Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/game-design-and-development-2

Introduction

# Course Review: Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer on Coursera If you're passionate about games and are eager to dive deeper into the world of game development, then the "Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer" course on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course, designed as a follow-up to foundational game development principles, provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced concepts in game design while leveraging industry-standard tools like the Unity game engine. ## Course Overview **Name:** Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer **Institution:** Michigan State University **Duration:** Approximately 14 hours **Level:** Intermediate The course emphasizes not just the technical skills required to create a game but also the creative aspects of design, such as storytelling, user experience, and understanding the game world. By the end of the course, participants will have created their very own 2D platformer, making it a tangible achievement to showcase their skills. ## Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Your Second Step into Game Design and Development** The introductory module sets the stage by introducing the Design, Play, Experience Framework, which serves as the backbone of your learning journey. Here, learners will engage in practical projects and get hands-on experience in creating a 2D platformer, guided by structured tutorial videos. This blend of theory and practice encourages participants to modify and personalize their creations, fostering creativity. 2. **Game Worlds and Storytelling in Games** This module delves into the intricacies of crafting game worlds and storytelling. It distinguishes between the designer's story (the narrative elements intentionally woven through the game) and the player’s story (the unique experiences shaped by player interactions). The exploration of environmental, emotional, and ethical dimensions of game worlds broadens your understanding, encouraging you to think critically about the narratives you create. 3. **Gameplay and User Experience** Building upon the foundational concepts, this module introduces gameplay elements and user experience. You will learn to dissect gameplay mechanics and dynamics, understanding how player choices impact their gaming experience. The user experience focus offers insight into how players interact with the game interface, emphasizing the importance of intuitive control systems that enhance engagement and enjoyment. 4. **Game Technology and Finishing Up** The final module centers around the technological aspects of game development. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the game development tools at your disposal is crucial for effective design. Here, you'll finalize your 2D platformer project and engage in peer reviews, providing you with valuable feedback opportunities to improve your game design skills. ## Recommendations Prospective students should consider the following before enrolling: - **Prerequisites:** It is advisable to have completed an introductory level game development course, as prior knowledge will greatly enhance your learning experience in this intermediate-level course. - **Time Commitment:** Although the course is designed to be completed at your own pace, be prepared to invest a significant number of hours in both the instructional content and the practical projects. - **Hands-On Approach:** This course favors a practical approach, so be ready to engage with Unity and other game development tools extensively. ## Conclusion I highly recommend "Game Design and Development 2: 2D Platformer" for anyone looking to build upon their existing game development knowledge. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical concepts and practical application, this course not only equips you with the skills to create a 2D platformer but also prepares you for future projects in the game design field. The combination of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and user experience insights offers a well-rounded education that can be applied to a variety of gaming genres. Whether you're aspiring to be a professional game designer, working on personal projects, or simply seeking to enhance your hobby, this course is a solid investment in your game development journey. Enroll today on Coursera and take your first steps toward bringing your game ideas to life!

Syllabus

Your Second Step into Game Design and Development

Are you ready to take the next step in your journey into game design and development? In this module, we will introduce the theory and practice of this course. From a theoretical perspective, we will be using the Design, Play, Experience Framework across this course as a vehicle to discuss game design. From a practical standpoint, you will be creating your second game project in the course, a 2D Platformer. In the first part of the assignment, follow along with the tutorial videos introduced in this module. In the second part of the project, you will modify the game to make it your own.

In this module, we will explore two important parts of the design, the game world and storytelling. The game world, simply put, is the world where the game takes place. At its simplest level, it is defined by space and time. But we will explore the game world across the physical, temporal, environmental, emotional, and ethical dimensions. In addition to the game world, we will also explore storytelling in games. There are two perspectives on storytelling in games, the “designer’s story” and the “player’s story”. The designer’s story is the storytelling that is designed into the game. The designer’s story can be used to set the stage, provide purpose and engagement, and convey content, among other things. The setting, character design, and narrative are the designers primary design tools. The storytelling that occurs during play combines the designer’s story with the interactions and choices the player makes. The resulting experience crafts the player’s story.

In this module, we will explore the next two layers of the Design, Play, Experience Framework, including gameplay and user experience. The gameplay layer defines what the player does in the game. That is, what choices the player can make in the game world and what ramifications those choices will have on the rest of the game. The gameplay layer is broken down into mechanics, dynamics, and affects. The mechanics are the rules that define the operation of the game world, what the player can do, the challenges the player will face, and the player’s goals. The dynamics are the resulting behavior when the rules are instantiated over time with the influence of the player’s interactions. The resulting experiences, or emotions derived in the player, are the affects. While the user experience layer is represented as the “deepest” layer in the framework, it is actually the most visible (or surface) layer from the perspective of the player where it is manifested through the user interface. The interface encompasses everything the user sees, hears, and interacts with and how that interaction happens (i.e., the control system.)

Everything in the Design, Play, Experience Framework is “grounded” on the technology that you are building the game upon. Overall, the capabilities and limitations of the technology and the resources required to implement the technology may greatly influence the design and should be considered throughout the design process. In this module, you will also finish up the 2D Platformer project, submit it for peer review, and peer review your fellow learners games. Finish the course strong!