video game design classes online free

The gaming industry has significantly advanced throughout the last two decades, generating massive amounts of revenue every year. As video games continue to gain popularity, the demand for video game developers increases. If you want to participate in this lucrative field, online Unity courses, classes, or training programs are a good place to start.

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What Is Unity?

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Unity is a cross-platform game engine that is used for 2D and 3D game development. It was developed by Unity technologies and launched in 2005. It is a popular game engine used to design video games for consoles, computers, mobile devices, and virtual reality (VR). It is supported on iOS, Windows, Linus, and PlayStation platforms.

Why Online Unity Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Enrolling in online Unity courses is good for professional development because it enables you to update and advance your Unity skills and ensures your work continuously meets industry and professional standards. They also provide a great way for you to study new applications of Unity, especially if you want to advance your current career.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Unity?

Coding bootcamps are an effective way to learn Unity because they offer in-depth programs and focus on in-demand skills. Unity bootcamps are structured to prioritize hands-on training so that students can practice as they learn, gain industry experience, and have real-world projects to add to their professional portfolios.

Overview: The Best Online Unity Courses, Classes, or Training

There is a wide range of online courses that will adequately prepare you for the workplace. Some of the best online Unity courses, classes, and training programs are listed below.

Provider	Course	Price	Length	Certificate
Coursera	Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter	Free and paid options	15 Hours	Yes, in the paid option
Coursera	Introduction to XR: VR, AR, and MR Foundations	Free and paid options	20 Hours	Yes, in the paid option
edX	Creating Virtual Reality (VR) Apps	$99	6 Weeks	Yes
edX	Introduction to Video Game Development with Unity	$50	6 Weeks	Yes
Holberton School	Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality	N/A	12 Months	Yes
Learn Unity	Create With Code	Free	36 Hours and 30 minutes	No
NYU Tandon of Engineering	Professional Certificate in UX & Emerging Interaction Design	$7,000	6 Months	Yes
Playcrafting	Learn Unity in 8 Weeks	$2,000	8 Weeks	No
Skillshare	Learn Unity 3D and C# By Making Games	$8.15 per month	4 Hours and 11 minutes	No
The Tech Academy	The Game Developer	$11,660	22 Weeks	Yes
Udemy	Complete C# Unity Game Developer 2D	$84.99	35 Hours	Yes
Udemy	Learn to Create An Action RPG Game in Unity	$84.99	12 Hours	Yes
Udemy	Learn Unity's Entity Component System to Optimise Your Games	$29.99	13 Hours	Yes
XR Terra Bootcamp	XR Industry Bootcamp: Developer	$5,900	12 Weeks	Yes
Zenva Academy	Discover Unity 2021 Game Development Bundle	$500	17 Hours	Yes

In Detail: The Best Online Unity Classes, Courses, or Training

Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter | Coursera

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Video Game Development, Unity, Game Design, Technology, Game Making

This course is offered by Coursera in collaboration with Michigan State University. It focuses on the tools, practices, and processes of game development and introduces students to the principles of game design and industry-standard tools, which include the Unity 2020 game engine. At the end of the course, you will know how to create simple games.

Key Takeaway: This course focuses on the design and development of video games. To learn about Coursera's pricing, you can contact them through their website.

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Introduction to XR: VR, AR, and MR Foundations | Coursera

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Google Cardboard, Google Earth VR, Pokemon GO, AR, XR

This course is the first of three courses in the augmented reality (AR) and VR app development specialization program. This course can be taken as part of the specialization program to earn the specialization certificate or can be taken independently. It introduces you to extended reality (XR) and how it is used for AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR).

The course also includes hands-on projects. One involves using Unity to build and run simple XR applications on your smartphone and the other involves coming up with your own original concept for an AR application. At the end of this program, students will be able to make their own designs from inception to completion.

Key Takeaway: This course can be taken in conjunction with the two preceding courses for a specialization certificate, or it can be taken independently for a completion certificate.

Creating Virtual Reality (VR) Apps | edX

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: VR, Unity 3D, 3D UI

This course is offered by edX in collaboration with University of California, San Diego. Students learn the full process of building a VR engine using Unity 3D. The course also covers motion prediction, 3D stereo, lens distortion, VR interaction concepts, and VR programming.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to write VR games, 3D data viewers, and medical training applications. This program is best for students who already have basic programming experience in fields like C, C#, or C++, and linear algebra.

