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Game Design and Development 1

2D Shooter

Brian Winn

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 and well as the process. You will get started developing video games using industry standard game development tools, including the Unity 2020 game engine. At the end of the course you will have completed two hands-on projects, including an Intro to Unity project and a 2D Shooter game, and will be able to leverage an array of game development techniques to create your own basic games.

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Syllabus

From Game Player to Game Developer
The only thing more fun than playing games is making them. You can make games. All it takes is some time, a willingness to learn and a passion to create. You don't need to be a "coder" to make games. Part of the beauty of games is that they take a variety of skills to make. Art, creativity, and systems thinking are just as important as code. Join us in this journey into game making! This first module will provide you with an overview of this course and the entire specialization. The module will also introduce you to the game design and development process and get you up and running with Unity, the game engine we will use across this course.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to game development, making it suitable for absolute beginners
Uses the Unity 2020 game engine, an industry-standard tool for game development
Involves hands-on projects, including an Intro to Unity project and a 2D Shooter game, to give learners practical experience

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Reviews summary

Game design and development: 2d shooter fundamentals

According to students, this course serves as an excellent introduction to game development, particularly for those with zero prior experience in programming or game engines. Learners highly praise the hands-on project-based approach, especially the creation of a 2D Shooter game, which provides a strong sense of accomplishment. The instructor's clear explanations and the course's structured progression from fundamental Unity concepts to practical application are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. While some beginners found the C# coding section a bit challenging or wished for more depth, the consensus is that the course provides a solid foundational understanding of Unity and basic game development techniques.
Course uses Unity 2020; minor UI changes in newer versions.
"It covers the basics well, but the Unity version used (Unity 2020) is getting a bit old. Some UI elements have changed..."
"I also encountered some issues due to Unity updates that weren't addressed in the course content."
Instructor explains complex topics with clarity.
"The instructor explains everything clearly, and the 2D Shooter project is so rewarding."
"The way the instructor broke down the 2D shooter development made it manageable even for someone completely new to coding."
"I found the lessons on the Unity editor are clear and easy to understand."
Hands-on projects provide practical, rewarding experience.
"The hands-on practice building the 2D shooter was invaluable. I learned so much about the Unity editor and basic C# scripting."
"The 2D Shooter project is so rewarding. I found the course structure easy to follow."
"My first actual game from start to finish! Very satisfying to see my own game by the end."
"The project-based approach really helps solidify concepts. I appreciated how the course built up to a full game."
Perfect for those new to game development or Unity.
"This course is absolutely fantastic for anyone looking to get into game development with Unity. I had zero prior experience, and now I feel confident."
"It's truly a course for beginners, so don't expect advanced topics, but it delivers on its promise."
"I had no prior experience with Unity or coding, but this course was easy to follow and gave me a great start."
"A great entry point into Unity. The project-based approach really helps solidify concepts."
Quality of peer reviews can be inconsistent.
"My only minor gripe is the peer review system can be hit or miss, but the core content is solid."
"I also struggled with the peer review system was frustrating, with some reviews being unhelpful or unfair."
C# section can be challenging for absolute coding novices.
"The C# part felt a bit rushed for me, as someone who hadn't coded before. I had to look up extra resources..."
"I struggled with the C# sections. They seemed to assume more prior knowledge than 'beginner'."
"While the course provides a basic introduction, I found some explanations lacking depth, especially for coding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter with these activities:
Review Basic Computer Science Concepts
This course builds upon the fundamentals of computer science. Reviewing these basic computer science concepts will better prepare you for the course materials.
Browse courses on Computer Science
Show steps
  • Review your notes, assignments, and exams from a previous introductory computer science course.
  • Read a textbook on basic computer science concepts.
  • Take a practice quiz on basic computer science concepts.
Gather Game Development Resources
Having access to relevant resources can greatly aid your learning. Gathering a collection of useful materials will provide you with a valuable library for future reference.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Search online for articles, tutorials, and videos on game development.
  • Bookmark or save helpful resources in a dedicated folder or online repository.
  • Explore the Unity Asset Store for useful assets and tools.
Watch Unity Tutorial Videos
This course uses Unity as the game engine to build games. Getting comfortable with Unity will help you follow along easily.
Browse courses on Unity
Show steps
  • Browse YouTube or other video platforms for beginner-friendly Unity tutorials.
  • Follow the tutorials to create a simple 2D or 3D game.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'Game Development for Beginners' by R. Pope
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to game development, covering the fundamentals of game design, programming, and art.
View Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Assessing... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read through the book's chapters on Unity, C#, and basic game design principles.
  • Complete the book's exercises and challenges to practice your skills.
Design a Game Concept
Before diving into coding, it's essential to design the concept of your game. This will serve as a roadmap for your development process.
Browse courses on Game Design
Show steps
  • Brainstorm game ideas and choose one that resonates with you.
  • Define the game's core mechanics, objectives, and target audience.
  • Create a game design document that outlines your concept in detail.
Practice C# Coding Exercises
This course uses C# for coding the game logic. Practicing C# coding exercises will strengthen your coding skills.
Browse courses on C#
Show steps
  • Join an online coding platform like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Solve easy and medium-level C# coding challenges.
  • Review your solutions and learn from the discussions.
Join a Study Group or Online Forum
Connecting with other learners can enhance your understanding. Joining a study group or online forum will allow you to share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Search for study groups or online forums related to game development.
  • Join a group that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
Build a Simple 2D Game
The best way to learn game development is by building games. Building a simple 2D game will give you hands-on experience and solidify your understanding.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Choose a simple game idea, such as a platformer or a shooter.
  • Create a new project in Unity and set up the game scene.
  • Implement the game mechanics, such as player movement, enemy AI, and collision detection.
  • Add graphics and sound effects to your game.
Connect with a Game Development Mentor
Guidance from an experienced mentor can provide invaluable insights and accelerate your progress in game development.
Browse courses on Game Development
Show steps
  • Attend game development meetups or events to network with professionals.
  • Reach out to game developers on LinkedIn or other platforms.
  • Ask for guidance on specific topics or challenges you encounter.

