Videojuegos: ¿de qué hablamos? from Coursera

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

Probablemente, todos hemos jugado a algún videojuego, pero ¿qué hay detrás de él? Podemos decir que - con independencia del videojuego - hay un árduo trabajo multidisciplinar que incluye desde aspectos de diseño hasta la programación como tal del videojuego. Este curso pretende ser un curso introductorio que muestre qué aspectos hay que considerar en el videojuego, y que permita con posterioridad abordar individualmente los temas que se consideran nucleares: diseño, arte, motor del videojuego y 'game play'.

Al completar este curso introductorio, podrás identificar, nombrar y explicar la importancia de los diferentes aspectos que hay que considerar al diseñar un videojuego. Pretendemos también que puedas evaluar qué partes del videojuego te interesan más, de cara a que puedas seguir un curso específico sobre esa temática, o bien, si deseas el conocimiento global, puedas abordar todo el programa especializado. Estarás listo para abordar más en profundidad estos temas nucleares (diseño, arte, motor del videojuego y 'gameplay') que se cubren de forma individualizada y en detalle en el resto de cursos del programa especializado.

IMPORTANTE

Puedes seguir el curso también en Inglés (subtítulos y cuestionarios).

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ENGLISH VERSION

We have all probably played a video game at least once in our life, but... what's behind them? We can say that -no matter what game it is- there's a difficult multidisciplinary work that involves factors that go from the design to the video game's programming. This is an introductory course that will show you which aspects we must consider in the video game, and it will subsequently help you to individually study the different videogames creation's nucleus: design, art, video game engine and gameplay.

When you finish this introductory course, you will be able to identify, tell and explain the importance of the many aspects we must consider when designing a video game. We also want you to be able to avaluate which parts of a video game you're most interested in, so that you can later take the specific course on this topic -if you seek global knowledge you can see all the specialised program. Then you'll be ready to study more deeply these main topics -design, art, video game engine and gameplay- which are individually studied with detail during the other courses of the specialized program.

IMPORTANT

You are able to follow this course in English (subtitles and quizzes).

What's inside

Syllabus

Presentación e introducción

«De las industrias audiovisuales, la de los videojuegos es una de las más importantes. Incluso ha llegado a sobrepasar al cine en volumen de negocio». Pero, ¿qué es un videojuego? ¿quiénes están detrás de los videojuegos? ¿qué aplicaciones tienen?

Géneros de los videojuegos

La obra del holandés Maurits Cornelius Escher, litografías en las que se mezclan arquitecturas y perspectivas imposibles sirvió de base e inspiración para un juego de ambientación fantástica perteneciente al género puzle, el videojuego Monument Valley. En este módulo aprenderás qué tipo de géneros se utilizan para clasificar los videojuegos y te mostraremos algunos ejemplos de cada uno de ellos.

Historia de los videojuegos

Sabías que... ¿la historia de los videojuegos es de tan solo unos 60 años? ¿el juego OXO (Tres en raya) surgió en 1952? ¿Space invaders es de 1978 y tuvo mucho éxito en Japón? ¿el juego Pacman está basado en un cuento japonés? En este módulo harás un pequeño viaje a través de la historia de los videojuegos.

Componentes de un videojuego y roles

Conocer lo que hay detrás de un videojuego y los actores que intervienen requiere conocer dos aspectos importantes, como son los componentes de un videojuego (qué hay que realizar) y los roles (quiénes intervienen en el proceso de creación, desarrollo y distribución del videojuego). Crear y desarrollar un videojuego no es un trabajo de uno solo...

Diseño de videojuegos

«En el desarrollo de un videojuego se generan partes específicas; no se diseña el juego completo». Pero, ¿qué es diseñar? ¿Cuál o cuáles son las finalidades principales del diseño?

El arte en el videojuego

«El acabado artístico es el principal elemento seductor del videojuego. [...] Cada vez más se encarga la composición de bandas sonoras específicas a compositores de renombre». Pero, ¿qué aspectos hay que tener en cuenta cuando hablamos de arte en un videojuego?

Tecnología

Detrás de un videojuego existen múltiples capas de cierta complejidad que interactúan entre ellas para confluir en el videojuego como tal. En este módulo verás una breve introducción a diferentes componentes usados en videojuegos, como las API's gráficas o las librerías físicas o de audio.

