Video game development is a huge part of the entertainment and tech industries. As gaming technology continues to advance, there is an increased demand for professional game designers with specialized artificial intelligence and graphic design skills. If you want an exciting career in the video game industry, online game design courses are a great way to do it.
You don’t need an online game design degree to take advantage of the wide range of online courses, classes, and training programs available. When choosing which option is right for you, it’s important to consider the cost, length of time, focus, format, and whether the provider offers a certificate upon completion. Let’s look at the best online programs for studying game design.
What Is Game Design?
Game design is the process of creating games for computers and video game consoles. The game design process involves developing a game concept, making a storyline using a flowchart, writing code, and testing for bugs. Typically, the different components of game design are tackled by a team of designers.
Why Online Game Design Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Online game design courses offer an affordable and effective alternative to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Game Development. They can help you break into the competitive field of game design by giving you hands-on experience creating actual games, which is the kind of thing employers look for when vetting candidates for entry-level jobs in the industry.
They equip online students with knowledge of various aspects of game design and provide them with the skillset necessary to become game developers or game designers. With enough online training in game theory, game programming, game economics, and game engine technology, you may be able to get a job at a top gaming company like Epic Games or Roblox.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Game Design?
Yes. Coding is interwoven throughout the entire game design process. Although a coding bootcamp won’t prepare you for all of the job duties you’ll face in gaming design, it will certainly prepare you for certain aspects. Game designers are required to code, so you can benefit just as much from a game design coding bootcamp as you would from a degree in game design.
Overview: The Best Online Game Design Courses, Classes, or Training
There are endless online game design courses, classes, and training programs available. The ones listed in the table below are all of excellent quality. When researching online education courses, it’s important to consider the price, length of time, and whether or not a certificate is included.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codecademy | Create Video Games with Phaser.js | $0 – $20 Per Month | Self-Paced | Yes |
| Code Coven | Intro to Game Making | $1,650 | 8 Weeks | No |
| Coursera | Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization | Paid and Free Versions | 6 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | Making Your First Virtual Reality Game | Free and paid versions | 27 Hours | Yes |
| edX | Computer Science for Game Development | $348 | 6 Months | Yes |
| edX | Introduction to Video Game Development with Unity | $50 | 6 Weeks | Yes |
| edX | Unreal Engine Foundations | $597 | 5 Months | Yes |
| ed2go | Digital Game Artist Certificate | $2,595 | 18 Months | Yes |
| Game Institute | C++ Programming for Game Development | $599 | Self-Paced | Yes |
| Mammoth Interactive | Unreal Game Developer: Beginner and Multiplayer Masterclass | $500 | Self-Paced | No |
| The Tech Academy | Game Developer Boot Camp | $11,660 | 22 Weeks | Yes |
| Udemy | Pixel Art for Video Games | $70 | 11 Hours, 41 Minutes | Yes |
| Udemy | The Game Developer Bootcamp | $85 | 11 Hours | Yes |
| Vertex School | Game Artist Program | $6,742 | 9 Months | No |
| Zenva | Unity Game Development Mini-Degree | $20 – $168 Per Month | 33 Hours | Yes |
In Detail: The Best Online Game Design Classes, Courses, or Training
Create Video Games with Phaser.js | Codecademy
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Phaser.js, JavaScript, Animations, Sprite Manipulation, Audio Effects, Game Physics
In this hands-on beginner course, students will focus on building games from scratch, learning to code in JavaScript, and using the Phaser.js library. The topics included in this course are functions, arrays, loops, iterations, objects, classes, Phaser animations, and visual effects.
Codecademy offers free and paid options for this course. The free option allows students to access basic courses, but restricts access to content and mobile practice, and doesn’t include peer support, step-by-step guidance, or a certificate of completion. The paid version includes all of these features and provides unlimited mobile practice.
Key Takeaway: Codecademy offers free and paid versions of this course, which vary in terms of how much content you can access.
Intro to Game Making | Code Coven
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basic C# Scripting, Unity UI System, Game Development Process, Publishing and Sharing Game Projects, Git Repositories
Code Coven offers this introductory game development course, and aims to guide students in developing skills that will allow them to participate in and revolutionize the gaming industry. This course is eight weeks long and focuses on the Unity game engine, basic C# scripting, and the different stages of game software development.
