Game Design and Development Specialization

This Specialization covers the theoretical and practical foundations of video game production using the Unity 3D game engine. The Specialization is taught by faculty at Michigan State University with over fifty years of combined experience building games and teaching game production. Michigan State University is one of the top-rated game design and development programs in North America. You’ll learn to develop a game concept; prototype, test, and iterate on your ideas; and navigate licensing, marketing, and other business considerations. The specialization builds a solid foundation for industry roles as a gameplay designer, level designer, technical designer, technical artist, programmer, or producer. The capstone partner for the specialization is the online game portal Kongregate, which provides an avenue for distribution of the capstone project, as well as a pathway for monetization for aspiring game developers.

COURSE 1

Introduction to Game Development

Upcoming session: Aug 6

Commitment: 4 weeks, 2-5 hours/week

Subtitles: English

About the Course

If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course will start you down that path. Making games is a creative and technical art form. In this course you will familiarize yourself with the tools and practices of game development. You... more

COURSE 2

Principles of Game Design

Upcoming session: Aug 6

Subtitles: English

About the Course

You have a great idea for a game. Turning that idea into a reality isn't just about knowing the tools. In this course you will practice moving from game concept through design documentation, prototyping and testing. Numerous elements go into the... more

COURSE 3

Business of Games and Entrepreneurship

Subtitles: English

About the Course

As well as a form of art and entertainment, games are about business. Whether you want to work at a game studio, start your own business or make games as a hobby, recognizing the dynamic landscape of the videogame industry is critical to finding your pla... more

COURSE 4

Game Development for Modern Platforms

Current session: Jul 30

Subtitles: English

About the Course

The device or "platform" that a game is developed for and played on has a massive impact on the game development process. In this hands-on course you will explore how to develop a game for a variety of modern platforms, including Web, Windows, Mac OS... more

COURSE 5

Game Design and Development Capstone

Upcoming session: Aug 13

Subtitles: English

About the Capstone Project

In the game design and development capstone, you will create an original game from initial concept through implementation and then launch it to the world! Along the way, you will have the opportunity to put your game ideas in front of your peers and... more

Brian Winn

Associate Professor

Casey O'Donnell

Associate Professor

To participate in this training, you can Enroll