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World Design for Video Games

Théotime Vaillant

Start creating your world. A game world is not just a backdrop for your game—be it minimal or detailed, contained or part of a much bigger universe, it provides the context for your player. Ultimately, a game world should feel alive and wholly unique to any player who will experience it.

In this course, we will explore game worlds in existing games and study the art and influences that inform their themes and styles. We will also investigate key components of environment and level design as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay or advance it. We’ll also look at navigation and the elements that make your world as real (or unreal) as you want it to be. A weekly challenge will prompt you to explore styles and inspirations for possible game worlds, and you’ll learn effective ways to communicate your ideas from concepts to presentation-worthy proofs of concept.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to World Design

During this first week, we'll start with a brief overview of game worlds and game design. We’ll also examine environments and larger world-based concepts to see how games incorporate a macro-level view of how they progress. At the end of the week, a short assignment prompts you to examine, analyze and comment on games that marked or interested you in terms of their environment design.

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Introduces core game design concepts and terminology, which is standard in industry game design

Helps learners create game worlds by exploring existing game environments and concepts and developing their own game world ideas

Provides a comprehensive overview of game world design, including both macro and micro aspects, giving learners a foundation in the topic

Emphasizes the importance of mood and atmosphere in game world design, helping learners convey specific emotions and experiences through their game environments

Instructed by Théotime Vaillant, a recognized game designer and founder of freelance game studio ThisOne31

May require learners to have some prior knowledge of game design principles and concepts

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Reviews summary

Conceptual game world design

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation focused on the conceptual and artistic aspects of designing worlds for video games. Learners appreciate the emphasis on research and inspiration, finding the creative assignments particularly helpful for applying theoretical knowledge. While many find it a great starting point and inspiring, some note it is less technical or practical regarding software or implementation details, making it better suited for those interested in the art and theory behind world building rather than hands-on technical execution.

Focuses on theory, not technical software skills.

"Those looking for technical training in specific software like Unreal or Unity will need to look elsewhere."

"It's more focused on the 'design' aspect rather than the 'implementation' aspect."

"Wish there were more examples of how these concepts translate into actual game engines."

"Don't expect detailed tutorials on creating assets or level layouts in software."

"Primarily theoretical, with the assignments focusing on conceptual presentation rather than technical execution."

Content and instructor are highly inspiring.

"The instructor is fantastic and clearly passionate about the subject, which is infectious."

"Learned so much about where to draw inspiration from for my own projects."

"Lectures were engaging and full of interesting examples from existing games and art."

"Left me feeling motivated to explore my own ideas for game worlds."

"Very inspiring course that opened my eyes to the depth of world design."

Provides a solid starting point for world design.

"This course is a really good introduction for anyone interested in the theory of game world design."

"I feel like I have a much better grasp of the principles after taking this course."

"Great if you are new to the artistic side of game development and need a starting point."

"It lays down the fundamental concepts needed to think about game environments."

"A concise overview that gives you the basics of what goes into designing a world."

Creative assignments help apply concepts effectively.

"The weekly challenges were excellent, pushing me to explore ideas and present them visually."

"The assignments felt very practical for understanding the concepts taught in the lectures."

"Building on the visual research to create volumetric models was a highlight."

"The assignments really helped solidify my understanding of the material through hands-on creation."

"I appreciated the structure of the assignments, moving from concept to more detailed proofs."

Emphasis on ideas, research, and artistic principles.

"This course really focuses on the conceptual side of world design, which I found very inspiring."

"I enjoyed delving into the artistic influences and research methods for building unique game worlds."

"The lectures explore game worlds from an artistic and thematic perspective, which is what I was looking for."

"It’s less about technical software skills and more about the creative process and theory behind world building."

"A great course if you want to understand the 'why' and 'how' behind world art direction."