Career center

Learners who complete Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Game Designer
Game Designers are responsible for creating the overall concept and design of video games. They work closely with programmers, artists, and other team members to bring their vision to life. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game design, including game mechanics, level design, and user experience. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Game Developer
Game Developers are responsible for programming, designing, and testing video games. They work closely with Game Designers to bring their vision to life. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game development, including programming, art, and sound design. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer
Programmer
Programmers are responsible for writing the code that makes video games work. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to implement the game's mechanics and features. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of programming, including C# scripting. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Programmer in the video game industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Programmer
Artist
Artists are responsible for creating the visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and props. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to bring their vision to life. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game art, including 2D and 3D modeling, texturing, and animation. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as an Artist in the video game industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Artist
Game Tester
Game Testers are responsible for testing video games to ensure that they are free of bugs and meet the quality standards. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to identify and fix any issues. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game testing, including black box testing, white box testing, and performance testing. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Tester.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester
Level Designer
Level Designers are responsible for creating the levels and environments that players explore in video games. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to design levels that are both fun and challenging. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of level design, including level layout, enemy placement, and puzzle design. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Level Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer
UI Designer
UI Designers are responsible for creating the user interface (UI) for video games. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to design UIs that are both user-friendly and visually appealing. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of UI design, including layout, typography, and iconography. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a UI Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer
Game Producer
Game Producers are responsible for managing the development of video games. They work closely with Game Designers, Game Developers, and other team members to ensure that the game is completed on time and within budget. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game production, including project management, budgeting, and marketing. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Producer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer
Game Writer
Game Writers are responsible for writing the story, dialogue, and other text for video games. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to create a compelling and engaging experience for players. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game writing, including storytelling, dialogue writing, and world building. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer
Game Analyst
Game Analysts are responsible for analyzing video games to identify trends and patterns. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to improve the quality and performance of games. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game analysis, including data collection, data analysis, and reporting. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Analyst
Game Marketer
Game Marketers are responsible for promoting and selling video games. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to create marketing campaigns that reach target audiences. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game marketing, including market research, advertising, and public relations. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Marketer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Marketer
Game Journalist
Game Journalists are responsible for writing about video games for magazines, websites, and other publications. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to provide insights into the latest games and trends. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game journalism, including writing, editing, and reporting. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Journalist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Journalist
Game Educator
Game Educators are responsible for teaching video game design and development to students. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to create curricula that prepare students for careers in the video game industry. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game education, including pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Educator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Educator
Game Researcher
Game Researchers are responsible for conducting research on video games to improve their design, development, and impact. They work closely with Game Designers and Game Developers to identify new trends and technologies. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of game research, including research methods, data analysis, and reporting. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to enter a career as a Game Researcher.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Researcher

