You're looking to improve your game design skills. What are the best online courses?

1 Know your objectives

Before you start browsing online courses, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with them. Are you looking for a comprehensive introduction to game design, or a deep dive into a specific topic? Are you aiming for a career in the game industry, or a hobby project? Are you more interested in the creative or the technical aspects of game design? Knowing your objectives will help you narrow down your options and focus on the courses that match your expectations and preferences.

2 Check the quality

Not all online courses are created equal. Some are offered by reputable institutions, instructors, or platforms, while others are of dubious quality or outdated. To avoid wasting your time and money, you should check the quality of the online courses you're considering. Look for reviews, ratings, feedback, credentials, and samples of the courses. Also, pay attention to the course description, syllabus, objectives, requirements, and outcomes. Make sure the course is relevant, up-to-date, engaging, and well-structured.

3 Compare the prices

Online courses can vary significantly in price, depending on the provider, the content, the duration, and the certification. Some are free, some are affordable, and some are expensive. You should compare the prices of the online courses you're interested in and see if they fit your budget and offer good value for money. Don't assume that the most expensive course is the best one, or that the cheapest one is the worst one. Look for discounts, scholarships, or free trials if available.

4 Explore the options

There are many online courses on game design, covering a wide range of topics and levels. You can find courses on game design fundamentals, game mechanics, game narrative, game art, game programming, game audio, game testing, game marketing, and more. You can also find courses on specific genres, platforms, tools, or engines, such as RPGs, mobile games, Unity, Unreal, or Godot. You can explore the options on various online platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, edX, Skillshare, or Udacity. You can also look for courses offered by game schools, studios, or associations, such as Full Sail University, Electronic Arts, or IGDA.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?