About this course: In the game design and development capstone, you will create an original game from initial concept through implementation and then launch it to the world! Along the way, you will have the opportunity to put your game ideas in front of your peers and for the best-of-the-best you will have the chance to get feedback from game industry professionals. The capstone experience gives you the opportunity to push your skills further and demonstrate your newfound skills as a game developer. The capstone also contains guest talks from game industry professionals at Riot Games, Deep Silver Volition, Iron Galaxy, Radiant Entertainment, Goodgame Studios, Stardock, GREE, Heart Shaped Games, Kongregate, and more.
Created by: Michigan State University
Taught by: Brian Winn, Associate Professor
Media and Information
Taught by: Casey O'Donnell, Associate Professor
Media and Information
| Basic Info |
Course 5 of 5 in the
Game Design and Development Specialization.
|
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
What's in the Capstone?
Welcome to the Game Design and Development Capstone. In this module we'll give you a little bit of a sense of what to expect over the coming weeks. We're going to be honest with you though, this is going to be a fair amount of work. As you have learned, making...
2 videos, 3 readings
WEEK 2
Milestone 1: Your Game Idea
You're going to notice a lot of overlap in terms of the kinds of activities we're asking you to do in this capstone and the things we already asked you to do in the previous courses. This isn't because we're lazy, it is because making games is how you get bett...
1 video, 3 readings
Graded: High Concept and Pitch
WEEK 3
Milestone 2: Early Prototype, Blueprint, and Progress Report
Now you have to start the process of making your game a reality. No matter how you do this, either as a non-digital prototype or a digital prototype, you need to start building and testing some of your core gameplay systems and mechanics.
1 video, 2 readings
WEEK 4
Milestone 3: First Playable and Fun Test (aka, playtest)
The next step is to get something that you can start putting in front of people to begin getting feedback and working to "find the fun." Good luck.
1 video, 1 reading
Graded: First Playable Playtest
WEEK 5
Milestone 4: Alpha Build
Once you've found that core game idea, the next step is to begin building enough of it that it can begin feeling like a game. Your goal at this point is to continue iterating on that core game idea and build out enough features and content that you move beyond...
3 videos, 1 reading
WEEK 6
It is Crunch Time!
Now is the time to finish all the features, build all the levels, and begin polishing. You're not going to be done yet, but that's what you're working toward.
3 videos, 3 readings
WEEK 7
Milestone 5: Beta Build and Beta Testing
You are in the final crunch leading up to the beta testing! Good luck and try to keep up your energy level with your project.
3 videos, 1 reading
Graded: Beta Testing
WEEK 8
Milestone 6: Ship It!
Rule #1 of GameDev: If you don't ship, it doesn't exist. In this module, it is time to say, "Enough is enough," and ship your game. We're literally asking you to create a final build of something and put it somewhere where the world can see it. That can be Kon...
10 videos, 4 readings
Graded: PEER REVIEW: Has it Shipped?
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.
One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Pretty Enjoyable!
I learn a lot from this course. Instructor is good. The last part is the guest lecture from the REAL developer, engineer, designer and etc. With the sharing of their experience make me understand better how to become a game developer. Other than that i also learn the pro and cons to become a game developer.
Exellent part of the specialization, jumping into the fray !
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This capstone project was a perfect way to build my skills and confidence as a developer. The previous classes provided a robust knowledge base that this class capitalized on. Focus was given to completing and publishing the project, making for a full overview of the development process. I highly recommend it.