Ranking of the best online game design courses for 2022

A game designer is a person who is like a movie director, it is he who works in detail on the concept and plot of the game, prescribing all the levels, spaces, locations, characters, conditions necessary for victory, and other factors. In other words, a game designer is working on creating a living world consisting of mechanics, visuals, and narrative. The final result of the activity of the game designer is a document (design document or design document), which fully describes the internal content of the game, summarized in text format.

The purpose of online courses on game design is to teach future professionals to invent games that can be guaranteed to interest the target audience. The best online game design courses included in the ranking will teach you all the intricacies of creating games from scratch, regardless of the student's experience in game development or programming knowledge.

Best Paid Game Design Courses

Skillbox. "Profession Game Designer from 0 to PRO"

Here they teach how to create games from scratch, from idea to launch. The program is written with an emphasis on programming and gradually talks about the principles of creating virtual worlds on Unity, a popular engine.

Who is this course for?

First of all, for all those who dream and want to create games from prototype to launch and debugging the balance, both on their own and alone.

Beginners and experienced programmers with development skills and knowledge. The “Profession Game Designer from 0 to PRO” will allow you to supplement your skills with such subtleties as understanding the user's psychology, the principles of game balance and other important details and nuances of game design.

Program content

It contains two main blocks, differing in the level of complexity, containing online lectures and practice. These are 44 thematic modules and 200 online lessons.

The first block - "Game Design" teaches the theory of game design, the principles of game balance, working with documentation, practical techniques, developer tools, and all this using real examples of the most famous and popular games.

The second block - "Development with Unity" teaches the basics of OOP, C #, 3D, as well as animation and advanced programming.

What the online course will teach

• creating interesting, popular games;
• work with the most popular engines today - Unity, Unreal Engine (UE);
• drawing maps of locations, routes;
• designing different levels of complexity;
• interface prototyping;
• preparation of technical documentation for programmers and designers;
• monetization of the finished project;
• developing a strategy for promoting the finished product;
• attracting new players;
• creation of game projects;
• balance calculation;
• methods of analysis and comparison of various balance models.

During the entire period of education, each Skillbox student receives personal support and assistance with the selection of suitable vacancies. The Career Center provides assistance in choosing a profession, preparing for an interview, right up to the first day of work.

The teachers of the program are:

Nikolai Dybovsky is a game designer, curator of the HSE School of Design, founder and head of the cult Russian game studio Ice-Pick Lodge, which created such popular creations as Mor.Pathologic2, Turgor. Voice of Color”, “Knock-knock” and others.

Sergey Kamyanetsky - Microsoft Certified Developer;

Evgeny Vasiliev and Alexander Kishinsky are Unity certified programmers who are the heads of the IThub Games studio.

What will complement the resume after training

Upon completion of the program, each graduate will be able to:

• analyze the market, select ideas and concepts;
• formulate hypotheses and test them;
• work out the plot, economy and gameplay;
• create project documentation;
• think over the plot and concept;
• analyze the game economy and balance;
• work with level design;
• set tasks for programmers;
• design levels, mechanics;
• create models of monetization of the finished product;
• synchronize the work of the project team.

The qualification of a graduate is confirmed by a Skillbox diploma.

The cost is - 7 892 rubles. per month.

Duration - 8 months.

• guarantee of assistance in finding employment;
• practical exercises, training on real projects;
• access to materials remains forever;
• the opportunity to establish useful contacts with the largest representatives of the development industry;
• the most intense program that allows you to fully explore the world of game design, to understand the role of each specialist of the project team;
• assistance in compiling a resume, searching for vacancies in the chosen specialty;
• the ability to get a loan for up to 3 years to pay already while working as a game designer;
• practice in the Gamebox laboratory;
• career advice;
• offline workshops;
• bonus: a year of English as a gift.

• the duration of the course requires a lot of free time;
• high price.

Netology. "Game designer"

Thanks to this course, students will master the profession of a game designer from scratch in just six months. The program covers the entire spectrum of the main tasks of a game designer, from the formulation of a concept to the process of implementing an idea. At the same time, the future specialist will learn how to distribute tasks among all project team members, as well as apply the fundamental principles of marketing and convince potential investors of the success of the finished product.

Who is this course for?

For anyone who is in love with games, lessons from Netology will allow you to enter a new profession as a junior game designer and realize the idea of ​​your own game by creating working prototypes.

Those who are engaged in 3D design and animation will learn how to create interactive stories, work out the environment, locations, and also work on the interaction between characters in Unreal Engine.

Programmers will master the Unreal Engine and learn how to program on Blueprints, code testing, as well as an integrated view of game development and production.

