• 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
     *

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Game Design Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Epic Games

      Epic Games Game Design

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Unreal Engine, User Interface (UI), Animation and Game Design, Usability, Version Control, 3D Modeling, User Interface (UI) Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, UI Components, Ideation, Computer Graphics, User Experience, Virtual Environment, Software Design, Software Design Documents, User Experience Design, Prototyping

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      415 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Introduction to Game Design

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Storytelling, Interactive Design, Design Elements And Principles, Systems Design, Usability, Creativity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      S

      Skillshare

      Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work

      Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Adobe Illustrator, Animations, Adobe After Effects, Typography, Motion Graphics, Oral Expression, Adobe Creative Cloud, Branding, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Brand Strategy, Creative Design, Design Software, Intellectual Property, Legal Risk, Design, Marketing Design, Design Elements And Principles, Design Strategies

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Game Design: Art and Concepts

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Storytelling, Prototyping, 3D Modeling, Ideation, Oral Expression, Software Design Documents, Creativity, Storyboarding, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Virtual Environment, Design Reviews, Usability Testing, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Design, Interactive Design, Systems Design

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Michigan State University

      Game Design and Development with Unity

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Unity Engine, Video Game Development, Software Design Documents, Prototyping, Storytelling, User Interface (UI), User Interface (UI) Design, Animation and Game Design, C# (Programming Language), Software Design, Programming Principles, Interactive Design, Cross Platform Development, User Experience Design, Microsoft Visual Studio, Ideation, Project Documentation, 3D Modeling, Conceptual Design

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      623 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Epic Games

      Introduction to Game Design

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Ideation, Design, User Experience Design, Prototyping, Agile Project Management, Presentations, Creativity

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      344 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Michigan State University

      Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Unity Engine, User Interface (UI) Design, User Interface (UI), C# (Programming Language), Cross Platform Development, Scripting, Animations

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      506 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      S

      Stanford University

      Game Theory

      Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Probability, Bayesian Statistics, Behavioral Economics, Problem Solving, Social Sciences

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      C# Programming for Unity Game Development

      Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, C# (Programming Language), Debugging, Video Game Development, Game Design, Computer Programming, Event-Driven Programming, UI Components, Scripting, Programming Principles, Integrated Development Environments, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Application Development, Software Design, Microsoft Development Tools, Data Storage, Computer Programming Tools

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.7K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      X

      Xbox

      Xbox Graphic Designer

      Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, Logo Design, Color Theory, Typography, Adobe Photoshop, Figma (Design Software), Interaction Design, Marketing Design, Information Architecture, Adobe Illustrator, Photo Editing, Graphic Design, Prototyping, Visual Design, User Feedback, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Usability, Generative AI, Graphic and Visual Design Software

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      52 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)

      Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Learning Theory, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Instructional Design, Educational Materials, Program Evaluation, Course Development, Design, Professional Development, Education Software and Technology, Design Thinking, Motivational Skills, Adult Learning Principles, Brainstorming, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Needs Assessment, Storyboarding, Content Creation, User Centered Design, Student-Centred Learning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      87 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      T

      The University of Sydney

      Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Product Design, Innovation, Service Design, User Experience Design, Design, Ideation, Prototyping, Creativity, Usability Testing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Game Design learners also search

    Beginner Game Design
    Game Development
    Game Programming
    Digital Design
    Digital Media
    Digital Art
    Character Design
    Photography
    1234…213

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

    • Epic Games Game Design: Epic Games
    • Introduction to Game Design: California Institute of the Arts
    • Logo Design: From Concept to Client-Approved Work: Skillshare
    • Game Design: Art and Concepts: California Institute of the Arts
    • Game Design and Development with Unity: Michigan State University
    • Introduction to Game Design: Epic Games
    • Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter: Michigan State University
    • Game Theory: Stanford University
    • C# Programming for Unity Game Development: University of Colorado System
    • Xbox Graphic Designer: Xbox

    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

    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