2D Game Design and Development with Unity

Nanodegree Program

In this program, you will embark on an immersive journey into the world of game development, focusing on the essentials of game design and creation. Throughout the program, you will explore the fundamentals of game development, learning the key principles and techniques necessary to bring your game ideas to life. You will also delve into the art of creating captivating game environments, mastering the skills to design and construct immersive virtual worlds. Additionally, you will discover the importance of user interfaces in creating engaging gameplay experiences, gaining the knowledge to design intuitive interfaces that enhance player interaction.

Beginner

4 weeks

Real-world Projects

Completion Certificate

Last Updated May 7, 2024

Skills you'll learn:

Unity • Game Design • Game Development • C# Basics

Prerequisites:

Basic computer programming

Courses In This Program

Course 1 • 45 minutes

Welcome to the Nanodegree Program!

Welcome to Udacity! We're excited to share more about your Nanodegree program and start this journey with you!

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Course 2 • 11 hours

Game Development Essentials

In this course, you'll master Unity for game development, from interface navigation and asset management to scripting with C#. Learn project planning, C# scripting, and 2D Sprite creation, blending technical skills with creativity to design engaging games.

Lesson 1

Game Design and Development Fundamentals

Explore Unity for game development. Create projects, import assets, and navigate the Unity interface. Learn all about GameObjects and Prefabs.

Lesson 2

Introduction to Project Planning

Learn project planning. Create game design documents, develop narratives, and plan mechanics. Document your game’s core elements.

Lesson 3

Scripting with C#

Learn C# scripting for Unity. Create and control GameObjects. Understand how to script dynamic gameplay with variables, loops, functions, and more.

Lesson 4

2D Sprites & Camera

Explore 2D rendering, including cameras and Sprites in Unity. Learn to create and manipulate 2D Sprites, and adjust properties in the editor as well as with scripting.

Lesson 1

Game Design and Development Fundamentals

Explore Unity for game development. Create projects, import assets, and navigate the Unity interface. Learn all about GameObjects and Prefabs.

Lesson 2

Introduction to Project Planning

Learn project planning. Create game design documents, develop narratives, and plan mechanics. Document your game’s core elements.

Lesson 3

Scripting with C#

Learn C# scripting for Unity. Create and control GameObjects. Understand how to script dynamic gameplay with variables, loops, functions, and more.

Lesson 4

2D Sprites & Camera

Explore 2D rendering, including cameras and Sprites in Unity. Learn to create and manipulate 2D Sprites, and adjust properties in the editor as well as with scripting.

Course 3 • 11 hours

Creating Game Environments

In this course, explore 2D Sprite animation, game input methods, physics, and environment creation in Unity. Learn to animate characters, script responsive controls, apply realistic physics, and design immersive game worlds, elevating your game development skills.

Lesson 1

2D Sprite Animation

Delve into 2D Sprite animation in Unity. Create animated characters using the Unity Sprite Editor. Learn to control animation with C# scripts.

Lesson 2

Game Input

Script player controls with game input; including movement for keyboard and mouse. Create responsive & dynamic player experiences.

Lesson 3

Game Physics

Explore game physics. Learn Rigidbody2D, collision detection, 2D joints, and physics scripting. Script dynamic GameObject interactions.

Lesson 4

Game Environments

Dive into crafting game environments. Construct worlds, use Unity Tilemap for design, and script parallax scrolling. Learn to create full levels with layered backgrounds.

Lesson 1

2D Sprite Animation

Delve into 2D Sprite animation in Unity. Create animated characters using the Unity Sprite Editor. Learn to control animation with C# scripts.

Lesson 2

Game Input

Script player controls with game input; including movement for keyboard and mouse. Create responsive & dynamic player experiences.

Lesson 3

Game Physics

Explore game physics. Learn Rigidbody2D, collision detection, 2D joints, and physics scripting. Script dynamic GameObject interactions.

Lesson 4

Game Environments

Dive into crafting game environments. Construct worlds, use Unity Tilemap for design, and script parallax scrolling. Learn to create full levels with layered backgrounds.

Course 4 • 8 hours

Designing Game User Interfaces

In this course, dive into game audio, user interface design, and the final stages of testing, optimizing, and publishing. Learn to enhance games with immersive audio, create adaptable UIs, and refine your project for publication, ensuring a polished gaming experience. Here, you will also create a simple, complete 2D platformer game.

Lesson 1

Game Audio

Learn sourcing, setting up, and scripting for event-based sounds. Enrich your games with immersive audio.

Lesson 2

Game User Interfaces

Focus on Unity UI for 2D games. Create elements, add text, and implement HUDs. Design flexible interfaces for multiple screen dimensions and aspect ratios.

Lesson 3

Introduction to Testing, Optimizing, and Publishing

Explore the testing and optimization. Learn to prepare and publish your game for a target platform and share it with your players.

Lesson 1

Game Audio

Learn sourcing, setting up, and scripting for event-based sounds. Enrich your games with immersive audio.

Lesson 2

Game User Interfaces

Focus on Unity UI for 2D games. Create elements, add text, and implement HUDs. Design flexible interfaces for multiple screen dimensions and aspect ratios.

Lesson 3

Introduction to Testing, Optimizing, and Publishing

Explore the testing and optimization. Learn to prepare and publish your game for a target platform and share it with your players.

Taught By The Best

Samuel Asher Rivello

Unity Game Developer & Instructor at samuelasherrivello.com

Samuel, a Unity Game Developer & Instructor, brings over 20 years of cross-platform game dev experience, shipping high-quality titles like "Shiftlings" and "Subway Surfers." With expertise in the SDLC and prototyping user experiences, he empowers game teams and instructs at renowned universities and conferences. Samuel is also an author and editor for industry publications.

The Udacity Difference

Combine technology training for employees with industry experts, mentors, and projects, for critical thinking that pushes innovation. Our proven upskilling system goes after success—relentlessly.

Demonstrate proficiency with practical projects

Projects are based on real-world scenarios and challenges, allowing you to apply the skills you learn to practical situations, while giving you real hands-on experience.

Gain proven experience
Retain knowledge longer
Apply new skills immediately

Top-tier services to ensure learner success

Reviewers provide timely and constructive feedback on your project submissions, highlighting areas of improvement and offering practical tips to enhance your work.