Introduction to Game Design: Game Systems and Balance from edX

This introductory course is based on the Game Design & VFX School at LaSalle College’s Vancouver campus, crowned the #1 undergraduate school in Canada for video game design by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row.

Game designers create the ideas and worlds of games—they design the environment, characters, game mechanics, goals and user experience. Successful game designers do this by applying the fundamentals of game system design and logic.

This course explains what game system design is, how it works, and how it relates to game mechanics, rules creation, and logical thinking and reasoning. Game balance is a crucial component of game design and development, so in this course we will focus on what game balance is and why it is important in terms of its relation to simplicity and complexity, dominant strategies, and skill and chance.

This course also dives into game balancing tools you can use to make your game a success, including risk and reward, physical and mental challenges, gameplay duration, and freedom versus control.

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What you'll learn

Use the different categories of game mechanics.
Design good rules for your games and apply logical thinking to game rules.
Achieve game balance through various tools, including fairness, challenge versus success, simplicity and complexity, dominant strategies, and skills versus chance.
Leverage other game balancing tools to affect game design and user experience.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by experts recognized for their work in video game design

Explores cutting-edge game system design techniques

Suitable for beginners in video game design

Emphasizes game balance and player experience

Provides tools and resources for game design practice

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 Introduction to Game Design: Game Systems and Balance with these activities:

Write a Game Design Document

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Enhance understanding of game design principles by developing a comprehensive design document that outlines the game's mechanics, features, and vision.

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Outline the game's concept and goals.
Define the game's mechanics and rules.
Describe the game's environment, characters, and story.
Create a mock-up or prototype of the game's interface.
Share your game design document with others for feedback.

Create a Small Game

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Reinforce game mechanics and development principles through the creation of a simple functional game.

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Brainstorm ideas and select a concept for your game.
Design the game mechanics and rules.
Create the game assets and environment.
Implement the game logic and programming.
Test and refine your game.

Design a Game Level

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Apply game design principles to create a challenging and engaging game level.

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Playtest the level and gather feedback.
Iterate and refine the level based on feedback.
Define the level's objectives and goals.
Design the level layout and obstacles.
Implement the level's mechanics and puzzles.

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Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Game Design: Game Systems and Balance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for the conceptualization and development of video games. From the initial idea to the final product, they are involved in every aspect of the design process, including creating game mechanics, levels, characters, and stories. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of game design, covering topics such as game mechanics, rule creation, and game balance. It can provide Game Designers with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Level Designer

Level Designers are responsible for creating the physical spaces in which video games take place. They design the layout, obstacles, and challenges that players must overcome. This course offers a foundation in game mechanics and level design principles that can be applied to creating engaging and challenging levels for video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Game Programmer

Game Programmers are responsible for turning game designs into playable code. They work closely with Game Designers to implement the game's mechanics, physics, and artificial intelligence. This course offers an introduction to game programming concepts and techniques that can help Game Programmers build a solid foundation in game development.

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Game Producer

Game Producers are responsible for overseeing the development and production of video games. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams of developers. This course offers an overview of game production processes and methodologies that can help Game Producers succeed in the field.

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Game Analyst

Game Analysts are responsible for analyzing game data and providing insights to improve game design and development. They use their knowledge of game mechanics and player behavior to identify areas for improvement. This course offers an introduction to game analysis techniques and tools that can help Game Analysts succeed in the field.

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Game Tester

Game Testers are responsible for playing video games to identify bugs and other issues. They provide feedback to developers to help improve the game's quality. This course offers an introduction to game testing principles and techniques that can help Game Testers succeed in the field.

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Game Writer

Game Writers are responsible for creating the stories, dialogue, and characters for video games. They work closely with Game Designers to develop the game's narrative and ensure that it is engaging and entertaining. This course offers an introduction to game writing techniques and principles that can help Game Writers succeed in the field.

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Game Artist

Game Artists are responsible for creating the visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and props. They work closely with Game Designers to bring the game's world to life. This course offers an introduction to game art principles and techniques that can help Game Artists succeed in the field.

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