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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Game Design by California Institute of the Arts

4.7
stars
2,879 ratings

About the Course

Welcome! This course is an introduction to the primary concepts of gaming, and an exploration of how these basic concepts affect the way gamers interact with our games. In this course you will understand what defines a “game” and the mechanics and rules behind different types of games. Through four linked assignments you'll learn ways to create and describe a game concept, and specifically what makes a compelling game. This course focuses on the conceptual underpinnings of games, and all assignments can be completed with a pencil and paper – no previous programming knowledge is required....

Top reviews

TN

Apr 13, 2020

I really loved doing this course. Learnt how to make a simple game and make it really interesting! I loved how the easily the instructor was able to teach us and make us curious throughout the course.

DG

Feb 13, 2020

The lecture videos from Professor Fran and his old friend were surprisingly entertaining. Kudos to the team because they were able to make it fun, informative, and engaging throughout the four weeks.

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226 - 250 of 846 Reviews for Introduction to Game Design

By Phyo K L

Dec 6, 2020

About Game design concepts with example of experiment/testing in

game-development idea/sets and improvement of development process.

By Deleted A

Aug 8, 2019

Very well structured course really helps and motivates students to think and put there knowledge to work by designing simple game.

By Nile D

Mar 18, 2021

I love how the instructors make everything interesting and add lots of dramatic effects to make it fun while showing the concept.

By 梁爽

Oct 16, 2017

Very simple and very useful theory. I have been able to start my own design game. This is a very big progress fpr me, thank you!

By Niam I

Mar 6, 2016

I really enjoyed this course as an introduction to game design. Highly recommend it for those looking to explore the discipline.

By SK T

Aug 24, 2025

It shows you the overview of the key elements of game design to set a strong foundation of making the game fun and challenging.

By Nima A

Jul 30, 2021

I love this course. this is my first step in game design and I have done this with special tips that i learnt from this couse.

By Justin R M

Sep 19, 2020

The instructor is brilliant and made the course very funny ;D by adding a puppet. Learnt a lot. Looking forward to next courses

By Andrew T

Dec 6, 2015

This game really makes you work and think about different design concepts by making you actually design some games! it's great.

By Eysen G

Jun 24, 2022

Gracias a est curso aprendí a tener una idea de como diseñar videjuegos. Añadiendo obstáculos, caminos, reglas, jugadores, etc

By Dimitri B

Apr 19, 2016

To my mind, this course is the perfect way to begin to understand Game Design. The learning-by-doing method is very efficient!

By Tomer K

Oct 1, 2016

This course made me believe that I can really make interesting playable games.

The instructor was very funny and to the point.

By Vinay V

Aug 9, 2022

Great, engaging content. The basic concepts of game design are perfectly explained in simple terms with real-world examples.

By Fluxty

Sep 28, 2020

A wonderful, basic introduction to Game Design that should set the stage for the rest of the courses in the specialization!

By Renato C

Jun 18, 2020

Great course, even though it is an introductory course, it teaches in a simple way important concepts for game development.

By Ana G V F

May 7, 2020

A great course that lets you get the basics of game design and development! I really learned a lot and I really enjoyed it!

By Mathew J

Jan 23, 2016

I really liked this course.The lecture was really interesting and its the first time i felt like the

assignments was fun.

By Марія Ч

Nov 3, 2015

I love the way Fran managed to fulfill his lections with a theory. It was very simple and very informative at the same time

By Deleted A

Sep 16, 2015

Fran is a great teacher and he blends fun teaching and jokes with genuinely interesting and helpful game design techniques.

By OM S

Oct 19, 2021

I gained a lot of new knowledge about game designing. Very great experience. The videos were very great. Very nice course.

By Alara E

Aug 31, 2020

I loved the instructor and the requirements of each week's submissions. I really enjoyed being part of the course. Thanks!

By Andre K

May 29, 2020

This course was fun & was simple to learn. The instructor is very informative while making the content enjoyable to watch.

By Emily V R

Aug 6, 2017

Fran is one of the best teachers I've ever had! Thanks for making this a fun and easy to understand introductory course!

By Max d J

Jul 26, 2023

This course helped me to expand my horizons about game design, with fun and engaging assignments throughout the course.

By yanggan

May 10, 2017

Excellent course. Basic and interesting

中国谚语:『万丈高楼平地起』(As the Chinese words: every skyscraper is built from the ground)