Students are required to participate in online classes for six hours a week, and will need to dedicate an additional four hours a week to independent work. Code Coven offers tuition discounts and scholarships to eligible students.
Key Takeaway: More than other courses on this list, Code Coven focuses on equipping marginalized students with the tools to succeed in the gaming industry.
Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization | Coursera
- Learning Format: Series of Five Courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Interactive Storytelling, Video Game Design, Video Game Development, Gameplay, Level Design, and Art
Coursera collaborates with CalArts to offer this five-course specialization to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed on the game design job market. This program takes six months to complete, but it allows students to get through the material at their own pace. Upon completion and with passing grades, students will earn a shareable certificate.
Throughout this program, students will learn about the basic concepts of game design, explore the vital role of storytelling in game popularity, discover the key components of world design, practice using character design approaches, and finish with a capstone project. Students must have received certificates in the first four courses to be eligible for the capstone project.
Key Takeaway: With five video game design courses in a single package, this specialization fully prepares students for careers in video game design and development.
Making Your First Virtual Reality Game | Coursera
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Prototyping, Testing, Refining Interaction, Implementing Graphics
This self-paced course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by the University of London. As virtual reality (VR) is somewhat of a recent development, game developers and designers who have gone to the trouble of learning VR are highly sought-after in the industry.
This is the fifth and last course in a specialization program, and it culminates in the creation of a virtual reality game. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider completing the first four courses in this specialization.
Key Takeaway: This intermediate course gives students practical experience in virtual reality technology, which is the future of video game design and development.
Computer Science for Game Development | edX
- Learning Format: Series of Two Courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Computer Science Concepts, C, C#, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, 2D and 3D Graphics, Interactive Animation, Unity, Lua
Offered in collaboration with Harvard University, this edX certificate program includes two courses, an online introduction to computer science and an online video game design course. With a time commitment of just six to 18 hours per week, you can complete both courses in less than six months.
The first course gives students the programming experience they need to become competent game developers. Once you’ve learned how to think like a game programmer, you’ll be ready for the second course, which dives deep into the artistry and mechanics of game design. Its hands-on projects are modeled on successful games like The Legend of Zelda and Angry Birds.
Key Takeaway: This short certificate program is a great option for students who want the experience of a high-profile game design degree program but don’t have the time or money to complete a full-length one.
Introduction to Video Game Development with Unity | edX
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Game Engine Technology, Unity Basics, Scripting, Game Engine Development
This course is focused on developing multi-platform video games using Unity. Throughout this six-week course, students will become familiar with the Unity interface, learn about the fundamental elements of the Unity engine, and develop their first game.
As this is an intermediate course, participants are required to have basic programming knowledge. This course can be accessed for free through the audit track, which includes course materials and a discussion board. Alternatively, students can pay $50 and receive access to course materials, a discussion board, graded exams and assignments, and a verified certificate.
Key Takeaway: This course is a focused way to learn the ins and outs of the Unity game engine.
Unreal Engine Foundations | edX
- Learning Format: Series of Three Courses
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Interactive Environments, 3D Objects, Unreal Blueprint System for Visual Scripting, AI Decision Trees, 3D Interactive Design, Cinematics, Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG), Interfaces, Scrum Principles
This certificate program is facilitated by edX and offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology. There is a free and paid track available to students. The free track allows you to audit the course but restricts your access to graded assignments and exams, and does not include the professional certificate. The paid version includes all of these features.
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The focus of this three-course certificate program is Unreal Engine. By the end of the program, you will be able to add 3D effects, animations, and visuals to games, as well as publish an interactive simulation of your game idea.
Key Takeaway: This course allows you to master 3D animations with Unreal Engine in five months.
Digital Game Artist Certificate | ed2go
- Learning Format: Training Program
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Digital Art, 3D Art, Modeling, Character Design, Environmental Art Design
This 18-month program is facilitated by ed2go and offered by Greenways Academy of Alaska. Reputable instructors and industry specialists have designed this program to prepare students to enter the game design industry. To assist students with tuition, ed2go offers a variety of payment plans and discounts.
