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Brian Winn
In the game design and development capstone course, you will create an original game from initial concept up to the first playable version! Along the way, you will have the opportunity to put your game ideas in front of your peers. The capstone experience gives you the opportunity to push your skills further and demonstrate your newfound skills as a game developer. The capstone also contains guest talks from game industry professionals at Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Gearbox Entertainment, Iron Galaxy, Deep Silver Volition, Goodgame Studios, Stardock, GREE, Heart Shaped Games, and more.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Milestone 1: Your Game Idea
Welcome to the Game Design and Development Capstone. In this module I will give you a little bit of a sense of what to expect over the coming weeks. I am going to be honest with you though, this is going to be a fair amount of work. As you have learned, making games takes time and effort. And the goal of the Capstone is to prove that you have the knowledge, skills, and attitude to make games. So, get ready to flex those game design and development muscles that you have developed across the specialization. The first thing you need to do is come up with a game idea and then flesh it out into a high concept and pitch.
Read more
Syllabus
Milestone 1: Your Game Idea
Welcome to the Game Design and Development Capstone. In this module I will give you a little bit of a sense of what to expect over the coming weeks. I am going to be honest with you though, this is going to be a fair amount of work. As you have learned, making games takes time and effort. And the goal of the Capstone is to prove that you have the knowledge, skills, and attitude to make games. So, get ready to flex those game design and development muscles that you have developed across the specialization. The first thing you need to do is come up with a game idea and then flesh it out into a high concept and pitch.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills for game design and game development in a capstone project
Suitable for learners with some experience in game design and development, as work must be original
Taught by Brian Winn, an instructor with experience in game design and development, who is well-respected in the industry
Focuses on creating a playable prototype of a game, which helps learners acquire hands-on experience
Includes guest talks from industry professionals at top game companies, providing learners with insights into the field
Requires learners to demonstrate their design blueprint and early progress, providing opportunities for feedback and improvement
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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Intensive game creation capstone
According to students, this is an intensive capstone project that serves as a crucial culmination for aspiring game developers. Many found the opportunity to create an original game from concept to first playable to be the most rewarding aspect, directly applying skills learned in previous courses. The course is widely praised for its practical, hands-on approach, particularly the use of Unity for prototyping and development. While acknowledged as demanding and requiring significant self-discipline, the sense of accomplishment and the ability to build a portfolio-ready project were frequently highlighted. Some learners noted the guest talks from industry professionals provided valuable real-world context and career advice. It is a highly beneficial experience for those ready to commit to a substantial individual game development endeavor.
Quality of peer reviews can be inconsistent.
"Some peer reviews were incredibly insightful and helped me improve my game significantly."
"While the peer review idea is good, the quality of feedback I received was often mixed and sometimes unhelpful."
"I learned a lot from reviewing other projects, but getting useful feedback on my own was sometimes a hit or miss."
Valuable perspectives from game industry professionals.
"The guest lectures were a fantastic bonus, offering a glimpse into the real game industry and career paths."
"I found the advice from professionals at Riot Games and Blizzard incredibly inspiring and practical."
"It was great to hear directly from people working in the field; it helped validate my career aspirations."
Develops a tangible asset for a professional portfolio.
"Completing a first playable game means I now have something concrete to show potential employers."
"This course helped me create a strong portfolio piece that I'm proud to share."
"The best part is walking away with a fully functional game prototype for my resume."
Hands-on application to create a playable game.
"The hands-on experience of building my own game from scratch was invaluable. It truly solidified everything I had learned."
"I loved the freedom to develop my own game idea; it pushed me to apply design and coding concepts in a real project."
"This capstone was exactly what I needed to bridge theory with actual game development practice."
Requires significant time, effort, and prior knowledge.
"Be prepared for a significant time commitment; this course is no joke and requires serious dedication."
"I struggled with the amount of work expected, especially if you don't come in with a strong foundation in Unity."
"This course assumes you already know game development principles; it's about applying them, not learning from scratch."
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 Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project with these
activities:
Explore Gamasutra's Design Post-Mortems
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the challenges and triumphs of real-world game design through the post-mortems of industry professionals.
