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

    Video Games Courses Online

    Explore video game design and development. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and programming for creating engaging games.

    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 Video Games Course Catalog

    • U

      UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)

      Introduction to Systems Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Conceptual Design, Systems Design, Requirements Analysis, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Elicitation, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Engineering Design Process, System Design and Implementation, Concept Of Operations, Configuration Management, Prototyping, System Requirements, Design Reviews, Verification And Validation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      809 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • L

      Lund University

      Writing in English at University

      Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Writing, Grammar, English Language, Literacy, Vocabulary

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      801 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Davis

      JavaScript for Beginners

      Skills you'll gain: jQuery, Javascript and jQuery, Ajax, Javascript, Data Validation, UI Components, HTML and CSS, Scripting, JSON, Scripting Languages, Web Development Tools, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, Web Design and Development, Event-Driven Programming, Game Design, Application Programming Interface (API), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Animations, Programming Principles

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Digital Marketing Institute

      Social Media Marketing in Practice

      Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Management, Digital Media Strategy, Facebook, Content Marketing, Instagram, LinkedIn, Digital Marketing, Social Media Campaigns, Marketing, Target Audience, Marketing Strategies, Online Advertising, Advertising Campaigns, Digital Content, Digital Advertising, Brand Awareness, B2B Sales

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      526 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java

      Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Java Programming, Java, Software Architecture, Systems Architecture, Data Structures, System Programming, Programming Principles, Servers, Application Frameworks, Debugging, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Network Protocols, Computer Science, Functional Design, Scalability

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

      The Science of Gastronomy

      Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Nutrition and Diet, Scientific Methods, Experimentation, Color Theory, Chemistry, Research Design, Psychology, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      777 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Digital Media and Marketing Principles

      Skills you'll gain: Online Advertising, Digital Media Strategy, Digital Advertising, Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Electronic Media, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Media Planning, Mobile Banking, Communication, Emerging Technologies, Branding, Consumer Behaviour, Personalized Service

      Build toward a degree

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Epic Games

      Unreal Engine Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Video Game Development, Software Configuration Management, 3D Modeling, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Game Design, Configuration Management, Package and Software Management, Animation and Game Design, Content Management, Multimedia, Software Versioning, File Management, Data Import/Export, Software Installation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      59 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Irvine

      Introduction to Business

      Skills you'll gain: Search Engine Marketing, Business Planning, Financial Statements, Keyword Research, Business Strategy, Digital Marketing, People Development, Strategic Leadership, Online Advertising, Search Engine Optimization, Leadership and Management, Content Marketing, Leadership Development, Accounting, Cash Flows, Financial Forecasting, Income Statement, Organizational Strategy, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Social Media Strategy

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      652 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • R

      Rice University

      Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings

      Skills you'll gain: Patient Education And Counseling, Spanish Language, Medical Terminology, Vocabulary, Oral Comprehension, Cultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Grammar, Language Learning

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      326 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Michigan State University

      Camera Control

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.8K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Concepts, Strategies, and Analytics in Performance Marketing and Digital Advertising

      Skills you'll gain: Google Ads, Digital Advertising, Online Advertising, Advertising, Contextual Advertising, Pay Per Click Advertising, Advertising Campaigns, Paid media, Social Media, Search Engine Marketing, Keyword Research, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Data Ethics, Web Analytics and SEO, Media Planning, Web Analytics, Content Performance Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      777 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Video Games learners also search

    Design
    Graphic Design
    Beginner Graphic Design
    Graphic Design Projects
    Advanced Graphic Design
    Design Projects
    3D Design
    Communication Design
    1…151617…117

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular video games courses

    • Introduction to Systems Engineering: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
    • Writing in English at University: Lund University
    • JavaScript for Beginners: University of California, Davis
    • Social Media Marketing in Practice: Digital Marketing Institute
    • Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java: Rice University
    • The Science of Gastronomy: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    • Digital Media and Marketing Principles: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Unreal Engine Fundamentals : Epic Games
    • Introduction to Business: University of California, Irvine
    • Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings: Rice University

    Frequently Asked Questions about Video Games

    Video games are electronic games played on computer systems, such as dedicated consoles, personal computers, or mobile phones. Often featuring elements of challenge, strategy, exploration, and entertainment, video games encompass many different genres, like action-adventure, platformers, shooters, and role-playing games (RPGs), that often (but not always) share certain game mechanics. As a result, while some video games may focus purely on gameplay, others may also pay particular attention to storytelling and worldbuilding.

    The wide range of player interests and preferences catered to by video games has made them a popular – and lucrative – form of art and entertainment. According to research from Statista, the worldwide revenue for video games is projected to reach a whopping $626.78 billion by 2028, or nearly three times its 2018 valuation 1. This suggests that demand for video games and the professionals capable of designing them will continue to grow in the coming years.

    1 Statista. “Video game market revenue worldwide from 2018 to 2028.” Accessed December 12, 2023.‎

    Online video game courses can help you build the skills to create your own video game or join the industry. Offered by top universities like the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Michigan State University, Coursera’s flexible, online video game courses and specializations offer a chance for you to build job-relevant skills at your own pace and cost-effectively. ‎

    The exact skills you’ll need for a career in the video game industry will vary based on the precise position you’re hoping to land. For example, while video game writers need a strong grasp of storytelling, game developers need a thorough understanding of programming in game engines. Regardless of your role, though, here are some of the skills that you might consider building:

    • Game design: Understanding of game mechanics, gameplay elements, level design, and user experience principles.
    • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and Java.
    • Game engines: Familiarity with game development engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • 2D and 3D art: Skills in digital art creation, including character design, environmental modeling, texture, animation, and visual effects.
    • Audio design: Knowledge of sound editing, music composition, and audio integration technique.
    • Gameplay testing: Ability to perform playtesting, identify bugs or issues, and provide feedback for game improvement.
    • Player experience: Awareness of player preferences, market trends, and the ability to create engaging, rewarding game experiences. ‎

    Video games are a multi-faceted medium that encompasses many different subjects. As a result, there are various topics that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge of video games, including game design, sound design, visual art, graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, storytelling, programming languages, and 3D visual effects (VFX), among other things.

    You can explore many of these topics and more on Coursera’s catalog of online courses, Specializations, and guided projects. ‎

    The video game industry employs many different types of people who hold a wide range of positions. Whether you want to design characters, program gameplay elements, or craft interactive narratives, there’s likely a job for you in the game industry. At a glance, here are just some of the jobs you might consider pursuing:

    • Gameplay designer • Game writer • Level designer • User experience (UX) designer • 3D modeling artist • Concept artist • Environment artist • Animator • Sound designer • Engine programmer • Gameplay programmer • Game tester

    Read more: What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?‎

    The pay range for video game professionals can vary considerably from one job to another. According to Glassdoor, for example, the average salary of a game developer in the United States is $90,160 a year as of December 2023 2. Meanwhile, the average salary for a 3D modeling artist is $61,930 a year as of December 2023 3. Ultimately, the precise pay you can expect to earn will vary based not only on your position, but also on your experience level, qualifications, and geographic location. ‎

    If you’re interested in joining the video game industry, you might consider pursuing a career as a video game developer. In addition to earning a higher-than-average salary – $90,160 a year, according to Glassdoor (Dec. 2023) 2 – as videogame develop you’ll also get the opportunity to build video games from scratch, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and craft engaging experiences for players around the world. ‎

    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