Program content

Lessons are held in the format of weekly webinars and video lectures. There are 104 hours of practice and 76 hours of theory. The program includes topics such as:

• plot development;
• work with game mechanics;
• identifying the features of the game;
• definition of the target audience;
• prototyping;
• character concept;
• user interface customization;
• promotion and sale of the finished product.

All assignments, including homework, as well as final projects, are checked by experts. Based on the results of the test, teachers give recommendations and explain difficult points. Feedback and communication with other students is carried out through Discord, where you can get help and support from classmates at any time, share experiences and impressions.

The program materials remain forever in the public domain in the student's personal account. You can contact them at any time.

At the end, students complete the final project, and the Career Development Center helps graduates to correctly compose a resume, select suitable vacancies and prepare for an interview. A certificate of professional development will be a confirmation of the acquired knowledge.

What the online course will teach

The program is aimed at mastering the following skills and abilities:

• development of the concept and plot;
• design and balancing;
• creating a prototype of Top Down Shooter in Unreal Engine;
• determining the strategy for promoting the finished product.

Teachers are developers of such large-scale projects as:

1. Call of Duty (2003);
2. Tanki Online (2009);
3. World of Tanks (2010);
4. Final Fantasy (2010);
5. Dark Souls (2013);
6. Big Drunk Satanic Massacre (2019).

What will complement the resume after training

After completing the education, the future game design specialist will know:

• principles of building the structure of the gameplay;
• main characteristics of game mechanics;
• space design features;
• principles of interaction of virtual space with users;
• narrative design device;
• formation of an interactive story;
• the role of marketing in promoting the finished product;
• ways to interest potential investors;
• concept development;
• principles for designing game mechanics and levels;
• setting tasks for project team members;
• assessment of the work of screenwriters;
• preparation of technical documentation;
• determination of promotion strategy, output of the finished product;
• adjusting the balance of conflict systems;
• analysis and comparison of different balance models;
• preparation of technical specifications for programmers;
• prototyping (on Unreal Engine);
• analysis and development of level balance.

The cost is - 71,940 rubles. (for the entire course).

Duration - 18 months.

• the program teaches you to understand the features of creating video games;
• here they learn to create a prototype from scratch and draw up project documentation;
• certificate of professional development;
• emphasis on practice to consolidate knowledge;
• the portfolio will be supplemented with ready-made cases;
• providing actual real tasks and projects;
• assistance with employment, support of the Career Development Center at all stages of the job search;
• teachers are practicing developers.

• not detected.

Skillfactory. "Unity game developer"

Thanks to this course, students will learn how to create games on their own, having mastered C #, Unity and the principles of game design. In addition, 5 projects (2D and 3D) will be made in the process.

Who is this course for?

Everyone who is fond of computer video games, including beginners, will be able to understand all the intricacies of the development process, learn Unity, having mastered the platform from scratch, and also program in C #.

Future specialists will be able to learn C#, learn how to create projects on the Unity engine from scratch and continue their development in a new, promising profession.

Those who already work in game design will learn how to apply OOP in practice, as well as learn C # programming, after which they will be able to create applications for PC and mobile platforms. As a result of completing the program, future specialists will be able to work with more complex tasks, which in turn will allow them to grow professionally.

Program content

Lessons are held in the format of online classes, after each lesson, students perform practical tasks to consolidate knowledge. All difficult or incomprehensible moments can be discussed with teachers or classmates in the chat. The program also provides for team work on the project.

In the process, students will be able to create four projects:

1. multiplayer tank game;
2. space shooter;
3. tower defense;
4. 3D shooter.

The final project will be the development of the concept, game design, as well as programming your own game in the chosen genre on the chosen platform. Progress is supervised by experts who will always answer any questions from students.

What the online course will teach

Here, step by step, all the main stages of development are considered. At the same time, every step of game design is worked out. Students will learn:

• writing popular and popular multiplayer 2D and 3D games;
• programming in C#;
• ways to monetize and promote the application in the App Store, Google Play, Steam.

What will complement the resume after training

After completing the course, the resume of the future specialist will be supplemented with the following skills:

• programming in C#;
• creation of 2D and 3D models and animation;
• development of games for PC and mobile platforms (on the Unity engine);
• writing multiplayer games;
• using the Unity API;
• preparation and maintenance of design documentation;
• game logic programming;
• promotion and monetization.

Even while mastering new skills, students will be able to take interviews or start working in the field of game design.

The cost is 4,500 rubles. per month.

Duration - 12 months.

