Online Game Design Courses and Classes

Online game design courses teach students how to develop video games for personal recreation or commercial use within a growing virtual entertainment industry. These distance-learning courses may be offered as a single elective or as part of a certificate or degree program. Computer programming or multimedia design are two degree majors that may include courses on game design.

Overview of Online Game Design Courses

Online game design courses cover a broad technical field, from video game development, computer animation, graphics design and game architecture to software engineering and game programming. Most of these options are introductory and provide the fundamentals of creating a particular aspect of a video game. Some may require the development and production of a single- or multi-player video game as part of the course. Students may learn about the history of video games and its psychological impact on players, as well what it is like to work in the video game industry as a video game programmer, computer graphic artist or game engineer.

Course Requirements

Prospective game design students must have a good understanding of computer technology with secondary school math training. Enrollees will be expected to own a fast computer with ample hard drive memory and a reliable connection to the Internet. The software applications used vary by course and instructor. CDs, online video, textbook assignments or Webinars may be used in training.
Distance-learning courses require students to manage their time wisely and to check in on a regular basis with their instructor. They must be comfortable utilizing electronic communication channels, such as chat forums and e-mail.

List of Online Game Design Courses

Computer Graphics and Animation Course

Training in computer graphics allows a game designer to build items starting out of basic geometrical concepts and make them user-friendly for players. Computer animation and application skills help to create realism within a virtual reality environment.

3D Video Game Development Course

Students are introduced to software programs that create, build and animate characters in a 3D video game world. An understanding of 3D concepts allows the designer to add visual depth to the characters and overall game environment. Some courses may require that the student develop a basic first-person shooter game in 3D.

Game Programming Course

All video games rely on programming to perform as intended. In this course, participants experience hands-on training on the various programming and script languages used in the game engine. The goal is for designers to craft game play that is both entertaining and compelling.

Game Art Course

Digital artists create the aesthetics of a video game. This class teaches prospective professionals to merge technical and artistic skill to create the desired lighting, texturing, animating and 3D modeling. Lessons may also touch upon the business aspects of running a game design business.