Throughout this 600-hour self-paced training program, you’ll learn how to use current 2D and 3D modeling software, develop game art skills, master modeling and texturing techniques, and gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of animation.
Key Takeaway: This detailed self-paced training program is ideal for students with no experience who wish to enter or advance in the digital game art industry.
C++ Programming for Game Development | Game Institute
- Learning Format: Full Course with Hands-On Training
- Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Conditionals, Loops, Arrays, Functions, References and Pointers, Object Oriented Programming, Strings, Inheritance and Polymorphism, Templates, Exception Handling, Templates, Core Language Features, File Inputs and Outputs, Number Systems
The Game Institute offers this self-paced game development course with the option to pursue a professional development certificate. It’s partnered with over 2,500 colleges and universities and has educated over 300,000 students.
The curriculum has 13 modules, in addition to an optional course on how to learn C# if you already know C++. This course is available for standalone purchase, or you can gain access to it by buying a lifetime membership.
Key Takeaway: This in-depth course begins with basic concepts that introduce beginners to the field of game development, and advances to concepts and skills that will challenge even the most experienced game developers.
Unreal Game Developer: Beginner and Multiplayer Masterclass | Mammoth Interactive
- Learning Format: Full Course with Hands-On Training
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Unreal Engine Development Basics, Rapid Prototyping, Game Design with C++, Multiplayer Fundamentals, Battle Royale from Scratch
This course accommodates both aspiring developers and experienced developers who wish to advance their skills. This self-paced course teaches you how to develop games using blueprints and become a versatile level designer.
In this course, students will also use Unreal to build prototypes from scratch, employ multiplayer concepts, practice networking fundamentals, handle input from multiple users, and build a battle royale game from scratch.
Key Takeaway: Mammoth Interactive welcomes learners of all levels to participate in this hands-on game development course.
Game Developer Boot Camp | The Tech Academy
- Learning Format: Bootcamp Program
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Computer and Technology Basics, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Databases, SQL, C#, C++, Version Control, Unity Live, Unreal Engine, Unity, Project Management
This bootcamp is offered by The Tech Academy and is designed to prepare students for careers in game development. There are 13 courses in this bootcamp program, including 900 hours of study materials and activities, as well as two live projects using C++, Unreal Engine, C#, and Unity.
As this bootcamp program is specifically designed to equip, prepare, and launch students’ video game development careers, the very last course in this program is focused on preparing students for employment. It covers topics like phone call interviews, whiteboard presentations, resume and cover letter optimization, and where to find jobs.
Key Takeaway: This bootcamp program intends to equip students with all of the knowledge, skills, and tools they’ll need to become a video game developer or video game designer.
Pixel Art for Video Games | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Line Art, Shading, Color Theory, Titles, Environment, Character Creation, Animation, Top-Down Tiles, Isometric Pixel Art, Heads-Up Display (HUD) Elements
Udemy offers this pixel art course for the purpose of video game design. Students who pay for the course have lifetime access to 98 video lectures, 17 downloadable resources, assignments, and a certificate of completion. Students are encouraged to learn Photoshop prior to enrollment, although it’s not a requirement.
Participants of this course will learn about pixel art basics, color theory, working with tiles, improving the environment, creating characters, animation, top-down RPG characters, isometric pixel art, and creating HUD elements.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed to teach students how to create pixel art for video games.
The Game Developer Bootcamp | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Python 3, Godot Game Engine 3, GameMaker Studio 2, Multiplayer Platforms
This game developer course focuses on some of the foundational skills involved in game development and design. Participants have access to 11 hours of on-demand video lectures, six articles, and a certificate of completion.
Students will learn how to develop 2D and 3D games, write servers and clients, use GameMaker and Godot, and program in Python 3, GDScript, and GML. Prior to enrollment, students should have their own computer, basic knowledge of computer functions, and the programming languages used in this course.
Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of video game development and design.
