Description
Curriculum
Instructor
Course Overview
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Title | CS50’s Introduction to Game Development |
| Institution | Harvard University (HarvardX) |
| Platform | edX |
| Instructor | Prof. David J. Malan & Colton Ogden |
| Level | Intermediate (requires CS50 or equivalent) |
| Delivery Type | Self-paced, Fully Online |
| Certificate | Verified Certificate available |
| Access to Content | Free (audit mode) |
| Duration | 12 weeks (flexible) |
| Effort Required | 10–15 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | CS50 Introduction to Computer Science or equivalent |
2. Learning Outcomes
| No. | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the fundamentals of 2D and 3D game development |
| 2 | Implement game mechanics using programming languages |
| 3 | Work with game engines (Unity, LÖVE 2D) |
| 4 | Learn physics simulation in games |
| 5 | Design interactive and engaging gameplay experiences |
| 6 | Apply graphics, animation, and sound in games |
| 7 | Develop problem-solving and debugging skills in a gaming context |
| 8 | Complete a final game project (Capstone) |
3. Course Modules (Weekly Breakdown)
| Week | Module Title | Topics Covered | Project/Exercise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Game Development | History of games, basic principles | Simple 2D game setup |
| 2 | 2D Game Programming | Sprites, collision detection | Pong or Space Invaders clone |
| 3 | Game Mechanics | Scoring, lives, input handling | Platformer mechanics |
| 4 | Physics in Games | Gravity, motion, collisions | Physics-based game level |
| 5 | Graphics & Animation | Rendering, sprite sheets, animation | Animated character movement |
| 6 | Audio & Sound | Background music, sound effects | Add sound effects to game |
| 7 | LÖVE 2D Engine | Lua programming, 2D engine | Build small Lua game |
| 8 | Unity Basics | Scene, GameObjects, prefabs | Simple Unity 3D scene |
| 9 | Game Logic & AI | NPC behaviors, pathfinding | Enemy AI implementation |
| 10 | User Interface | Menus, HUD, scoreboards | Interactive UI design |
| 11 | Advanced Topics | Multiplayer basics, optimization | Multiplayer prototype |
| 12 | Final Project | Capstone game of student’s choice | Full game project |
4. Course Materials
| Material Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Lectures | Pre-recorded lectures by Malan & Ogden |
| Notes & Slides | Downloadable reference material |
| Labs | Guided exercises for 2D/3D engines |
| Problem Sets | Weekly graded coding challenges |
| Walkthroughs | Step-by-step solutions |
| Documentation | Game engine libraries and references |
5. Skills Gained
| Category | Skills |
|---|---|
| Programming | Lua, C#, Unity scripting |
| Game Development | 2D/3D game design, mechanics |
| Physics | Motion, collision, simulation |
| Graphics & Animation | Sprites, rendering, animation |
| Audio | Sound integration |
| AI | Basic NPC behaviors |
| Project Development | Full game creation and debugging |
6. Assessment Structure
| Component | Weight / Importance |
|---|---|
| Labs & Exercises | 50% |
| Problem Sets | 20% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Final Project | 20% |
7. Certificate Information
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Issuer | HarvardX / edX |
| Verification | Unique serial number and URL |
| Format | Digital certificate |
| Yes | |
| Credential Type | Verified Certificate |
8. Summary
CS50’s Introduction to Game Development equips learners with the skills and knowledge to design, program, and deploy interactive 2D and 3D games.
Students gain hands-on experience with both LÖVE 2D and Unity engines, mastering game mechanics, physics, graphics, audio, and AI.
Completing the course demonstrates the ability to create complete playable games suitable for portfolios or further advanced study.
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