What you'll learn

  • Principles of 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and collision detection
  • Unity and LÖVE 2D
  • Lua, C#
  • Basics of game design and development
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Course description

In a quest to understand how video games themselves are implemented, you'll explore the design of such childhood games as: Super Mario Bros., Pong, Flappy Bird, Breakout, Match 3, Legend of Zelda, Angry Birds, Pokémon, 3D Helicopter Game, Dreadhalls, and Portal.

Via lectures and hands-on projects, the course explores principles of 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and collision detection using frameworks like Unity and LÖVE 2D, as well as languages like Lua and C#. By class’s end, you'll have programmed several of your own games and gained a thorough understanding of the basics of game design and development.

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Instructors

  • David J. Malan

    Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

  • Colton Ogden

    Technologist, Harvard University

Associated Schools

  • Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences

  • Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

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