Gameplay

Componentes de un videojuego, roles, diseño, arte... ¿Cómo unir todo ello con el usuario? La interacción del usuario con el videojuego se realiza gracias a la programación del gameplay, que tendrá aspectos a tener en cuenta como la inteligencia artificial de los enemigos, o la lógica del juego. En este módulo aprenderás más sobre el Gameplay.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops fundamental building blocks for a future in video game design

Taught by instructors who are experienced video game designers

Examines multiple facets of video game design

Introduces aspiring video game designers to the industry

Builds knowledge of the video game design process

Requires no prior experience in the field, making it accessible to those exploring their options

Course is in Spanish, which may limit accessibility to non-Spanish speakers

Reviews summary

Comprehensive guide to video game development

This introductory course covers the various aspects of video game design, including history, roles, art, technology, and gameplay. Suitable for beginners, it provides a broad overview of the industry. Note that some students have reported outdated content, especially in the latter half of the course.

Introduces the basic concepts of gamification.

Discusses the importance of audio and visual elements in enhancing the overall gaming experience.

"El acabado artístico es el principal elemento seductor del videojuego."

Covers the history of video games from the early days.

"En este módulo harás un pequeño viaje a través de la historia de los videojuegos."

Covers the basics of game design and development.

"En el desarrollo de un videojuego se generan partes específicas; no se diseña el juego completo."

Provides an overview of career opportunities in the video game industry.

"te dan gran idea de que se trabajara en todos los cursos siguientes y te brinda buenas bases para ese proceso."

Provides solid introduction to video game development.

"Considero que es una buena introducción."

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 Videojuegos: ¿de qué hablamos? with these activities:

Review basic programming concepts

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Strengthen your programming skills to set yourself up for success in this course.

Browse courses on Programming

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Go through your previous programming notes or tutorials
Complete some practice problems or coding challenges
Attend a review session or workshop
Pair up with a study buddy and quiz each other

Review game design principles

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Bring your knowledge of game design principles up to speed to make the most of this course.

Browse courses on Game Design

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Read articles or blog posts about game design
Watch videos or tutorials on game design
Play different games and analyze their design
Attend a game design meetup or talk

Revisit Basics of Video Game Creation

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You'll be better prepared for the course if you brush up on basic vocabulary and concepts.

Browse courses on Video Game Development

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Read articles or blog posts about the different aspects of video game creation, such as design, art, and programming.
Watch videos or tutorials on how to create simple video games.
Play a variety of video games and pay attention to the different elements that make them fun and engaging.

13 other activities

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Review Basic Electricity Concepts

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Review Ohm's law and common electrical components to lay a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Electricity

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Review basic concepts, such as voltage, current, and resistance.
Study Ohm's law and how it applies to circuits.
Identify different types of electrical components and their functions.

Complete the online tutorial

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Review the basics of programming to ensure you can apply knowledge to this course.

Browse courses on Programming

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Visit the website and sign up for the tutorial
Watch the introduction videos and complete the practice exercises
Ask questions on the discussion forum if you get stuck

Learn from Industry Experts

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There are many online tutorials available that can teach you how to use specific game engines or how to create specific types of games. These tutorials can be a great way to learn from industry experts and gain valuable experience.

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Identify a specific area of game development that you want to learn more about.
Find online tutorials or courses that cover that topic.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Follow along with video tutorials

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Supplement the course material with video tutorials to reinforce your understanding of game design concepts.

Browse courses on Game Design

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Search for video tutorials related to the course topics
Watch the videos and take notes on key concepts
Try to apply the concepts you learned to your own game design projects
Share your work with others and get feedback

Practice Applying Game Design Principles

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Engaging in these exercises will strengthen your understanding of how to create engaging gameplay.

Browse courses on Game Design Principles

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Design a simple game mechanic that could be used in a video game.
Create a prototype of a simple video game using a game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
Playtest your game and gather feedback from others.

Practice Circuit Analysis Problems

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Solve problems involving series and parallel circuits to reinforce your understanding and identify areas needing improvement.

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Find voltage, current, and resistance values in simple circuits.
Analyze circuits with resistors in series and parallel.
Troubleshoot circuit malfunctions by identifying faulty components.

Practice quiz questions

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Test your understanding of the course material by completing practice quiz questions.

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Access the practice quizzes provided by the course instructor
Complete the quizzes and review your answers
Identify areas where you need further study

Follow a game development tutorial

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Enhance your practical skills by following a comprehensive game development tutorial.

Browse courses on Game Development

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Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning goals
Set aside dedicated time for working on the tutorial
Follow the instructions carefully and complete all the exercises
Troubleshoot any issues you encounter
Share your progress and ask for feedback on online forums or communities

Explore Advanced Circuit Simulation Software

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Familiarize yourself with industry-standard software for circuit design and analysis to enhance your practical skills.

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Learn the basics of circuit simulation software.
Build and simulate circuits using the software.
Analyze simulation results and identify potential issues.

Create a game design document

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Apply the principles you've learned to a practical project by creating a game design document for your own game.