• easy-to-learn materials;
• popular and demanded specialty;
• work with a cross-platform engine for any platform (Mobile, PC, PS, XBOX);
• rich program with full immersion in the world of game design;
• the ability to freeze the program, postponing the course for a while.

• high price.

geekbrains. "Faculty of Game Design"

Here, students will learn how to turn an idea into a finished project, create a game prototype, which will allow them to start a career in the field of game design.

Who is this course for?

Beginners, as well as anyone who is passionate about video and board games, will learn how to develop a product from scratch.

Novice game designers will be able to improve their skills and systematize knowledge by receiving up-to-date information from course experts.

Marketers will understand process gamification, study setting, balance and load calculation.

Program content

The course immediately immerses you in the process of creating virtual worlds. Thanks to the intensive program, students will quickly master all the subtleties of the profession, get acquainted with the theory, and complete practical tasks. In addition, classes involve communication and exchange of experience with representatives of the gaming industry. The program includes:

• group lessons with a teacher;
• webinars and online lectures;
• drawing up game documentation;
• development from concept to implementation;
• creating a prototype on the Unreal Engine 4;
• work with real tasks and internships.

As a result, students will write their own game - the finished project is evaluated by market experts and potential investors. The teachers are teachers of the largest universities, as well as leading developers of IT companies.

What the online course will teach

The program includes:

• project management, promotion and sale of the finished product;
• directions of game design;
• studying the system of mechanics, narrative, screenwriting;
• basics of level design, UI/UX;
• analytics and key project metrics;
• balance system;
• combinatorics and probability theory;
• work on projects: a text game on Twine and a small balance game;
• in-depth study of story games: texts, quests, dialogues and replicas of heroes and characters;
• work on cut scenes and voice acting;
• localization, marketing;
• compiling a portfolio of a narrative designer.

What will complement the resume after training

A graduate resume will contain the following skills:

• writing the plot, texts and dialogues;
• drawing up game documentation;
• calculation of system balance;
• monetization;
• knowledge of Google Spreadsheets and MS Excel;
• building interface, levels;
• conducting a detailed analysis of mechanics;
• basic knowledge of UE4, Unity and Blueprints;
• product pre-production.

The cost is - 4 847 rubles. per month.

Duration - 20 months.

• rich program;
• a lot of practice;
• modern development techniques;
• relevance of materials;
• internship, communication with game design specialists;
• real project in the portfolio;
• starting work as a junior specialist;
• a document confirming the completion of education.

• not found.

School XYZ «Game Design»

The School XYZ online school trains future game designers, those who develop the concept of a video game, come up with its rules and mechanics. Future specialists are responsible for the number and variety of types of opponents, the availability of crafting, the amount of HP restored by the first-aid kit, the behavior of the characters, and much more, which determines how exciting the project will be. In 3 months, students will learn how to work on a project no worse than representatives of the largest studios in the world, master the key skills of their future profession and create a prototype shooter.

Who is this course for?

Novice game designers and beginners do not need to have special skills to master the specialty: here they will teach you how to work on the Unreal Engine 4.

Those who already work in game design will get acquainted with the creation of games in AAA projects.The course will allow you to systematize your knowledge and improve professionalism.

Indie developers will learn how to create deep thoughtful projects that require knowledge of the basics of game design.

Program content

Materials are submitted in the format of recorded lessons: lectures, homework and additional information on the program. After each lesson, students complete homework, which they upload to the platform and receive feedback from the mentor. In addition, students have access to a Discord chat to communicate with classmates and teachers.

The program includes the following topics:

• mechanics and narrative design;
• concept, idea, limitations;
• game documentation;
• prototyping;
• work in UE4, movement system;
• weapons prototyping;
• opponents: artificial intelligence, combat systems;
• additional systems in TPS;
• level design;
• processes and organization;
• bug fixes, feedback, resume writing.
• What the online course will teach
• Students will learn:
• work in conditions similar to the everyday life of a game designer;
• understanding theory and terminology;
• compiling game documentation, technical specifications for the programmer, AI and battle scenario;
• prototyping the basic mechanics of the character, environment, opponents on the UE4 engine (movement system, prototyping of ranged weapons, AI behavior).

What will complement the resume after training

During the process, students will be able to:

• make a prototype weapon on UE 4 according to the provided model;
• prepare overview and detailed game documentation, for example, for the boss: passport, behavior pattern in battle, items for attacks, movements, actions;
• make a level prototype with locations and combat encounters.

The cost is - 8 100 rubles. per month.

Duration - 4 months.

• the best course in Russian;
• personal advice from a mentor;
• a full-fledged project in the portfolio;
• moderate duration training;
• democratic value.

• there is no document confirming the successful completion of education.

