23+ Game Development Courses and Resources

January 5, 2024

Introduction

Are you aspiring to become a game developer or looking to level up your game making skills?

We compiled a list of the best game development courses and resources that cater to a range of skill levels and preferences.

This article is part of a series on getting started with game development and game engines. We recommend you read the series in order, but feel free to jump around.

University Courses

CS50: Intro to Computer Science (Harvard University)

Link: CS50: Intro to Computer Science

Learnt he fundamentals of computer science with Harvard’s renowned CS50 course, providing a solid foundation for aspiring game developers.

CS50: Intro to Game Development (Harvard University)

Link: CS50: Intro to Game Development

An extension of the CS50 Intro to CompSci, the Intro to Game Development course digs into specific game programming challenges and asks you to make a few small games of your own.

Creating Video Games (MIT)

Link: Creating Video Games (MIT)

MIT offers a free online course, guiding you through the process of creating video games, covering both theory and practical aspects.

Engine Learning Portals

Unreal Learning

Link: Unreal Learning

Epic Games provides comprehensive learning resources for Unreal Engine, a powerful tool widely used in the gaming industry.

Unity Learning

Link: Unity Learning

Unity’s official learning platform offers a diverse range of tutorials and courses for beginners and advanced game developers alike.

Godot Getting Started

Link: Godot Getting Started

Godot Engine’s official documentation is an excellent starting point for those interested in this open-source game development platform.

Udemy

Unity (Udemy)

Link: Unity Course & Unity Course 2

Udemy offers multiple Unity courses, covering various aspects of game development, making it accessible for learners of all levels.

Unreal Engine (Udemy)

Link: Unreal Engine 5: The Complete Beginners Course

This Udemy course provides a comprehensive introduction to Unreal Engine 5, empowering beginners to kickstart their game development journey.

Godot (Udemy)

Link: Complete Godot 3D

Learn the ins and outs of Godot Engine with this Udemy course, suitable for those eager to master the capabilities of this versatile game development tool.

Standalone Creators and YouTube

OccaSoftware

Link: OccaSoftware’s C# Mini-Course for Beginner Game Devs

If you never learn the basics, you will encounter a ton of trouble as you attempt to tackle more complex topics. These complex topics will feel unapproachable because they will assume a base level of knowledge and skills that you will be missing.

Without a strong foundation, you will flounder in a sea of tutorials and fail to progress beyond copying other people’s code.

If you are a new developer, you need to build a strong foundation of programming skills before attempting more complex projects. This strong foundation forms a base of operations from which you can expand your skill set.

The Beginner C# Mini-Course for Game Development from OccaSoftware is the perfect place to start.

>>> Click here to start your C# mini-course

GameDev.tv

Link: GameDev.tv Courses

GameDev.tv offers a variety of courses covering different game development aspects, providing hands-on learning experiences.

Ask GameDev

Link: Ask GameDev YouTube Channel

Insightful game development discussions, tips, and tutorials on the Ask GameDev YouTube channel.

GMTK (Game Maker’s Toolkit)

Link: GMTK YouTube Channel

Explore the art and science of game design with GMTK, offering in-depth analysis and thought-provoking content.

Tarodev

Link: Tarodev YouTube Channel

Tarodev’s YouTube channel provides a wealth of tutorials and insights, making it an excellent resource for aspiring game developers.

Conference Recordings

Game Developers Conference (GDC)

Link: GDC YouTube Channel

GDC’s YouTube channel features talks and presentations from industry professionals, offering valuable insights into the game development world.

Books

Game Feel: A Game Designer’s Guide to Virtual Sensation

Link: Game Feel

“Game Feel” explores the importance of tactile feedback and sensory experiences in game design.

Video Game Design: Principles and Practices

Link: Video Game Design

This book covers the fundamental principles and practices of video game design.

Architectural Approach to Level Design

Link: Architectural Approach to Level Design

Gain insights into level design with an architectural perspective, exploring spatial and environmental considerations.

Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games

Link: Game Design Workshop

This book provides a hands-on approach to game design, emphasizing play-centric and innovative techniques.

Additional Meta-Resources:

Conclusion

I strongly recommend that you build your skills with a combination of practical and theoretical training.

Practically speaking, I recommend that you consume a course or book for a theoretical base, then exercise your newfound skills in practical workshops or attempts to execute on your new learning. When doing so, be sure to focus on using the lessons you’ve just learned to integrate them into your operating procedures.

Whether you prefer structured courses, video tutorials, or insightful books, there’s something for everyone in this diverse compilation of top-notch game development education.