Show steps
-
Visit the Gamasutra website and browse their Design Post-Mortems section.
-
Choose a post-mortem of a game that interests you.
-
Read the post-mortem carefully, taking notes on the challenges faced and solutions implemented.
-
Reflect on the lessons learned and how they apply to your own game development journey.
Read 'Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses' by Jesse Schell
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of game design principles and methodologies through the lens of various perspectives.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Acquire a copy of 'Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses.'
-
Allocate dedicated time for reading and reflection.
-
Take notes and engage with the content actively.
-
Apply the concepts to your own game design projects.
Organize Your Course Materials
Show steps
Improve your organization and study efficiency by compiling and reviewing your course materials regularly.
Show steps
-
Gather all your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
-
Review and organize the materials chronologically.
-
Highlight key concepts and make personal annotations.
-
Create summaries or mind maps to connect different topics.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Design Mini-Games and Puzzles
Show steps
Sharpen your design skills by creating a series of mini-games and puzzles that showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm different game mechanics and puzzle types.
-
Design and prototype several mini-games or puzzles.
-
Test your designs and iterate based on feedback.
-
Document your design process and lessons learned.
Participate in Peer Feedback Sessions
Show steps
Enhance your game design by seeking feedback from peers and offering constructive criticism to others.
Show steps
-
Organize or join a peer feedback group.
-
Present your game idea or prototype for feedback.
-
Listen actively to feedback and take notes.
-
Provide constructive feedback to other peers.
Design a Game Document
Show steps
Showcase your game design skills by creating a comprehensive document outlining your game's concept, mechanics, and target audience.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm your game idea and create a high-level concept.
-
Define the core gameplay mechanics and how they interact.
-
Identify your target audience and their expectations.
-
Write a clear and concise game document that outlines your design vision.
Attend Game Design Workshops
Show steps
Accelerate your game design skills by attending workshops led by industry experts and learning from their experiences.
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant game design workshops.
-
Register and attend the chosen workshops.
-
Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
-
Connect with fellow game designers and professionals.
Contribute to Open Source Game Projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience and showcase your skills by collaborating on open source game development projects.
Show steps
-
Identify open source game projects that align with your interests.
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
-
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
-
Submit your contributions and collaborate with the project team.
Explore Gamasutra's Design Post-Mortems
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the challenges and triumphs of real-world game design through the post-mortems of industry professionals.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Gamasutra website and browse their Design Post-Mortems section.
- Choose a post-mortem of a game that interests you.
- Read the post-mortem carefully, taking notes on the challenges faced and solutions implemented.
- Reflect on the lessons learned and how they apply to your own game development journey.
Read 'Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses' by Jesse Schell
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of game design principles and methodologies through the lens of various perspectives.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire a copy of 'Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses.'
- Allocate dedicated time for reading and reflection.
- Take notes and engage with the content actively.
- Apply the concepts to your own game design projects.
Organize Your Course Materials
Show steps
Improve your organization and study efficiency by compiling and reviewing your course materials regularly.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Review and organize the materials chronologically.
- Highlight key concepts and make personal annotations.
- Create summaries or mind maps to connect different topics.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Design Mini-Games and Puzzles
Show steps
Sharpen your design skills by creating a series of mini-games and puzzles that showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm different game mechanics and puzzle types.
- Design and prototype several mini-games or puzzles.
- Test your designs and iterate based on feedback.
- Document your design process and lessons learned.
Participate in Peer Feedback Sessions
Show steps
Enhance your game design by seeking feedback from peers and offering constructive criticism to others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize or join a peer feedback group.
- Present your game idea or prototype for feedback.
- Listen actively to feedback and take notes.
- Provide constructive feedback to other peers.
Design a Game Document
Show steps
Showcase your game design skills by creating a comprehensive document outlining your game's concept, mechanics, and target audience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm your game idea and create a high-level concept.
- Define the core gameplay mechanics and how they interact.
- Identify your target audience and their expectations.
- Write a clear and concise game document that outlines your design vision.
