11 Online Courses to Learn Video Game Design in 2022

Learn how to create 2D and 3D worlds, pixel art, low poly, and more by discovering the secrets of today's most innovative industry

If you're passionate about animation and experiencing first-person adventures through the screen, you might have asked yourself what it takes to be a video game designer... And then, a few seconds later: Where do I start?

Discover the creative processes behind game design and learn different techniques by checking out this selection of online animation and character modeling courses.

Explore the art of creating 2D and 3D worlds, pixel art, low poly, and lots more. Learn how to use programs like Unity, Photoshop, Pyxel Edit, and Unreal Engine 4—among others—under the guidance of Domestika's expert teachers.

1. Introduction to Video Game Design, a course by Arturo Monedero

Arturo Monedero has spent the last 20 years designing game experiences for all kinds of gamers. In Introduction to Video Game Design, he shares guidelines and advice to start creating your own projects from a Game Design Document (GDD).

Discover how to turn an initial game idea into a complete design document ready to go into production.

2. Adobe Photoshop for Concept Art, a course by Nacho Yagüe

The world of video games offers all kinds of creative possibilities, as art director and concept artist Nacho Yagüe shows you in his Domestika Basics course on Adobe Photoshop for Concept Art.

Nacho has worked for popular video games such as Assassin's Creed Unity and Watch Dogs 2, and his course will guide you through all the techniques and processes to create a professional illustration or character concept step by step.

3. Introduction to Unity for 3D Video Games, a course by Álvaro Arranz

More than half of the world's games are created using Unity, a game engine that offers a fully functional free version. Its tools allow you to create a complete video game: from the menus to enemy interaction to scenario design.

Learn how to make the most of the platform with Álvaro Arranz in his eight-part Domestika Basics course: Introduction to Unity for 3D Video Games.

4. Introduction to Unity for 2D videogames, a course by Juan Diego Vázquez

Shortly after starting work as a programmer, Juan Diego Vázquez decided to create his own 2D video game design company. With plenty of experience creating video games from scratch, he teaches you how to create your own in his course, Introduction to Unity for 2D Video Games.

Take the challenge and follow his lead with Crossing Souls, an '80s pixel art adventure currently available for PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.

5. Unreal Engine 4 for Video Games, a course by José Joel Gonçalves

With over ten years of experience working with clients such as Disney and Namco, game developer José Joel Gonçalves asks you the question: what would you do if you had the chance to create a world full of adventures?

In this five-part Domestika Basics course, Unreal Engine 4 for Video Games, he will teach you how to prototype a game, from game mechanics to the application of artificial intelligence.

6. Game Environment Design: Cyberpunk Scenes with Unreal Engine, a course by Leartes Studios

Great game environment design involves building a logical world and attention-grabbing levels that work together to form a sense of "place". Founders of Leartes Studios, Oguzhan and Serdar specialize in game environment design with Unreal Engine 4, working with clients including Marvel Studios, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Microsoft, and more.

In their course, Game Environment Design: Cyberpunk Scenes with Unreal Engine, they teach you how to create a real-time cyberpunk environment for a video game by using digital tools to create mood, level art, lighting, and animation.

7. Introduction to Character Design in Pixel Art, a course by Daniel Benítez

Are you an old-school aesthetics and vintage video games enthusiast? Prove that pixel art is more than just nostalgia with Daniel Benítez, co-founder of independent video game studio Fourattic.

In his Introduction to Character Design in Pixel Art course, he teaches you in a fun and easy way how to use Pyxel Edit, and how to design video game characters from scratch, complete with props and a pixel art background environment.

8. Realistic Prop Creation for Video Games, a course by Paula Sánchez-Ferrero

The video game industry is constantly evolving. To be a video game designer, you need to keep up with trends, learn continuously, and pay attention to detail.

In her course, Realistic Prop Creation for Video Games, 3D artist Paula Sánchez-Ferrero will teach you how to model and texture 3D objects that transcend the screen. Paula has worked on projects including Call of Duty: WWII and Overkill's The Walking Dead.

9. Advanced RPG Game Design with Unity, a course by Juan Diego Vázquez

If you're ready to delve deeper into the world of game design, explore this intermediate course with Juan Diego Vázquez. He teaches you how to develop a 2D world like a pro in his second course, Advanced RPG Game Design with Unity.

Learn to combine the passion for storytelling with the infinite possibilities of technology to create a two-dimensional role-playing game for mobile devices.

10. Low Poly Character Modeling for Video Games, a course by Daniel Gutiérrez

As proven by art director and 3D modeling specialist Daniel Gutiérrez, less is often more. His minimalist characters star in stories worthy of any Hollywood movie. In his course, Low Poly Character Modeling for Video Games, Daniel walks you through his process. Learn how to use Blender from scratch and enter the world of 3D modeling to give life to a real hero!

11. Creating a Professional Pitch for Video Games, a course by Tatiana Delgado

Once you've learned how to design a video game, the next key step is knowing how to pitch it to potential team members or prospective investors. For a successful pitch, it is essential to be able to clearly explain your project and deliver and strong speech.

Learn how to take the first step to turn your most creative ideas into reality in the course Creating a Professional Pitch for Video Games, taught by video game designer Tatiana Delgado.

If you want to learn more about the art of video game design and take your first steps to become a video game designer, take control and let your imagination drive your creativity by keeping an eye on all of Domestika's online video game courses.

English version by @acesarato.

Discover more video game design resources

- What Is Game Environment Design? Discover top tips to build immersive video game art and how to get started.

- Learn hotkeys to streamline your workflow in real-time Unreal rendering software with this list of basic keyboard shortcuts for Unreal Engine 4 and 5, including downloadable PDFs.