Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/game-design-and-development-3

Introduction

### Course Review: Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter If you're passionate about games and eager to learn the intricate details of game development, the course **Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter** on Coursera is an excellent opportunity to further your skills. This course serves as the third installment in a series focused on developing a well-rounded understanding of game design principles, specifically in the realm of 3D shooter mechanics. #### Overview In this course, you will dive deep into the foundational elements of game design while utilizing industry-standard tools, namely Unity 2020. The course aims to equip you with the skills necessary to create engaging gameplay by focusing on key areas such as level design, game balancing, prototyping, and asset creation. By the end, you will have developed a complete 3D first-person shooter game, showcasing your newfound skills and creativity. #### Course Structure The course is divided into several thematic modules, each addressing essential game development topics: 1. **Your Third Step into Game Design and Development** - This module kicks off with an introduction to the course and sets the stage for your 3D shooter project. You'll follow tutorial videos guiding you through the initial stages of game creation, and then you have the freedom to personalize your project. 2. **Game Assets** - Understanding game assets is crucial for any game developer. This module delves into the various types of assets you'll use in Unity, from 3D graphics and animations to sound effects and music. You'll explore the asset pipeline and best practices for programming with C#, essential for creating smooth and engaging gameplay. 3. **Level Design and Game Balancing** - Level design is where your game comes to life. This module focuses on crafting immersive and compelling environments that blend gameplay mechanics, narrative, and aesthetics. You'll learn about setting experience goals, iterating designs based on playtesting feedback, and the delicate art of game balancing that ensures a fair and engaging player experience. 4. **Making Your Game Better** - Prototyping is highlighted as a critical skill for game designers. In this final module, you'll engage in playtesting to discover what works and what doesn’t in your game. The feedback from these sessions is invaluable for iterating on your design and enhancing player engagement. After polishing your 3D shooter project, you'll submit it for peer review, which is essential for gauging your work against that of your peers. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course covers a wide range of topics essential for a budding game developer. - **Hands-On Experience**: The practical project allows you to apply what you learn in real-time, making it easier to grasp complex concepts. - **Community Feedback**: Peer reviews offer valuable insights and constructive criticism, enriching your learning experience. **Cons:** - **Requires Previous Knowledge**: This is the third course in a series, so it's essential to have a foundational understanding of game design and development. - **Time Consuming**: The project-based nature of the course can be quite time-intensive if you aim for a polished final product. #### Final Thoughts Overall, **Game Design and Development 3: 3D Shooter** is a fantastic course for anyone looking to enhance their game development skills and knowledge, particularly in the realm of 3D shooters. The course structure is thoughtfully designed to build upon previous knowledge while encouraging creativity and innovation. Whether you're aspiring to become a professional game designer or just looking to explore a new hobby, this course is highly recommended. By the end, you'll not only have a portfolio piece to showcase but also a wealth of knowledge that will serve you well in future game design endeavors. Happy developing!

Syllabus

Your Third 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 course and kick off your third game project, a 3D Shooter. 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.

A big part of game development is developing the game assets. Game assets in Unity include the visuals (2D and 3D graphics, fonts, materials, animations), audio (sound effects, voice acting, ambient sounds, and music), and even the game logic (C# scripts), amongst other things. In this module, we will explore concepts and creation techniques of graphics, concepts and creation techniques of audio, the asset pipeline, and explore programming best practices.

In this module, we will explore level design and game balancing. Level design is where the ‘rubber meets the road’. The level design is where the gameplay, storyline, art, and technology all come together to create the actual game world the player experiences. We have discussed the idea of creating experience goals, designing, playtesting, comparing the difference between the experience goals and the actual experience, and then iterating on the design, several times. This is game balancing. It is what iterative design is all about.

Prototyping is one of the most critical skills a game designer can cultivate. The ability to "find the fun" in gameplay design is critical to being a successful designer. In this module we will discuss prototyping of a game. This can then be put in front of players during a playtest, allowing you to better understand if the underlying mechanics, systems and aesthetic are something that players may find engaging. As you work on your 3D Shooter project, you should be playtesting. In this module, you will also finish up the 3D Shooter project, submit it for peer review, and peer review your fellow learners games. Finish the course strong!