Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/game-design-and-development-1

Introduction

### Course Review: Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter on Coursera As someone with a keen interest in the gaming industry, I've always been fascinated by the intricate blend of creativity and technicality involved in game development. With the plethora of online courses available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Recently, I had the pleasure of completing the **Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter** course offered on Coursera, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience. #### Course Overview **Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter** is an introductory course designed for those who are passionate about games and eager to dive into the world of game creation. This course is not just about coding; it's about immersing yourself in the entire process of game development. Using the industry-standard **Unity 2020** game engine, you will learn how to build your first 2D shooter game while gaining a solid foundation in game design principles. The course structure is well-organized, leading you from understanding the tools and concepts to hands-on project completion. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a playable game and acquired essential skills for your game development journey. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **From Game Player to Game Developer** - This introductory module truly sets the stage by igniting your creative spirit. It emphasizes that anyone can make games, regardless of their coding background. You’ll get acquainted with the Unity game engine's interface and understand the overarching process of game development. 2. **Understanding Core Unity Concepts** - Here, you dive deeper into the Unity visual editor. Working on the Solar System project, you create a simple interactive model, enhancing your skills in using graphical and audio assets. This module is an excellent way to build confidence in navigating the Unity environment. 3. **Building Your First Game** - This module is undoubtedly the highlight, offering a step-by-step tutorial to create your first 2D shooter game. Not only do you follow along with tutorials, but you also get the opportunity to personalize your creation, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in your work. 4. **Coding Gameplay Systems and Finishing Up** - Yes, coding is an integral part of game development, but fear not! This module provides a gentle introduction to programming in C#. It demystifies code, breaking it down into understandable chunks. Additionally, you will submit your game for peer review, providing an invaluable opportunity for feedback and learning from your peers. #### Why You Should Enroll - **Hands-On Learning:** The practical approach to learning is one of the course’s strongest features. You aren’t just watching videos—you’re actively creating a game, which reinforces what you learn. - **Inclusive for All Skill Levels:** The course is crafted for individuals of varying skills. You do not need to be a seasoned programmer to thrive, as the course walks you through concepts step-by-step. - **Community Support:** Engaging in peer reviews fosters a sense of community, allowing you to connect with fellow aspiring game developers. You learn not only from your projects but also from reviewing the work of others. - **Industry-Standard Tools:** Learning Unity, a widely used game engine in the industry, equips you with skills that are relevant and sought after in the job market. #### Final Thoughts Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend the **Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter** course on Coursera for anyone interested in game design. It provides a fantastic balance of technical knowledge and creative exploration, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. Completing this course not only builds a strong foundation in game development but also gives you a rewarding sense of achievement as you bring your own game to life. Get ready to transform from a game player to a game developer — the adventure awaits!

Syllabus

From Game Player to Game Developer

The only thing more fun than playing games is making them. You can make games. All it takes is some time, a willingness to learn and a passion to create. You don't need to be a "coder" to make games. Part of the beauty of games is that they take a variety of skills to make. Art, creativity, and systems thinking are just as important as code. Join us in this journey into game making! This first module will provide you with an overview of this course and the entire specialization. The module will also introduce you to the game design and development process and get you up and running with Unity, the game engine we will use across this course.

One of the reasons we use Unity is its visual editor which makes creating interactive games accessible to both creative and technical individuals. In this module, you will continue working on the Solar System project and from start to finish. Using a variety of graphical and audio assets and a library of scripts, you will create a simple model of our solar system. By the end of the module, you should have a good understanding of the Unity editor, the core concepts of building projects in Unity, and the workflow for creating games.

Unity is a powerful tool for creating games. In this module, you will create your first actual game from start to finish in the form of a 2D Shooter game. This is your right of passage into game development! In the first part of the assignment, follow along with the tutorial videos in this module. In the second part of the project, you will modify the game to make it your own.

Now, don't get scared, but games need code. Code is the canvas upon which game systems are painted. However, that doesn't mean you need to be a C# ninja. In this module, you will start to learn the ins-and-outs of programming C# in Unity. In this module, you will also finish up the 2D Shooter project, submit it for peer review, and peer review your fellow learners games. Finish the course strong!