Best Game Development Courses Online & Certification (April 2024)

Welcome to our comprehensive review article on the best game development courses available for individuals aspiring to venture into the dynamic and rewarding field of game development. Game development combines creativity, technical skills, and a passion for interactive experiences, offering an exciting pathway for aspiring developers. In this article, we have curated a list of the Best Game Development Courses that cater to beginners and experienced developers alike.

Whether you dream of creating your own indie games or working in renowned game studios, this article serves as your comprehensive guide to finding the best game development course to fuel your passion and expertise.

Why learn Game Development?

Game development offers a unique combination of creativity and technical skills, providing an outlet for developers to express their artistic vision while leveraging their programming expertise. The gaming industry continues to grow rapidly, providing abundant career opportunities for skilled game developers. 

From indie studios to large game development companies, there is a demand for talented individuals who can contribute to the creation of captivating and successful games. With the average C++ Game Developer in the USA earning about $113,100 yearly, it is no surprise that Game Development can provide an amazing career option to aspiring developers worldwide.

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Best Game Development Courses, Certification, Tutorials, Training, Classes Online

• Best for C++ Learn C++ for Game Development [Udemy]
  
  
• Best for CS Students Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Game Development [edX]
  
  
• Best for Video Game Design Video Game Design and Development: Introduction to Game Programming [Futurelearn]
  
  
• Best for Phaser.js Create Video Games with Phaser.js [Codecademy]

Learn C++ for Game Development [Udemy]

The Learn C++ for Unreal Engine 4 course on Udemy is a comprehensive and beginner-friendly course specifically designed to teach learners the fundamentals of C++ programming for game development using Unreal Engine 4. C++ is a powerful programming language widely used in the gaming industry, and Unreal Engine 4 is a popular game development engine known for its versatility and performance.

Course Instructor

The course is instructed by Stephen Ulibarrir who possesses in-depth knowledge of C++ programming and Unreal Engine 4. The instructor provides clear explanations, step-by-step demonstrations, and hands-on exercises to guide learners through the learning process and help them understand the concepts effectively.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Get an introduction to the C++ programming language, covering basic syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming principles.
  
  
• Learn about APIs and systems, and understand how to write C++ code to extend and enhance Unreal Engine’s functionality.
  
  
• Create gameplay systems using C++ in Unreal Engine 4 and discover how to implement player movement, input handling, character interactions and game rules
  
  
• Understand the integration of C++ code with Unreal Engine’s Blueprint visual scripting system. 
  
  
• Gain insights into debugging techniques and optimizing C++ code in Unreal Engine 4.

Who is it for?

This unreal course is suitable for aspiring game developers, computer science students, or professionals who want to gain expertise in C++ programming specifically for game development with Unreal Engine 4. This course is designed for individuals with basic programming knowledge or no prior experience in C++, providing them with a solid foundation to start creating games using Unreal Engine 4.

Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Game Development [edX]

The Computer Science for Game Development course offered by edX, in collaboration with HarvardX, is a comprehensive program designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in computer science principles and their application in game development. This course focuses on combining the theoretical aspects of computer science with the practical skills needed to create engaging and immersive games.

Course Instructor

The course is instructed by experienced faculty members from Harvard University who possess in-depth knowledge of computer science and game development. These instructors provide expert guidance, comprehensive lectures, and practical assignments to help learners understand and apply computer science concepts in the context of game development.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Learn essential computer science concepts and algorithms, including data structures, algorithms, computational thinking, problem-solving, and object-oriented programming
  
  
• Gain a strong foundation in computer science principles applicable to game development
  
  
• Understand the popular game development frameworks and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine
  
  
• Explore the process of designing and developing games from scratch 
  
  
• Learn about software engineering best practices in the context of game development

Who is it for?

The Computer Science for Game Development professional certificate course is suitable for individuals interested in pursuing a career in game development or enhancing their skills in computer science and its application in game development. This course is designed for individuals with prior programming experience and a strong interest in both computer science and game development.

Video Game Design and Development: Introduction to Game Programming [Futurelearn]

The Video Game Design and Development course on FutureLearn is an engaging and comprehensive online course designed to introduce learners to the exciting world of video game design and development. This course provides learners with a solid foundation in the essential principles, techniques, and processes involved in creating captivating and interactive video games.

Course Instructor

The course is instructed by Paul Robertson who served as a lecturer in Games Programming at Abertay University. Paul brings their industry expertise and shares his knowledge through interactive lessons, practical exercises, and real-world examples, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Get an introduction to game design principles and explore topics such as game mechanics, player experience, storytelling, and game genres.
  
  
• Understand various game development tools and technologies commonly used in the industry. 
  
  
• Understand the importance of art and audio in video game design. 
  
  
• Create visually appealing game assets, design user interfaces, and utilize sound effects and music to enhance the gaming experience.
  
  
• Understand how to gather feedback, analyze player experiences and iterate on your game designs to create more enjoyable and engaging experiences.

Who is it for?

The Video Game Design and Development course is suitable for beginners and individuals interested in exploring the field of video game design and development. This course caters to individuals with a passion for gaming, creative thinking, and an eagerness to learn the foundational concepts and skills necessary to create their own video games.

Create Video Games with Phaser.js [Codecademy]

This Phaser Video Game Development course on Codecademy is a hands-on and interactive online course designed to teach learners how to develop their own video games using the Phaser framework. Phaser is a popular JavaScript framework widely used in game development for building 2D games that can run on web browsers. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to game development using Phaser.

Course Instructor

The course is self-paced and does not have a specific instructor. However, Codecademy provides a well-structured curriculum with interactive lessons, coding exercises, and projects. The course material is designed to guide learners through the process of creating video games using Phaser.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Get an introduction to the Phaser framework, covering its key features and functionalities. 
  
  
• Gain an understanding of the Phaser game development workflow and how to set up their development environment.
  
  
• Learn essential game development concepts, such as game physics, input handling, collision detection, sprite animation, and game state management.
  
  
• Learners gain a solid foundation in gameplay concepts, which are crucial for creating engaging experiences.
  
  
• Understand JavaScript concepts and techniques used in game development with Phaser.

Who is it for?

This Create Video Games with Phaser course on Codecademy is suitable for individuals interested in getting started with game development using the Phaser framework. This course is designed for beginners who have a basic understanding of JavaScript programming and want to explore game development as a creative outlet or a potential career path.

Online Game Development courses [Domestika]

These Game Development courses offered on Domestika provide an exciting and practical learning experience for individuals interested in entering the world of game development. Domestika offers a range of courses taught by industry professionals, covering various aspects of game development, including game design, programming, character creation, storytelling, and more.

Course Instructor

Each course on Domestika is taught by experienced professionals from the game development industry. The instructors bring their expertise and practical knowledge to the table, sharing valuable insights, techniques, and industry best practices with learners. Their real-world experience enriches the learning process and provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of game development.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Get a wide selection of courses that cater to different aspects of game development.
  
  
• Learn the essentials of game design, Unity development, character creation, storytelling, game art, and other specialised topics.
  
  
• Choose courses that align with your specific interests and career goals.

Who is it for?

These Game Development courses on Domestika are suitable for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the game development industry or hobbyists looking to develop their skills in game design and development. These courses cater to beginners as well as intermediate-level learners who want to enhance their understanding of specific game development aspects.

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