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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qz5m6r/world
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Do Your Research
Where do you start when designing a world? Where should you begin to look for sparking that creative impulse? This week we will be exploring ideas and presentation techniques for a game’s environment and world design. I encourage you to draw inspiration from other art practices, artists, video games or even your everyday surroundings. The assignment at the end of the week challenges you to present a proposal for a possible world through concept artwork for peer evaluation.
The Way You Move
How do you move in a video game world? This week we’ll discuss fundamental components and concepts in world and level design. Naturally, these evolve as the gameplay progresses but there are specific strategies you can use to create the finer details in a game environment. At the end of the week, you are challenged to take the previous week’s visual research exercise and expand upon it, giving it shape and volume.
A Whole World
Bring your game world to life. In this final week, we’ll be putting down what will eventually define the look, ambience and atmosphere of your world, learning specifically how to convey a mood for a unique and engaging game environment. Go back to your assignment from Week 2 to pull from your inspirations and models. Build on your volumetric model from Week 3 and add details. Define the light, the color palette and the overall visual context of your game space.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
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
Save this course
Save World Design for Video Games to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
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Reviews summary
Engaging world design course
Learners say that World Design for Video Games is a largely positive and engaging course that provides a solid foundation in world design. They appreciate the practical assignments and helpful visual materials, as well as the instructor's enthusiasm for the subject. Some learners found the course to be basic, but overall, they recommend it for anyone interested in learning about world design for video games.
Learners appreciate the instructor's enthusiasm for the subject.
"This course is obliged from every person who wants to follow the career in gaming industry"
"Amazing content and a passionate teacher who you can tell genuinely enjoys video games"
"This course really helped me a lot in my future."
Learners say the course provides a solid foundation in world design concepts.
"It was a great an interesting course."
"They're just observations of what's already out there, the same kind of observations you could get from any video game fan."
"I began to investigate more about World Design outside because I felt I learned very little from here."
Students enjoy the practical assignments that guide them through the world-building process.
"I enjoyed the assignments."
"Assignments were great!"
"More ground to cover and harder assignments but all the more learning bc of that :)"
Some learners found the instructor's accent to be distracting.
"Be advised: the instructor has a thick accent that makes it hard to understand him at times."
"The lessons were pretty well designed and the material was sufficient, but (not meant to be rude) it was a bit distracting when the tutor pronounced and accented the words a bit weirdly."
"I suggest he gets some help with presentation because he has the potential to be a great teacher."
Some learners found the instructor's presentation to be scattered and difficult to follow.
"Not a very good course, unfortunately."
"I am docking it a star due to Théotime's presentation."
"it is not always clear where one idea finishes and the next one starts, often making it difficult to comprehend what he is trying to say."
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
Show steps
Connect with experienced game developers who can provide guidance and support in your career
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Connect with other game developers, learn about the latest trends, and gain valuable insights.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Find a game development conference in your area
-
Attend talks and workshops
-
Network with other attendees
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Experiment with game development tools
Show steps
Get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in game development.
Browse courses on
Unity
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Develop a critical eye for game world design by analyzing existing games.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Create a detailed concept for a game world, including its environment, characters, and gameplay.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with aspiring game developers and help them grow
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Showcase your skills and creativity by creating a portfolio of your game design work.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
-
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
Find a mentor in the game industry
Show steps
Connect with experienced game developers who can provide guidance and support in your career
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Connect with other game developers, learn about the latest trends, and gain valuable insights.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a game development conference in your area
- Attend talks and workshops
- Network with other attendees
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Experiment with game development tools
Show steps
Get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in game development.
Browse courses on
Unity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Develop a critical eye for game world design by analyzing existing games.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Create a detailed concept for a game world, including its environment, characters, and gameplay.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with aspiring game developers and help them grow
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Showcase your skills and creativity by creating a portfolio of your game design work.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Game 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.
Game Writer
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.
Level 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.
Narrative Designer
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.
Game Programmer
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.
Animator
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Audio Designer
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.
Community 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.
Game Artist
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.
Concept 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.
Producer
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.
Public relations 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.
Technical Artist
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qz5m6r/world
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.
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.
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.
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.
Save
Provides a hands-on guide to game design, covering the essential concepts and techniques used in the field. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike, offering practical guidance and insights into how to create games that are both fun and engaging.
Provides a comprehensive overview of level design, covering topics such as level layout, encounter design, and storytelling. It valuable resource for game designers who want to create engaging and memorable levels.
Provides a hands-on introduction to game development, covering the essential concepts 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.
Comprehensive guide to game design, covering the essential principles and techniques used in the field. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike, offering practical guidance and insights into how to create games that are both fun and engaging.
Save
Collection of essays and articles from leading game designers and researchers, exploring the cultural, social, and political implications of games. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the broader context of game design and its impact on society.
Provides a technical and in-depth exploration of game architecture and design, covering topics such as data structures, algorithms, and optimization techniques. It valuable resource for students and professionals with a strong technical background who want to understand the underlying principles of game development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game development and production, covering the essential concepts and techniques used in the field. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike, offering practical guidance and insights into how to create games that are both successful and enjoyable.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game design theory and practice, covering the essential concepts and techniques used in the field. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike, offering practical guidance and insights into how to create games that are both successful and enjoyable.
Explores the concept of game feel, which is the way that a game feels to play. It provides insights into how game designers can create games that are satisfying and engaging.
Collection of essays by leading game designers, covering a wide range of topics related to game design. It valuable resource for game designers who want to learn from the experiences of others.
Save
Provides a practical guide to game design, covering topics such as game mechanics, level design, and storytelling. It valuable resource for game designers of all levels who want to create better games.
This deck of cards provides a quick and easy way to learn about the different elements of game design. It valuable resource for both game designers and players who want to gain a deeper understanding of how games are made.
Save
Provides a hands-on approach to game design, guiding readers through the process of creating their own games. It valuable resource for aspiring game designers who want to learn the basics of game design.
Explores the art and design of game worlds, examining how game designers can create believable and immersive environments for players to explore. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art of world-building in games.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to video game design, covering everything from game mechanics to level design to storytelling. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art and science of game design.
Save
Explores the cultural impact of video games, and it discusses the ways that video games can be used to tell stories, teach lessons, and connect people.
Collection of essays by leading game scholars, covering a wide range of topics related to video game theory. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the academic study of video games.
Save
Explores the concept of game feel, examining how game designers can use sensory input to create immersive and engaging experiences for players. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art and science of game feel.
Save
Explores the psychological principles that underlie game design, examining how game designers can use these principles to create games that are both fun and engaging. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the psychology of game design.
Save
Explores the human-centered design of virtual reality experiences, examining how designers can create VR experiences that are both immersive and user-friendly. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the art and science of VR design.
Save
Explores the future of video games, covering topics such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and cloud gaming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in video game technology.
Save
Explores the concept of the metaverse, examining the potential impact of this new technology on our lives and society. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the metaverse and its implications for the future.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qz5m6r/world
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
California Institute of the Arts
Instructor
Théotime Vaillant
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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中文
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Game Design: Art and Concepts. It's comprised of five courses:
- Character Design for Video Games
- Introduction to Game Design
- Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
- World Design for Video Games (viewing)
- Game Design Document: Define the Art & Concepts
Good to know
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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