California Institute of Arts
World Design for Video Games
A game world is not just a backdrop for the game—be it minimal or detailed, contained or part of a much bigger universe.| Length | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Effort | 3 hours per week |
| Price | Free |
| Subject | Design, Art |
| Level | Beginner |
| Languages | English |
| Video Transcripts | English |
Start creating your world. A game world is not just a backdrop for your game—be it minimal or detailed, contained or part of a much bigger universe, it provides the context for your player. Ultimately, a game world should feel alive and wholly unique to any player who will experience it.
In this course, we will explore game worlds in existing games and study the art and influences that inform their themes and styles. We will also investigate key components of environment and level design as well as strategies designers use to define gameplay or advance it. We’ll also look at navigation and the elements that make your world as real (or unreal) as you want it to be. A weekly challenge will prompt you to explore styles and inspirations for possible game worlds, and you’ll learn effective ways to communicate your ideas from concepts to presentation-worthy proofs of concept.
What you'll learn
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Level Design
Movement
Video Game Design
Research
Course syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to World Design
Week 2: Do Your Research
Week 3: The Way You Move
Week 4: A Whole World
Meet the instructors
Théotime Vaillant
Instructor, Experimental Animation
School of Film/Video