Game theory, or interactive decision theory, is the study of how and why decisions are made between multiple parties. Game theory has applications in various areas of study like political science, economics, philosophy, ethics, and biology. The discipline of game theory attempts to map out the decision-making process for scenarios with multiple variables. You can think of game theory as a study of negotiation. The decision-makers in game theory can be individuals or groups, such as governments.

Why learn game theory?

Game theory sounds like it applies to sports or board games, but it's really about strategic decision making. Whether you're looking to benefit your career with better negotiation skills or you want to make better decisions in your personal life, game theory can help you analyze and understand the variables that are involved in the scenarios you face. Learning the ins and outs of game theory allows you to simulate the possible outcomes of different decisions, which can help you figure out how to make the best decisions for yourself or your business interests.

How does game theory affect my career?

You can use game theory to approach different decision-making scenarios strategically. You can apply the principles of game theory to purchasing and other transactions, and you can use them in real estate negotiations and investment decisions. Game theory even works when you're negotiating a salary increase or benefits package for your own career. Applying game theory to any of your interactive decisions can help you gain an advantage in any scenario that involves negotiating.

How can online courses help me learn game theory?

If you're new to game theory or if you have some experience with it, you can benefit from online courses on Coursera. You'll receive instruction from some of the best professors in the academic world, and they allow you to grasp both the concepts and practical applications that game theory offers. Through online courses, you'll have the opportunity to gain confident knowledge of game theory that you'll be able to apply to your career and personal pursuits.

What are the benefits of taking an online Game Theory course?

Online Game Theory courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Game Theory skills. Choose from a wide range of Game Theory courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Game Theory courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Game Theory, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Game Theory Courses - Learn Game Theory Online

Explore the Game Theory Course Catalog

Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
700 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Customer Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Marketing Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Customer Insights, Customer Analysis, Business Analytics, Customer Data Management, Analytics, Marketing, Data Collection, Market Research, Regression Analysis, Consumer Behaviour, Correlation Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Productivity, Java, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Software Design, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Software Architecture, Software Development Tools, Secure Coding, Application Development, Business Logic, Systems Integration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Character Design for Video Games
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling, Creativity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
994 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Algorithmic Toolbox
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Program Development, Debugging, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Software Testing, Computational Thinking, Test Case, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Design Strategies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Analysis, Programming Principles, Probability & Statistics, Probability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
National Taiwan University
實驗經濟學 (Experimental Economics: Behavioral Game Theory)
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Experimentation, Behavioral Economics, Negotiation, Strategic Decision-Making, Research Design, Economics, Decision Making, Socioeconomics, Data Collection
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Growth Mindedness, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Event-Driven Programming, Interactive Data Visualization, Java, Network Analysis, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Technical Communication, Development Testing, User Interface (UI), Java Programming, Software Testing, Computer Programming, Adaptability, Object Oriented Design, Performance Tuning, Algorithms, Software Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Basic Game Development using Scratch
Skills you'll gain: Event-Driven Programming, Debugging, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Video Game Development, Computer Programming Tools, Game Design, Computer Programming, Program Development, Animation and Game Design, Interactive Design, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Science
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Instructor Network
Game Development: HTML to Unreal Engine Mastery
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Software Design, HTML and CSS, User Interface (UI), Animations, Debugging, Computing Platforms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Basic Game Development with Levels using Scratch
Skills you'll gain: Event-Driven Programming, Debugging, Game Design, Animation and Game Design, Program Development, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Application Development, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
135 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
World Design for Video Games
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Conceptual Design, Animation and Game Design, Virtual Environment, Art History, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Design Strategies, Aesthetics, Design Research, Creativity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
818 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks