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Game Design and Development 5: Capstone Project
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 17 hours
  • Course by Michigan State University
  • Offered by

About

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.

Modules

Welcome!

    • 1 Videos
    • 3 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Course Overview

3 Readings

  • Capstone Overview
  • FAQ
  • Industry Guest Talks

Guest Talks: Game Design

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • "What is Success in Video Game Development" by Ziba Scott, Founder, Popcannibal
  • "Game Design Problem Solving Basics" by Scott Brodie, Founder and Lead Designer, Heart Shaped Games

High Concept and Pitch

    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • High Concept and Pitch

1 Discussions

  • High Concept Discussion

4 Readings

  • Getting Started
  • Brainstorm Game Ideas
  • Create the High Concept Document
  • Develop a Game Pitch Presentation

Early Prototype and Progress Report

    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Milestone 2 Checkpoint

1 Discussions

  • An Early Progress Report

2 Readings

  • Engage in Early Prototyping
  • Draft Design Blueprints

Guest Talks: Finding the Game

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • "Finding An Art Style for Your Small Game" by Marie Lazar, 3D Environment Artist, Goodgame Studios
  • Randy Pitchford, Founder, Gearbox Entertainment on "The Artist's Dilemma"

First Playable and Playtest

    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Milestone 3 Checkpoint

1 Discussions

  • First Playable Progress

2 Readings

  • Develop the First Playable Prototype
  • Game Dev Tutorials by Brackeys

Guest Talks: Implementing the Game

    • 3 Videos
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3 Videos

  • "How To Get Better at What You Do" by Declan McClintock, Programmer, GEL Lab at MSU
  • "Optimization in 3D Video Games" by Jon Moore, Graphics Engineer, Iron Galaxy Studios
  • "Game Production Overview" by Chris Bray, Studio Head and Senior Producer, Stardock

Finishing Up the First Playable Prototype

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • First Playable Playtest

1 Readings

  • Mac Users: Read this when doing peer review

Preparing to Ship

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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4 Videos

  • Preparing to Ship - Part 1: Introduction
  • Preparing to Ship - Part 2: Game Polish and Balance
  • Preparing to Ship - Part 3: Optimization and Analytics
  • Preparing to Ship - Part 4: Packaging and Distribution

1 Readings

  • When to Release Your Game?

Guest Talks: Career Journey and Advice

    • 12 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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12 Videos

  • Marie Lazar, 3D Environment Artist, Goodgame Studios
  • Eric Arnold, Studio Architect of Programming, Deep Silver Volition
  • Will Bonner, Associate Test Engineer, Riot Games
  • Jon Moore, Graphics Engineer, Iron Galaxy Studios
  • Matthew Vorce, Programmer, Pixo Group
  • Chris Bray, Studio Head and Senior Producer, Stardock
  • Greg Donovan, Senior Producer, Deep Silver Volition
  • Scott Brodie, Founder and Lead Designer, Heart Shaped Games
  • Jared Riley, Engineering Manager, GREE International
  • Charles Roman, Senior Software Engineer, Radiant Entertainment
  • Steven Messinger, Lead Open World Designer, Rockstar Games
  • Shane McCloskey, Senior Designer, Insomniac Games

1 Readings

  • Introduction to Career Journey and Advice Guest Talks

Future Directions

    • 3 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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3 Videos

  • Future Directions - Part 1: Introduction
  • Future Directions - Part 2: MSU Academic Programs and Courses
  • Future Directions - Part 3: Other Resources

2 Readings

  • Other Game-Related MSU Coursera Offerings
  • "How to Become a Game Design" by Mark Brown

Auto Summary

In this capstone course on Game Design and Development, you'll bring an original game concept to life, advancing from idea to playable version. Throughout the course, gain insights from industry professionals at top gaming companies like Riot Games and Blizzard Entertainment. Offered by Coursera, this 1020-minute professional-level course is ideal for aspiring game developers and is available with Starter and Professional subscription options.

Brian Winn
Instructor

Brian Winn