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 World Design for Video Games with these activities:

Find a mentor in the game industry

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Connect with experienced game developers who can provide guidance and support in your career

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Attend game development conferences and meetups
Reach out to game developers on social media or online forums
Ask for introductions to potential mentors from colleagues or friends

Review essential concepts

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Refresh your memory on the core ideas of game design, level design, and environment design to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Skim the introduction of a game design textbook
Watch a video tutorial on the basics of level design
Play a video game and analyze the environment design

Attend a game development conference

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Connect with other game developers, learn about the latest trends, and gain valuable insights.

Browse courses on Networking

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Find a game development conference in your area
Attend talks and workshops
Network with other attendees

Five other activities

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Experiment with game development tools

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Get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in game development.

Browse courses on Unity

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Choose a game development engine (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
Follow a tutorial to create a simple game
Experiment with different game mechanics and features

Analyze game worlds

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Develop a critical eye for game world design by analyzing existing games.

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Play a variety of games
Take notes on the environment design, level design, and gameplay
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each game

Design a game world concept

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Create a detailed concept for a game world, including its environment, characters, and gameplay.

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Brainstorm ideas for a game world
Sketch out a map of the game world
Create character profiles for the main characters
Write a brief description of the game's story and gameplay

Mentor junior game developers

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Share your knowledge and experience with aspiring game developers and help them grow

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Find a junior game developer to mentor
Provide guidance and support on game design, level design, and other aspects of game development
Help your mentee develop their skills and build their portfolio

Build a portfolio of your game design work

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Showcase your skills and creativity by creating a portfolio of your game design work.

Browse courses on Portfolio Development

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Gather your best game design projects
Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work
Get feedback on your portfolio from other game developers or professionals

Career center

Learners who complete World Design for Video Games will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environment Artist

The principles of environment and level design that are covered in World Design for Video Games are vital to the work of an environment artist. This course may be useful for prospective environment artists seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Artist

Game Writer

Game writers help to create the story and world of a game. World Design for Video Games covers key components of environment and level design, as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay and advance it. This may be useful for aspiring game writers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Narrative Designer

Narrative designers help to create the story and world of a game. World Design for Video Games covers key components of environment and level design, as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay and advance it. This may be useful for aspiring narrative designers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Narrative Designer

Level Designer

World Design for Video Games covers key components of level design and the strategies used by designers to define gameplay and advance it. This course may be useful for aspiring level designers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Game Designer

In World Design for Video Games, learners will explore game environments and level design, as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay or advance it. This course may be helpful for aspiring game designers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Animator

Animators create the animations used in games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring animators seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Audio Designer

Audio designers create the sound effects and music used in games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring audio designers seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Designer

Producer

Producers manage the development of games. World Design for Video Games covers key components of environment and level design, as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay and advance it. This course may be useful for aspiring producers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Producer

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers promote and sell games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring marketing managers seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

Public relations managers handle the public relations for games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring public relations managers seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Community Manager

Community managers manage the online communities for games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring community managers seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Manager

Game Artist

World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring game artists seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Concept Artist

World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring concept artists seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Game Programmer

Game programmers work on the technical aspects of game development. World Design for Video Games covers key components of environment and level design, as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay and advance it. This course may be useful for aspiring game programmers looking to build a foundation in world design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Technical Artist

Technical artists help to create the art and assets used in games. World Design for Video Games explores the art and influences that inform the themes and styles of game worlds. This course may be useful for aspiring technical artists seeking to learn more about the conceptualization and creation of game worlds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Reading list

We've selected 25 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 World Design for Video Games.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future...

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Provides a practical guide to level design, covering the essential principles and techniques used in the field. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike, offering step-by-step instructions and case studies from real-world game projects.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future...

Audio CD

$$$

A Playful Production Process

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Provides a comprehensive overview of level design, covering the fundamental concepts, theories, and practices used in the industry. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art and science of level design.

A Playful Production Process: For Game Designers...

Hardcover

A Playful Production Process: For Game Designers...

Kindle Edition

The Art of Game Design

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Discusses the elements that make up a game, such as the player's goals, the game's mechanics, and the game's environment. It also provides insights into the design process, and it can be used as a reference for game designers at any level.

World Design for Video Games

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Conceptual game world design

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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