Game Artist Program | Vertex School
- Learning Format: Training Program
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: 3D Modeling Workflows, Texturing for PBR, Unreal Engine Rendering, UV Layouts, Game Resolution Techniques
This nine-month program is designed to fully prepare students for careers in game design. The application process requires you to fill out an application, create an account, meet with an admissions representative, and enroll in the program. You can pay the tuition up front for a 10 percent discount, or you can pay $832 per month for the months you’re enrolled.
Every student is provided with a one-on-one mentor, flexible learning schedule, and online workshops, meetups, and community events. Classes are held live twice a week, but students can complete the work on their own time. Graduates of the program are provided with job training, an alumni network, and connections to employers.
Key Takeaway: This program is designed to effectively train and fully prepare students for careers in game design. Program graduates are provided with excellent career services that assist in the job search.
Unity Game Development Mini-Degree | Zenva
- Learning Format: Mini-degree/19-course program
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: In-Demand Programming Languages, Game Development with Unity, 3D Games, 2D Idle Clicker Games, Action RPG Development, ProBuilder, Polybrush, Cinemachine, Particle Systems
This is a project-based course that teaches game design using Unity. Students participate in interactive lessons and practice what they learn along the way, completing 21 short projects. Zenva offers on-demand access and a certificate of completion.
There are 19 short courses in this mini-degree, including Core Game Systems, Introduction to Game Development, 3D Gaming in Unity, Testing and Debugging, Creating and Managing Huge Worlds, Procedural Generation, Unity UI projects, Action RPG Development, and Polybrush.
Key Takeaway: This mini-degree program includes 19 courses, which consist of 33 hours of on-demand video.
Online Game Design Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
There are countless online game design courses, classes, and training programs available. When deciding which one is right for you, it’s important to consider the length of time, cost, focus, learning level, and whether the program includes a certificate.
The shortest and cheapest option is standalone classes, which can usually be completed in a single sitting. Courses require a longer time commitment but are more likely to come with a certificate of completion. A training program can be made up of several classes and courses, and its most distinguishing feature is that it involves hands-on activities.
How to Choose the Right Online Game Design Course, Class, or Training Program
First Factor: Course Objectives
While some courses provide broad and basic game design concepts, others will have a specific focus or specialization. Before pursuing an online game design program, it’s helpful to determine what area of game design you want to focus on.
If you’re pursuing an online game design program for a professional reason, you should find a game design course that aligns with your career goals. If you’re pursuing a game design program for personal reasons, you have the freedom to choose a program in any concentration that interests you.
Second Factor: Learning Level
Your current learning level will play a major role in determining which online game design course will be best for you. There are a variety of courses available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners, as well as multiple-course programs that allow beginners to develop into advanced game designers.
Additionally, different learning levels will have different eligibility requirements. Many intermediate and advanced game design programs require participants to have programming and design experience. Alternatively, many beginner courses implement modules that are dedicated to teaching students the basics of programming languages and their uses.
Third Factor: Networking Opportunities
If you’re pursuing an online game design program to enter a career in game design, you might want to see which providers are partnered with industry employers. Many courses and training programs will include career services, some of which provide networking opportunities with industry professionals and prospective employers.
Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing game design as a career, networking opportunities allow you to develop your industry skills and knowledge and stay updated on current trends. Having access to professional networks keeps professional opportunities open to you.
Game Design Course Certificates vs Certifications
Game design certificates and certifications are often confused, but they are distinct. Certificates are typically earned at the end of a course, and function as proof of course completion. Certifications are earned by passing an associated exam, and function as proof that you’re qualified to work in a specific industry.
Importance of Game Design Certifications
Game design certifications are an excellent way to prove your qualifications. They’re awarded by recognized organizations, and as a result, they’re highly valued by industry employers. Depending on where you are in your career, a game design certification could either be your ticket into the industry or a way to earn a promotion.
Why You Should Take Online Game Design Courses or Classes
Online game design courses and classes offer a unique opportunity to gain highly valuable skills while maintaining your current obligations. Most course providers allow students to study at their own pace, while still providing plenty of mentorship and support.
In addition, many online game design programs include career services and networking opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to access. If you aren’t sure that you’re ready to fully invest in an online game design program, you can always enroll in a free course. This will enable you to gauge whether you want to further commit to learning game design.
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