About this course: Welcome! This course is an introduction to the primary concepts of gaming, and an exploration of how these basic concepts affect the way gamers interact with our games. In this course you will understand what defines a “game” and the mechanics and rules behind different types of games. Through four linked assignments you'll learn ways to create and describe a game concept, and specifically what makes a compelling game. This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings of games, and all assignments can be completed with a pencil and paper – no previous programming knowledge is required.
Created by: California Institute of the Arts
Taught by: Fran Krause, Faculty, Character Animation
School of Film/Video
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 5 in the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 4 weeks, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Chinese (Simplified) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Week 1: The Simplest Games
This week we start at the beginning: what are the principles of very simple games, like Hangman and tic-tac-toe? How do these games work? Why do people play them? What are the elements that define games and the gaming experience? And finally, what do games have in common with each other, and what sets them apart? In addition to covering the basics and ground rules for this course, we'll conclude this week with a very simple, low-tech assignment: create a game on a single sheet of paper.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Welcome!
- Reading: About this Course
- Video: Elements of Gaming
- Video: The Game Design Document
- Video: Feedback
- Video: Making a Simple Game and Brainstorming
- Video: Week 1 Homework
Graded: Make a Simple Paper-Based Game
WEEK 2
Week 2: Rules and Discovery
How does a player learn the mechanics of your game? How do they learn anything about your game? This week we will talk about the rules that define gameplay, and how those rules are communicated to your players. We also discuss the way rules are bent and broken by players.
6 videos
- Video: Introduction to Rules
- Video: Balance
- Video: What are rules?
- Video: Breaking the Rules
- Video: Learning the Rules
- Video: Week 2 Homework
Graded: Refining the Rules on Your Paper-Based Game
WEEK 3
Week 3: Tell a Story
How does narrative drive a player to start playing your game? Or to finish it? This week we'll look at some of the ways you can make your game more compelling with story, and discuss some of the ways story can drive gameplay forward, or enable a player to make their own way through it.
9 videos
- Video: Introduction to Story
- Video: Story Purpose
- Video: Who's In Charge of Your Game Story?
- Video: Writer-Driven
- Video: Writer-Led
- Video: Player-Led
- Video: Roleplaying & Character Motivation
- Video: Explaining & Imagining
- Video: Week 3 Homework
Graded: Narrative Elements for Your Paper-based Game
WEEK 4
Week 4: The Friend and the Enemy
What purpose does an enemy serve in a game? What effect does a second player have on two-player games? Can a game work without an adversary or a final goal? We'll address all of those questions in this last week of the class, and work towards finalizing your board game project with characters.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Introduction to Characters
- Video: Characters in Gaming
- Video: Types of Characters
- Video: Multiplayer Rules and Balance
- Video: Bonus Interview: Adam Spragg, Designer of Hidden in Plain Sight
- Video: Week 4 Homework
- Reading: Course Credits
Graded: Multi-Player Paper-Based Game!
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
California Institute of the Arts
CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
I loved this class - though as my first exposure to critiquing it was a bit of a shock.
Great class!
Awesome
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I loved it. It is a very fun and entertaining way to introduce people to the world of video game design. It is fun but at the same time you learn a lot. Thank you very much.