Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/game-design-and-development-4

Introduction

### Course Review: Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer If you're a passionate gamer looking to dive deeper into the world of game creation, Coursera's **Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer** is a fantastic opportunity to advance your skills and unleash your creativity. This course is designed for individuals who have previous experience in game design and are ready to tackle a hands-on project focused on building a 3D platformer. #### Course Overview The course serves as the fourth installment in the comprehensive Game Design and Development series, guiding you through the essential facets of developing a 3D platform game. You will gain insights into game design fundamentals, conceptualization, design documentation, and the industry's business considerations, all framed within the context of developing a playable game using Unity 2020. By the end of the course, participants will not only have a complete 3D platformer but also a rich understanding of the complexities involved in game creation. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Your Fourth Step into Game Design and Development** - The course begins with an engaging introduction that sets the stage for your project. It challenges you to not just follow along with tutorial videos but also encourages modification and personalization of your game, helping you develop a unique project that reflects your vision. 2. **Fleshing Out a Game Design** - This module emphasizes the contrast between having a game concept and actualizing it. Through the exploration of idea generation (or “flushing out”) and design documentation (or “fleshing out”), learners are equipped with the tools to structure their thoughts and transform abstract concepts into a detailed game plan. It deepens the understanding of how to iteratively develop your ideas into a cohesive design. 3. **Business and Society** - Understanding the commercial and societal impact of games is crucial for any aspiring game developer. This module examines the relationship between game design and its broader implications, urging designers to consider how their work might influence players and communities. You’ll explore critical questions about the social responsibilities of game developers, making this a vital segment for a well-rounded education. 4. **Expanding Your Knowledge, Soul Searching and Finishing Up** - The final module encourages reflection on your journey throughout the course. As you complete your 3D platformer project and engage in peer reviews, you participate in a collaborative learning environment. This segment not only reinforces your skills but also helps you think critically about your next steps in the realm of game design and development. #### Recommendation The **Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer** course is highly recommended for anyone interested in advancing their practical skills in game design. It’s an excellent fit for learners who have foundational knowledge in game design and wish to apply that to a concrete project. The structured modules, coupled with hands-on experiences and peer engagement, create an enriching environment that balances creativity with critical thinking. The course offers flexibility in terms of pacing, making it accessible for both full-time students and professionals looking to refine their skills. If you are passionate about game design and eager to take your understanding to the next level, enrolling in this course should definitely be your next move. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your game concepts to life!

Syllabus

Your Fourth 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 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.

Game making is about 10% inspiration and 90% execution. There's a significant difference between having an idea and beginning to turn that idea into something tangible. People often confuse the phrases "flushing out" and "fleshing out". Idea generation is about "flushing out" an idea. Design Documentation is focused on "fleshing out" your game idea or adding flesh to the skeleton of an idea to bring it to life. Idea generation (or ideation) and design documentation are the focus of this module.

This module is all about the impact of games on business and society. If you want to make a living at making games, it is important for you to understand the business side. And I encourage you, as an aspiring game developers, to ask questions about the social impact and context of your game. As a designer, it is important to think about the impact that your creativity could possibly have on the world.

In this last module, you will explore some additional resources, as well as do some soul searching on what your next step is related to game design and development. In this module, you will also finish up the 3D Platformer project, submit it for peer review, and peer review your fellow learners games. Finish the course strong!