Game Design and Development

Build a Game Using Unity 3D

Design and create your own game, and bring it to market, in five hands-on courses.

About This Specialization

Break into the video game industry with theoretical, technical, and business knowledge from one of the world’s best programs. This Specialization covers the theoretical and practical foundations of video game production using the Unity 3D game engine. The Specialization is taught by faculty at Michigan State University with over fifty years of combined experience building games and teaching game production. Michigan State University is one of the top-rated game design and development programs in North America. You’ll learn to develop a game concept; prototype, test, and iterate on your ideas; and navigate licensing, marketing, and other business considerations. The specialization builds a solid foundation for industry roles as a gameplay designer, level designer, technical designer, technical artist, programmer, or producer. The capstone partner for the specialization is the online game portal Kongregate, which provides an avenue for distribution of the capstone project, as well as a pathway for monetization for aspiring game developers.

Created by:

Industry Partners:

5 courses

Follow the suggested order or choose your own.

Projects

Designed to help you practice and apply the skills you learn.

Certificates

Highlight your new skills on your resume or LinkedIn.

Projects Overview

Learners will build four complete Unity3D game projects by applying knowledge and skills including: using the Unity3D editor to develop a game, understanding the game asset pipeline, designing effective game levels, C# programming, and building and deploying games. In the final Capstone Project, you’ll build an original market-ready game while interacting with a supportive community of designers and developers.

Courses

Intermediate Specialization.: Some related experience required.

COURSE 1
Introduction to Game Development
Upcoming session: Oct 30
Commitment
4 weeks, 2-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this course will start you down that path. Making games is a creative and technical art form. In this course you will familiarize yourself with the tools and practices of game development. You
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 2
Principles of Game Design
Upcoming session: Oct 30
Subtitles
English
About the Course
You have a great idea for a game. Turning that idea into a reality isn't just about knowing the tools. In this course you will practice moving from game concept through design documentation, prototyping and testing. Numerous elements go into the
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 3
Business of Games and Entrepreneurship
Upcoming session: Oct 23
Subtitles
English
About the Course
As well as a form of art and entertainment, games are about business. Whether you want to work at a game studio, start your own business or make games as a hobby, recognizing the dynamic landscape of the videogame industry is critical to finding your pla
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 4
Game Development for Modern Platforms
Upcoming session: Oct 23
Subtitles
English
About the Course
The device or "platform" that a game is developed for and played on has a massive impact on the game development process. In this hands-on course you will explore how to develop a game for a variety of modern platforms, including Web, Windows, Mac OS
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 5
Game Design and Development Capstone
Upcoming session: Dec 4
Subtitles
English
About the Capstone Project
In the game design and development capstone, you will create an original game from initial concept through implementation and then launch it to the world! Along the way, you will have the opportunity to put your game ideas in front of your peers and
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.

Creators

The Michigan State University Department of Media and Information offers an environment of engaged learning and scholarship in which we design, explore, and study the next frontiers of media and information technology, content, and applications.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Brian Winn
Associate Professor
Casey O'Donnell
Associate Professor

FAQs

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.