Best Free Game Design Courses

"Games on ReactJS" by Mikhail Rusakov

After completing this author's course, the creation of virtual worlds on ReactJS will become available and real. To gain access to the materials - an electronic manual - the student just needs to write his e-mail. "Games with ReactJS" is suitable for beginners, but experienced developers will also be able to supplement their knowledge. The manual does not contain only a theoretical base, the basis is real examples. The development is built on javascript ES6, in addition, the course shows the advantages and capabilities of the library for writing applications (ReactJS).

The duration is 1.5 hours.

• suitable for both beginners and beginners, as well as experienced game designers;
• the manual is fully based on practice and examples of real projects;
• the program demonstrates the entire path of creating an application, from idea to launch;
• development on the new Javascript standard - ES6;
• relevance of the material, detailed acquaintance with innovations;
• practical work on the project, getting a working application at the end.

• compressed in duration intensive.

IT Academy "Game Design and Other Theory"

A free course, consisting of 16 lessons, is available to anyone who wants to start understanding the creation of virtual worlds and decide on the direction of further education and getting a profession. To access the materials, it is enough to register on the site and just start learning.In addition, registration provides other benefits - the ability to take other lessons in different areas, write a resume and find suitable vacancies.

The program includes the following topics:

• seven mistakes of novice developers;
• what programming language you need to learn;
• games without programming, game designers;
• top engines for 2D and 3D projects (Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, libGDX) and other topics.
• In addition to this program, other lessons by the same author are also available on the site, also dedicated to the topic of game design.
• 2D level design in Unity, level design;
• income of the global gaming industry and game development statistics;
• psychology, pleasure and emotions;
• monetization of the finished product, Steam and Play Market;
• character concept;
• development of 2D and 3D applications for Android and IOS;
• programming languages ​​C#, C++ and Java.

• a large selection of various lessons on game design;
• availability of materials;
• free education;
• compiling a portfolio and resume;
• relevance of information.

• There is no certificate confirming the completion of the course.

Devtodev "Game development on Unreal Engine"

The author's course by Nikolai Konzerovsky is a detailed instruction for developing on the popular Unreal Engine from Epic Games. After the end of the classes, there is a real opportunity to create your own game. Still in the process, students are working on a Twin Stick Shooter prototype that will then be launched on Android. While working on the prototype, students will learn:

• step-by-step creation of a character and opponents;
• setting up sound, lighting effects and environment;
• animation settings;
• as well as get acquainted with Blueprints and the main sections of Unreal Engine 4.

The program consists of 12 online lectures, which include:

• the artistic component of the process: setting up the level landscape, filling it with decorations, vegetation, setting up lighting and visual special effects on the level, setting up the soundtrack, creating an introductory cut-scene;
• the use of the Unreal Engine 4 widget system, which allows you to display and conveniently update user interface elements;
• detailed study of mechanics;
• building a finished mobile game for Android, testing the product on the device, ways to reduce the size of the installation file to save space on mobile platforms.

As a result, the character will be able to move in three-dimensional space along two axes, fire weapons on the run, while users control the actions of the main character using two joysticks on the screen of their mobile device.

Learning Format

Lessons consist of 3 modules and 12 lectures. At the end of the course there is a final test to test knowledge and skills. At the same time, the schedule of classes is free, students themselves choose a convenient time for lessons, which allows them to combine lessons with work. All materials and assets are presented in one place for easy access to them. Also, students can communicate with classmates and the lecturer, ask questions and receive feedback. After successful completion of the educational graduates receive a certificate confirming the acquisition of new knowledge.

Skills after completing the course:

• work with Unreal Engine 4;
• development of mechanics and their implementation in the project;
• the ability to use the Unreal Engine 4 widget system, display and update interface elements;
• setting up the level landscape, filling it with various decorative elements;
• setting the lighting on the levels, the implementation of sound and visual special effects;
• using Blueprints, Gameplay Framework, GameMode, Landscape and Foliage to work on projects;
• testing projects on the device, reducing the size of the installation file;
• building a working prototype and running it on the Android platform.

• detailed step-by-step instructions for creating a mobile application from scratch;
• advanced understanding of the architecture and functionality of UE4;
• practical skills in working with the engine;
• improved understanding of development processes;
• ease of mastering the material, structured presentation of information;
• clear presentation;
• studying the fundamentals of game design;
• certificate at the end of training;
• free lessons;
• intensive gives a good start in a new direction;
• clarification of incomprehensible or difficult points;
• fast feedback.

• not detected.

A game designer is a promising profession that you can learn without leaving your home, and specialized online courses will help you with this.