What is game programming?

Game programming is writing the code that makes video games work. It's a part of the broader field of video game development, and it is, more specifically, the development of video game software. Game programming is based heavily on mathematics and programming logic, and it often includes specific programming languages, such as C Sharp. It also includes digital art, planning game concepts, and sound design to create gaming experiences that keep users playing and sharing games.

What opportunities will learning game programming make available to me?

Some opportunities that learning game programming can make available to you are working on a team with other programming professionals and artists to develop video game designs. This type of work is both highly analytical and extremely creative, so you could gain the chance to use both imagination and logic as part of your work if you go into the field of video game development. You may also find the experience of learning about game programming interesting and exciting.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn game programming?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn game programming by covering the range of information from basic, beginner level programming through intermediate-level skills, such as using Python to create a game, and advanced courses such as more complex game development on PyGame. Select the courses on Coursera that complement your programming skill level, and then move through the courses at your own pace while developing a portfolio of your hands-on work.

How do I know if learning game programming is right for me?

To know if learning game programming is right for you, consider whether you enjoy exploring and discovering new ways to solve recurring problems and if you have strong mathematical skills or are willing to work on learning advanced math. It helps to be passionate about technology and driven to understand why things work the way they do. You also ideally need to be self-motivated, a person who takes initiative, and comfortable with linear thinking because game programming requires solving a lot of logic problems. Even though a team is typically involved in the creation of a game, game programmers spend most of their time alone and deep in thought, so it may also help if you're a person who is comfortable with a lot of quiet time for deep thinking.

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

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

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

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Game Programming, 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 Programming Courses - Learn Game Programming Online

Explore the Game Programming Course Catalog

University of Alberta
Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Video Game Development, Game Design, Programming Principles, Animation and Game Design, Software Quality (SQA/SQC), Computer Programming, Program Development, Software Engineering, Python Programming, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Application Development, Debugging, Problem Management, Functional Testing, Test Planning
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
233 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python Basics
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Data Structures, Scripting Languages, Computer Programming, Pseudocode, Computer Graphics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
UI / UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, Wireframing, Persona (User Experience), Mockups, User Experience Design, Responsive Web Design, Web Design, UI/UX Strategy, User Interface (UI) Design, User Centered Design, Interaction Design, Prototyping, Graphic and Visual Design, User Research, Web Language, HTML and CSS, User Flows, Design Elements And Principles, Human Computer Interaction, Typography
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Mathematics for Machine Learning: Linear Algebra
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, NumPy, Applied Mathematics, Data Transformation, Data Science, Jupyter, Machine Learning Methods, Algorithms, Data Manipulation, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Big Data
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Data Integration, Exploratory Data Analysis, Big Data, Graph Theory, Data Pipelines, Database Design, Data Modeling, Regression Analysis, Applied Machine Learning, Data Presentation, Scalability, Data Mining, Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, Data Management, NoSQL, Database Management Systems, Network Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
University of Alberta
Software Product Management
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Analysis, Agile Software Development, Agile Methodology, Kanban Principles, Project Planning, Requirements Elicitation, Sprint Retrospectives, Requirements Management, Functional Requirement, Business Requirements, Sprint Planning, Software Development Methodologies, Software Development Life Cycle, Scrum (Software Development), Product Requirements, Software Technical Review, Code Review, Software Development, Risk Management Framework, User Story
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Java Programming for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Software Testing, Program Development, Pseudocode, Simulations, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Development Environment, C (Programming Language), Command-Line Interface
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
804 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Web Applications for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, PHP (Scripting Language), Relational Databases, JSON, jQuery, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Javascript and jQuery, Ajax, Databases, Data Modeling, Database Application, Database Development, Debugging, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Application Development, Back-End Web Development, Web Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Javascript, Responsive Web Design, Ajax, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Usability, Cross Platform Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Blockchain
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Test Driven Development (TDD), Cryptography, Application Development, Transaction Processing, Emerging Technologies, Integrated Development Environments, Software Architecture, Network Protocols, Encryption, Web Applications, Program Development, Distributed Computing, Application Programming Interface (API), Microsoft Azure, FinTech, Software Development, Cloud Computing Architecture, Development Environment, Web Development Tools
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months