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    Video Games Courses Online

    Explore video game design and development. Learn about game mechanics, storytelling, and programming for creating engaging games.

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    Explore the Video Games Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      Generative AI for Educators & Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Creative Problem-Solving, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Game Design, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Education Software and Technology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Epic Games

      Visual Development and Audio Design in Games

      Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, 3D Modeling, Prototyping, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphics, Animations, Multimedia, Virtual Environment, Aesthetics

      3.7
      Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      23 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Irvine

      Learn English: Advanced Grammar and Punctuation

      Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Grammar, Peer Review, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, English Language, Language Competency, Language Learning, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.6K reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Financial Planning for Young Adults

      Skills you'll gain: Financial Planning, Investments, Budgeting, Risk Management, Goal Setting, Loans, Finance, Insurance, Credit Risk

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      Erasmus University Rotterdam

      Serious Gaming

      Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Persuasive Communication, Education and Training, Culture, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Research, Simulations, Psychology, Emerging Technologies, Social Sciences

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      369 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Bioinformatics

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University at Buffalo

      Electric Power Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Electrical Substation, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Equipment, Electrical Safety, Low Voltage, High Voltage, Environmental Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Reliability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Input and Interaction

      Skills you'll gain: Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, User Interface (UI), Usability, Interaction Design, Human Machine Interfaces, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Prototyping

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      719 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Meta

      Marketing en redes sociales de Meta

      Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Content Performance Analysis, Paid media, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Management, Social Media Content, Data Storytelling, Social Media Campaigns, Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Campaign Management, Performance Analysis, Content Creation, Marketing Budgets, Marketing Effectiveness, Advertising Campaigns, Performance Metric, Advertising, Online Advertising, Facebook

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • E

      Erasmus University Rotterdam

      Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy, Return On Investment, Investment Banking, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance, Competitive Analysis

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Toronto

      Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age

      Skills you'll gain: Meeting Facilitation, Presentations, Persuasive Communication, Communication, Collaboration, Team Building, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Virtual Teams, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Telecommuting

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      Arizona State University

      Business English

      Skills you'll gain: Meeting Facilitation, Sales Presentations, Brainstorming, Purchasing, Business Writing, English Language, Business Communication, Marketing Materials, Business Planning, Negotiation, Selling Techniques, Management Reporting, Marketing Communications, Business Correspondence, Marketing Planning, Active Listening, Advertising, Business Marketing, Telephone Skills, Promotional Strategies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Video Games learners also search

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular video games courses

    • Generative AI for Educators & Teachers: Vanderbilt University
    • Visual Development and Audio Design in Games: Epic Games
    • Learn English: Advanced Grammar and Punctuation: University of California, Irvine
    • Financial Planning for Young Adults: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Serious Gaming: Erasmus University Rotterdam
    • Bioinformatics: University of California San Diego
    • Electric Power Systems: University at Buffalo
    • Input and Interaction: University of California San Diego
    • Marketing en redes sociales de Meta: Meta
    • Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital: Erasmus University Rotterdam

    Frequently Asked Questions about Video Games

    Video games are electronic games played on computer systems, such as dedicated consoles, personal computers, or mobile phones. Often featuring elements of challenge, strategy, exploration, and entertainment, video games encompass many different genres, like action-adventure, platformers, shooters, and role-playing games (RPGs), that often (but not always) share certain game mechanics. As a result, while some video games may focus purely on gameplay, others may also pay particular attention to storytelling and worldbuilding.

    The wide range of player interests and preferences catered to by video games has made them a popular – and lucrative – form of art and entertainment. According to research from Statista, the worldwide revenue for video games is projected to reach a whopping $626.78 billion by 2028, or nearly three times its 2018 valuation 1. This suggests that demand for video games and the professionals capable of designing them will continue to grow in the coming years.

    1 Statista. “Video game market revenue worldwide from 2018 to 2028.” Accessed December 12, 2023.‎

    Online video game courses can help you build the skills to create your own video game or join the industry. Offered by top universities like the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Michigan State University, Coursera’s flexible, online video game courses and specializations offer a chance for you to build job-relevant skills at your own pace and cost-effectively. ‎

    The exact skills you’ll need for a career in the video game industry will vary based on the precise position you’re hoping to land. For example, while video game writers need a strong grasp of storytelling, game developers need a thorough understanding of programming in game engines. Regardless of your role, though, here are some of the skills that you might consider building:

    • Game design: Understanding of game mechanics, gameplay elements, level design, and user experience principles.
    • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and Java.
    • Game engines: Familiarity with game development engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
    • 2D and 3D art: Skills in digital art creation, including character design, environmental modeling, texture, animation, and visual effects.
    • Audio design: Knowledge of sound editing, music composition, and audio integration technique.
    • Gameplay testing: Ability to perform playtesting, identify bugs or issues, and provide feedback for game improvement.
    • Player experience: Awareness of player preferences, market trends, and the ability to create engaging, rewarding game experiences. ‎

    Video games are a multi-faceted medium that encompasses many different subjects. As a result, there are various topics that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge of video games, including game design, sound design, visual art, graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, storytelling, programming languages, and 3D visual effects (VFX), among other things.

    You can explore many of these topics and more on Coursera’s catalog of online courses, Specializations, and guided projects. ‎

    The video game industry employs many different types of people who hold a wide range of positions. Whether you want to design characters, program gameplay elements, or craft interactive narratives, there’s likely a job for you in the game industry. At a glance, here are just some of the jobs you might consider pursuing:

    • Gameplay designer • Game writer • Level designer • User experience (UX) designer • 3D modeling artist • Concept artist • Environment artist • Animator • Sound designer • Engine programmer • Gameplay programmer • Game tester

    Read more: What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?‎

    The pay range for video game professionals can vary considerably from one job to another. According to Glassdoor, for example, the average salary of a game developer in the United States is $90,160 a year as of December 2023 2. Meanwhile, the average salary for a 3D modeling artist is $61,930 a year as of December 2023 3. Ultimately, the precise pay you can expect to earn will vary based not only on your position, but also on your experience level, qualifications, and geographic location. ‎

    If you’re interested in joining the video game industry, you might consider pursuing a career as a video game developer. In addition to earning a higher-than-average salary – $90,160 a year, according to Glassdoor (Dec. 2023) 2 – as videogame develop you’ll also get the opportunity to build video games from scratch, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and craft engaging experiences for players around the world. ‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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