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Brainstorm ideas for your game
Write a description of the gameplay, setting, and characters
Create a visual prototype of your game
Get feedback on your game design document from others

Build a Simple Electronic Circuit

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Apply your knowledge by constructing a basic electronic circuit, such as an LED flasher or a simple amplifier, to solidify your understanding.

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Design the circuit on paper or using software.
Gather the necessary components.
Assemble the circuit on a breadboard or perfboard.
Test the circuit and troubleshoot any issues.

Attend a game design workshop

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Immerse yourself in the world of game design and connect with other professionals by attending a workshop.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in discussions and exercises
Network with other attendees

Contribute to Open-Source Electronics Projects

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Get involved in the open-source community by contributing to projects related to electronics and electrical engineering.

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Find open-source electronics projects on platforms like GitHub.
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
Submit bug reports, suggest improvements, or contribute code.

Career center

Learners who complete Videojuegos: ¿de qué hablamos? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Designer

Game Designers are tasked with creating the overall concept and gameplay of a video game. They collaborate with other members of the development team to bring their vision to life. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, laying the groundwork for aspiring Game Designers to excel in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Game Programmer

Game Programmers are responsible for writing the code that brings video games to life. They work closely with other team members to implement game mechanics, physics, and artificial intelligence. The insights gained from this course on the various components and technology used in video game development can empower Game Programmers to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Game Developer

A Game Developer is chiefly responsible for the design, development, and implementation of video games. This role requires an understanding of programming languages, game engines, and software development tools. Since this course helps build a foundation in the various aspects of game development, from design and art to technology and gameplay, it can support an individual's transition or advancement into this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Game Level Designer

Game Level Designers create the environments and levels that players navigate in video games. They design the layout, obstacles, and challenges to ensure an engaging and immersive experience. This course introduces the components and roles involved in video game creation, providing Game Level Designers with a foundational understanding of the development process and the importance of level design in creating memorable gaming experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Level Designer

Technical Artist

Technical Artists combine artistic skills with technical knowledge to create 3D models, textures, and animations for video games. Having a solid understanding of the technology and art involved in video game development, as covered in this course, can enhance a Technical Artist's ability to contribute to the visual and technical aspects of game creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Game Writer

Game Writers create the stories, dialogue, and characters for video games. They collaborate with other members of the development team to ensure that the game's narrative is engaging and memorable. This course offers an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, providing Game Writers with a foundational understanding of the development process and the impact of storytelling in gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Game Animator

Game Animators bring characters and objects to life in video games. They use various techniques to create fluid and realistic animations that enhance the gaming experience. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game Animators to the technology and art used in the industry, enabling them to contribute effectively to the visual appeal of games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Animator

Game Audio Designer

Game Audio Designers create the sound effects, music, and voiceovers for video games. They use their expertise in audio production to enhance the atmosphere and gameplay of games. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game Audio Designers to the technology and art used in the industry, enabling them to contribute effectively to the auditory experience of games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Audio Designer

Game Producer

Game Producers oversee the development and production of video games. They manage budgets, timelines, and teams, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects involved in game development, equipping Game Producers with the knowledge to effectively lead and manage the intricate process of game creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer

Game User Researcher

Game User Researchers conduct research to understand the needs and preferences of gamers. They use various methods to gather data and provide insights that help developers create games that are enjoyable and engaging. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game User Researchers to the development process and the importance of user research in creating games that meet the expectations of players.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game User Researcher

Game Tester

Game Testers evaluate video games for bugs and glitches before their release. They provide feedback to developers to ensure that games are polished and meet quality standards. This course introduces the components and roles involved in video game creation, providing Game Testers with a broader perspective on the development process and the importance of their role in ensuring a smooth gaming experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester

Game Localization Manager

Game Localization Managers oversee the process of translating and adapting video games for different languages and cultures. They work with translators, localization engineers, and other team members to ensure that games are accessible to a global audience. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game Localization Managers to the development process and the importance of localization in making games accessible to a wider market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Localization Manager

Game Publisher

Game Publishers are responsible for marketing, distributing, and selling video games. They work with developers to bring games to market and maximize their commercial success. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game Publishers to the development process and the business aspects of the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Publisher

Esports Manager

Esports Managers oversee the operations and management of esports teams and organizations. They work with players, coaches, and other staff to ensure that teams are successful in competitive gaming. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Esports Managers to the development process and the business aspects of the esports industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Esports Manager

Game Journalist

Game Journalists write articles, reviews, and news stories about video games. They provide insights and analysis to keep players informed about the latest trends and developments in the industry. This course provides an overview of the components and roles involved in video game creation, introducing Game Journalists to the development process and the importance of critical analysis in shaping the perception of video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Journalist