Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/videojuegos-intro
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the immersive worlds and engaging challenges of video games, wondering what goes into their creation? Coursera’s course, ‘Videojuegos: ¿de qué hablamos?’ (Video Games: What Are We Talking About?), offers a fantastic entry point into this complex and fascinating industry. This course, presented in Spanish, provides a comprehensive overview of the multidisciplinary effort behind every game, from initial concept to final release.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with a broad introduction that highlights the significant economic impact of the video game industry, even surpassing that of cinema. It poses fundamental questions: What exactly is a video game? Who are the people behind them? What are their applications?
The course then delves into the diverse world of video game genres, using the critically acclaimed ‘Monument Valley’ as an example of a puzzle game inspired by the impossible architectures of M.C. Escher. This module helps learners categorize games and provides examples for each type.
A journey through the history of video games is also included, revealing surprising facts like the industry’s relatively short 60-year lifespan, the early existence of games like OXO in 1952, the success of ‘Space Invaders’ in 1978, and the Japanese folklore inspiration behind ‘Pac-Man’.
Understanding the components of a video game and the various roles involved is crucial, and this course breaks down these aspects clearly. It emphasizes that game development is a collaborative effort, involving designers, artists, programmers, and many others.
Dedicated modules explore key areas such as game design, art, and technology. The design section tackles the question of what design truly means in this context and its primary objectives. The art module discusses the crucial role of artistic finish in attracting players and the increasing trend of commissioning renowned composers for game soundtracks. The technology section offers a brief introduction to the complex layers of components used in game development, including graphical APIs and audio/physics libraries.
Finally, the course culminates in a module on gameplay, which ties all the previously discussed elements together. It explains how user interaction is facilitated through gameplay programming, including aspects like enemy artificial intelligence and game logic. This module helps learners understand how design, art, and technology converge to create the interactive experience.
Overall, ‘Videojuegos: ¿de qué hablamos?’ is an excellent introductory course for anyone curious about the video game industry. It’s accessible, informative, and provides a solid foundation for further exploration into specific aspects of game development. Whether you’re a budding game designer, an aspiring artist, or simply a passionate gamer wanting to understand the magic behind the screen, this course is highly recommended.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/videojuegos-intro