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter.
Cover image
The land characterization meta-language
Save
This is the official documentation for Unity. It provides comprehensive information on all aspects of the Unity game engine. This valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Unity.
The land characterization meta-language
Paperback
Check
The land characterization meta-language
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Unity in Action, Third Edition
Save
Practical guide to game development using Unity. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a variety of games, including a 2D platformer, a 3D first-person shooter, and a multiplayer game. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make games with Unity.
Unity in Action, Third Edition: Multiplatform game...
Paperback
$$
Unity in Action, Third Edition: Multiplatform game...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Game Programming Patterns
Save
Provides a collection of design patterns for game programming. These patterns can help you to create games that are more efficient, maintainable, and extensible. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write better code for games.
Game Programming Patterns
Paperback
$$
Game Programming Patterns (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Game Programming Patterns
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Feeling Political
Save
Provides an overview of the Unity game engine, covering topics such as scene creation, object manipulation, scripting, and physics. It good resource for students who want to learn the basics of Unity and get started with game development.
Feeling Political: Emotions and Institutions since...
Kindle Edition
Check Price
Cover image
Crafting Interpreters
Save
Provides an overview of common game programming patterns, such as the Observer, Singleton, and Factory patterns. Students can refer to this book to learn about these patterns and how to apply them in their own game development projects.
Crafting Interpreters
Paperback
$$
Crafting Interpreters
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of Game Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the game design process. It covers topics such as game mechanics, level design, and user experience. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to design better games.
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Second...
Paperback
$$$$
(Français) L'art du game design - Nouvelle édition: Se...
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
FileMaker 12 Developers Reference
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the game development process. It covers topics such as game design, production, and marketing. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business of game development.
FileMaker 12 Developers Reference: Functions,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of Game Design
Save
Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of game design. It covers topics such as game mechanics, level design, player psychology, and game testing. Students can refer to this book to learn about the fundamental principles of game design and how to apply them in their own game development projects.
The Art of Game Design
Paperback
Check
The Art of Game Design
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
GPU Pro 360 Guide to 3D Engine Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the DirectX 11 shader language. It covers topics such as shader syntax, lighting, and effects. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write better shaders for DirectX 11 games.
GPU Pro 360 Guide to 3D Engine Design
Paperback
Check
GPU Pro 360 Guide to 3D Engine Design
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the architecture of game engines. It covers topics such as rendering, physics, and networking. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how game engines work.
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Rules of Play
Save
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding game design. It covers topics such as game mechanics, player psychology, and game narrative. Students can refer to this book to learn about the different perspectives and approaches to game design.
Rules of Play
Paperback
Check
Rules of Play
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
AI for Games
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence for games. It covers topics such as pathfinding, decision making, and machine learning. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to add AI to their games.
AI for Games, Third Edition
Paperback
$$$
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Hardcover
$$
AI for Games (AI for Everything)
Paperback
$$
AI for Games, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
AI for Games (AI for Everything)
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks, ~4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Michigan State University
Instructor
Brian Winn
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Game Design and Development with Unity. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter
  2. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project
  3. Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter (viewing)
  4. Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer
  5. Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to game development, making it suitable for absolute beginners
Uses the Unity 2020 game engine, an industry-standard tool for game development
Involves hands-on projects, including an Intro to Unity project and a 2D Shooter game, to give learners practical experience
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