components, Embedded Systems, Electronics, Computer Programming, Debugging

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      624 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      JavaScript Basics

      Skills you'll gain: Javascript, HTML and CSS, Scripting, Web Design and Development, Event-Driven Programming, Web Development Tools, Programming Principles, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      931 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universidade de São Paulo

      Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 2

      Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Python Programming, Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Maintainability, Software Design Patterns, Performance Testing

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      Codio

      Programming in Python: A Hands-on Introduction

      Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Scripting Languages, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Python Programming, Scripting, Computational Logic, Computer Science, File Management

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      460 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Love as a Force for Social Justice

      Skills you'll gain: Compassion, Interpersonal Communications, Social Justice, Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Community and Social Work, Collaboration, Cultural Diversity, Creativity, Research, Psychology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Neurology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      421 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidad de Palermo

      Habilidades de Gestión del Talento

      Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Game Theory, Social Skills, Decision Making, Conflict Management, Relationship Building, Strategic Decision-Making, Interpersonal Communications, Verbal Communication Skills, Leadership, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Team Leadership, Team Management, Organizational Leadership, Leadership Development, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Persuasive Communication, Behavioral Economics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      667 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development

      Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Child Development, School Psychology, Pedagogy, Human Development, Higher Education, Learning Theory, Psychology, Student Engagement, Social Sciences

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      255 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Game Design learners also search

    Beginner Game Design
    Game Development
    Game Programming
    Digital Design
    Digital Media
    Digital Art
    Character Design
    Photography
    1…697071…387

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular game design courses

    • Front-End Developer Capstone : Meta
    • Parallel Programming in Java: Rice University
    • Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing: Michigan State University
    • Secure Coding Practices: University of California, Davis
    • Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements: University of Alberta
    • Arduino y algunas aplicaciones: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
    • JavaScript Basics: University of California, Davis
    • Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 2: Universidade de São Paulo
    • Programming in Python: A Hands-on Introduction: Codio
    • Love as a Force for Social Justice: Stanford University

    Skills you can learn in Design And Product

    User Interface (18)
    User Experience (16)
    Software Testing (13)
    Game Design (11)
    Agile Software Development (10)
    Graphics (10)
    Virtual Reality (9)
    Design Thinking (8)
    Web (8)
    Video Game Development (7)
    Web Design (7)
    Adobe Photoshop (6)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Game Design

    Coursera's Game Design courses offer learners the opportunity to acquire a diverse range of skills critical for creating engaging and immersive video games:

    • Fundamental principles of game design, including storyboarding, gameplay theory, and character development.
    • Techniques for creating interactive game experiences, focusing on user engagement and retention.
    • Skills in using game development tools and platforms, such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • Best practices for level design, ensuring games are challenging yet accessible.
    • Understanding of game aesthetics to enhance visual storytelling and player immersion.
    • Insights into the business of games, including market analysis, distribution, and monetization strategies.‎

    Game Design courses on Coursera are accessible to learners with varying levels of experience:

    • Beginners interested in game design can start with introductory courses that do not require previous programming or design experience.
    • Those with some background in related fields like software development or digital art can deepen their knowledge of specific aspects of game creation.
    • Advanced designers and programmers can enhance their skills with specialized courses in advanced game mechanics, engine-specific training, or professional game development practices.‎

    Upon completing Game Design courses, learners can obtain credentials that may support their career advancement in the game industry:

    • Professional certificates that may demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and hands-on skills in game design.
    • Specializations that focus on particular aspects of game design and development, offering a deeper dive into subjects like virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) in games, or multiplayer game settings.
    • Certificates that can showcase the learner’s capabilities to potential employers or collaborators within the gaming community.‎

    Skills acquired from Game Design courses can open doors to multiple career paths within the gaming industry and related fields:

    • Game Designer, crafting the core concepts and gameplay elements of new games.
    • Level Designer, focusing on the creation of engaging game environments and player progression.
    • Narrative Designer, developing storylines, dialogues, and character arcs within games.
    • Game Developer, implementing the technical aspects of game mechanics using programming languages.
    • Game Artist, designing visual elements such as characters, assets, and textures that define the game’s aesthetic.‎

    Looking to enhance your team's Game Design skills? Coursera provides tailored enterprise solutions for teams ranging of 5-125 employees. Our offerings include advanced analytics, customized learning paths, and collaborative tools. To explore our Game Design training options and make a purchase, please visit our Coursera for Teams page.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok