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2D Game Development with libGDX

Take Udacity's 2D Game Development course and explore how to use LibGDX to build 2D games that run anywhere. At the end you will create a full game, called Icicles.

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Syllabus

Learn how LibGDX allows you write a game once, then deploy to to both Android and iOS devices, as well as desktop computers and web browsers.

Level 1-2: Getting Started with LibGDX

Use the LibGDX ShapeRenderer object to draw some simple shapes (and some not-so-simple fractals).

Use a camera to focus the player's field of view on a portion of a larger game world, and learn to use viewports to simplify camera management.

Create simple animations and physics effects by updating the game world over time. Also learn to break up a complex game into separate screens.

Handle key presses, touches, and accelerometer input.

Create the core of Icicles, including player controls.

Add scoring, a head-up display, and a difficulty select screen.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores LibGDX, which allows learners to build interactive game applications that run on Android and iOS devices as well as on desktop computer and web browsers nationwide

Taught by Peter Heinrich and Jeremy Silver, who are recognized for their expertise in software development and game theory

Provides a strong foundation for mobile computing, computer science, software development, and STEM

Builds skills in game programming, computer graphics, and computer physics

Involves the creation of a complete game, Icicles, to reinforce learning and boost creative confidence

Relies on LibGDX, an open-source Java game development framework, which may limit learners to this particular toolset

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Reviews summary

Highly rated introduction to game development

100% of students highly recommend this course. Students appreciate the project-based approach and say that the course is well-structured and easy to follow. Students also appreciate the clear and concise instructions provided by the instructor.

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 2D Game Development with libGDX with these activities:

Refresh knowledge in Java

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Reviewing basic Java syntax and concepts will help you hit the ground running when the course starts.

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Review basic syntax and data types
Practice writing simple Java programs
Use an online Java compiler to test your code

Practice coding LibGDX exercises

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Solving coding challenges will help you solidify your understanding of LibGDX and prepare you for the final project.

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Find a website or book with LibGDX exercises
Go through the exercises and try to solve them on your own
Review the solutions to ensure you understand the concepts

Follow advanced LibGDX tutorials

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Exploring advanced LibGDX tutorials will help you expand your knowledge and skills beyond the scope of the course.

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Find advanced LibGDX tutorials on websites or YouTube
Follow the tutorials and implement the techniques in your own projects
Share your experiences and learnings with the community

One other activity

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Contribute to the LibGDX project

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Contributing to the LibGDX project will give you first-hand experience with open-source software development and help you make a meaningful contribution to the community.

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Understand how open-source software works
Find a project to get involved in
Write code and submit pull requests
Review and contribute to code submitted by others

Career center

Learners who complete 2D Game Development with libGDX will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Developer

Video game developers create video games for a variety of platforms, including consoles, mobile devices, and computers. They work on all aspects of game development, from concept to design to programming. This course in 2D game development is an excellent foundation for a career as a video game developer as you will learn the principles of game design, development, and programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Developer

Game Designer

Game designers create the overall concept, story, and rules for video games. They work with programmers and artists to bring their ideas to life. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a game designer as you will learn how to design and develop 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Game Tester

Game testers play video games to find bugs and ensure that they are working correctly. They provide feedback to developers on the game's stability, performance, and design. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a game tester as you will learn the principles of game development and testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester

User Interface Designer

User interface designers create the user interface for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work to make sure that products are easy to use, visually appealing, and engaging. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a user interface designer as you will learn how to design and develop user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Software Developer

Software developers design, develop, and maintain computer software. They work on a variety of projects, including operating systems, web applications, and mobile apps. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a software developer as you will learn how to develop 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile developers design, develop, and maintain mobile apps. They work on a variety of projects, from simple productivity apps to complex games. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a mobile developer as you will learn how to develop 2D games for mobile devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

UI/UX Designer

UI/UX designers create the user interface and user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work to make sure that products are easy to use, visually appealing, and engaging. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a UI/UX designer as you will learn how to design and develop user interfaces for 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia artists combine text, images, sound, and motion graphics to create interactive experiences. They work on a variety of projects, including websites, video games, and educational materials. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a multimedia artist as you will learn how to create graphics and animations for 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Animator

Animators design and create the sequences of images that make up moving graphics, such as those seen in cartoons, movies, and video games. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as an animator as you will learn how to use LibGDX and other tools to develop 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs and materials. They work with subject-matter experts to create learning materials that are effective and engaging. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as an instructional designer as you will learn how to design and develop interactive learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. They are responsible for the functionality of a program and its response to user input. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a computer programmer as you will learn how to develop 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work on a variety of projects, from simple informational websites to complex e-commerce platforms. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a web developer as you will learn how to create interactive and engaging web content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with businesses and organizations to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a systems analyst as you will learn the principles of systems analysis and design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They work with engineers, scientists, and other experts to gather information and translate it into clear and concise language. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a technical writer as you will learn the principles of game development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and design ways to make them more efficient. They may also design and implement new systems or integrate new technologies into existing systems. This course in 2D game development may be useful to you as a computer systems analyst as you will learn the principles of game development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 2D Game Development with libGDX.

Beginning Android Games Development

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A comprehensive guide to using LibGDX for Android game development, covering topics like graphics, physics, and input handling.

2D Game Development with libGDX

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Highly rated introduction to game development

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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