Attend Game Design Workshops
Show steps
Accelerate your game design skills by attending workshops led by industry experts and learning from their experiences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant game design workshops.
- Register and attend the chosen workshops.
- Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
- Connect with fellow game designers and professionals.
Contribute to Open Source Game Projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience and showcase your skills by collaborating on open source game development projects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open source game projects that align with your interests.
- Review the project's documentation and codebase.
- Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
- Submit your contributions and collaborate with the project team.
Career center
Learners who complete Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Game Designer
Game Designer
A Game Designer designs and develops board, card, and electronic games. Game Designers who have studied Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project may have a leg up on the competition as they could have experience creating an original game from the initial concept to the first playable version. Understanding how to find the fun in a game could be a highly valuable skill for a Game Designer to have. Gaining exposure to guest talks from game industry professionals at Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, and more could also help someone on their path to becoming a professional Game Designer.
Game Developer
Game Developer
Game Developers use their technology skills to bring the vision of Game Designers to life. By taking Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project, Game Developers can gain insight into how to bring an original game from initial concept to the first playable version. The opportunity to flex skills learned across a specialization could be attractive to potential employers. The added value of having the opportunity to workshop ideas in front of peers may not be apparent to those who haven't been through a similar experience.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers write and maintain the code that makes software run. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project may be of particular interest to Software Developers as they could gain experience using Unity to build the first playable version of a game. This game development background could set them apart from those without the experience.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals and other instructional materials that help people use complex products and systems. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project may be of some use to Technical Writers in creating training materials for video game software and hardware. Learning how to document design clearly with Design Blueprints could be a valuable skill for a Technical Writer.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software to identify bugs and ensure it meets requirements. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project may be of some value to Quality Assurance Analysts as they will gain experience playtesting and iterating on a game to find the fun. This experience will allow them to spot bugs and identify issues that may not be obvious to other testers.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project exposes learners to game design and development from initial concept to first playable version, so Project Managers could learn how to plan and execute a project to achieve a specific goal.
User Interface Designer
User Interface Designer
User Interface Designers design the user interfaces for products and services. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project may interest User Interface Designers as they learn how to make a game fun through playtesting and iteration. Playtesting could also help User Interface Designers understand how users interact with interfaces and how to design interfaces that are both user-friendly and efficient.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers design, develop, and maintain sound systems for a variety of purposes, including music, film, and video games. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project could be of interest to Audio Engineers as they would be able to learn about the process of game development and how to create sound effects and music that are appropriate for a particular game.
Game Producer
Game Producer
Game Producers oversee the development and production of video games. Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project is an excellent option for aspiring Game Producers as it covers the entire game development process from beginning to end, including aspects such as project management, budgeting and scheduling. Students who take this course will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as Game Producers.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
Software Architect
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems, ensuring that they are scalable, reliable, and efficient.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the overall strategy, development, and marketing of a product.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to help businesses make informed decisions.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts study and evaluate business processes, design new systems, and implement and maintain existing systems.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zm5u5q/game
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project.
Save
Collection of essays on game design by some of the most influential figures in the industry. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art and science of game design.
Save
Provides a practical, hands-on approach to game design, with a focus on the creative process. It covers all aspects of game design, from concept to completion, and valuable resource for both beginners and experienced game designers.
Provides a unique perspective on game design, with a focus on the art of creating fun and engaging games. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced game designers.
Save
Provides a philosophical and theoretical overview of game design, with a focus on the principles that underlie all good games. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced game designers.
Save
Provides a practical, step-by-step guide to game design, with a focus on creating fun and engaging games. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced game designers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the game development business, with a focus on how to succeed in the industry. It covers all aspects of the business, from funding and marketing to distribution and sales.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game design theory, with a focus on the different approaches to game design. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced game designers.
Provides a detailed overview of the architecture of game engines. It covers all aspects of game engine design, from the core engine to the graphics pipeline.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zm5u5q/game
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Effort
4 weeks, ~4 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
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Institution
Michigan State University
Instructor
Brian Winn
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Game Design and Development with Unity. It's comprised of five courses:
- Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter
- Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project (viewing)
- Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter
- Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer
- Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer
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