Key Takeaway: This course is especially ideal for students who are pursuing careers in VR development and design.

Introduction to Video Game Development with Unity | edX

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Unity Interface, Unity Basics, Unity in Action, Scripting

This course is designed as an introductory course for students with basic knowledge and skills in programming. During the program, students will get to know the Unity interface and fundamental elements of the Unity engine, and apply their learning to building games.

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Key Takeaway: This is an excellent beginner-level Unity basics course for students with some programming skills.

Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality | Holberton School

Learning Format: Diploma program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Unity 3D, C#, ARCore, ARKit, and Algorithms

This program helps students build a strong foundation in AR and VR. The program covers courses in Unity 3D, C#, Algorithms, and Unity AR Foundations. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to land jobs as game developers, systems engineers, and AR/VR content developers.

Key Takeaway: This program is best for students who are new to tech and want to break into the game development field. To learn about the cost of tuition and payment options, you can contact them through their website.

Create With Code | Learn Unity

Learning Format: Certification program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Application Scripting, Debugging, Code Comprehension, User Interface

This course is for absolute beginners and teaches students how to code with C# from scratch. By the end of the program, students will have participated in a game development project and will be ready to take the Unity Certified User Programmer certification exam.

Key Takeaway: This is an excellent program for students who want to become Unity developers but are starting from scratch. It's also ideal for students who want to prepare for the certification exam through hands-on learning activities.

Professional Certificate in UX & Emerging Interaction Design | NYU Tandon of Engineering

Learning Format: Professional certificate program
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Design Development, Sound Design, Unity, Prototyping, Usability Testing

This professional certificate program enhances students' skills in user experience (UX) design. As this is an advanced program, students should already have visual design skills and experience with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop prior to enrollment.

During the program, students will learn the history of XR and design, cutting-edge XR experiences, XR research, design development, immersive and augmented interfaces, speculative and critical design, and best practices of XR usability. On completion of the program, students will be able to develop a UX design on their own from start to finish.

Key Takeaway: Students will gain interactive experience with industry-standard tools and learn cutting-edge methods for creating new and emerging AR/VR UX environments.

Learn Unity in 8 Weeks | Playcrafting

Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: 2D Platformer Game, 3D Mystery Horror Game, a Simple Pachinko Game

This bootcamp is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to design their own game using the Unity game engine. Throughout the program, students will build three three video games that can be added to their professional portfolios. By the end of the program, students will be able to independently create their own game.

Students will learn how to design simple pachinko games, 2D platformer games, and 3D mystery horror games. During the last two weeks of the program, students will design and begin working on their own video game, which can be completed within or after the program.

Key Takeaway: Students will learn all about video game design using the Unity game engine and get hands-on experience through multiple projects.

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Learn Unity 3D and C# By Making Games | Skillshare

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: C#, Unity, Block Generation, UI Creation

This course is one of four parts that teaches students to create a full game with custom art assets. The course focuses on relevant skills in C# so that it's easier to learn Unity. After completing the C# module, the course proceeds to introduce Unity and game design. Students will participate in two hands-on projects to practice the skills they have learned.

Key Takeaway: Students will first learn about C# to ease them into learning Unity. Hands-on projects will help students hone their new skills. Further learning is available through the subsequent parts of the course.

The Game Developer Bootcamp | The Tech Academy

Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Coding with C#, Building C# Applications, Object-Oriented Programming. C++, Unreal Engine

This bootcamp program is designed to teach beginners the relevant skills to become game developers. Throughout this program, students learn how to work with Unity and Unreal Engine, in addition to C# and C++, which are the accompanying programming languages. There are 900 hours of learning material and activities, as well as two live hands-on projects.

Key Takeaway: This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of Unity and Unreal Engine, as well as the related programming languages.

Complete C# Unity Game Developer 2D | Udemy

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: C#, Game Design, Object-Oriented Programming

This well-structured course teaches students how to create video games using Unity. It is designed for students without game development experience and professionals transitioning from another tech field. The course includes hands-on training that allows students to build games as they learn.

Key Takeaway: Students will have access to a course forum, references, and resources that support their learning along the way.

Learn to Create An Action RPG Game in Unity | Udemy

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: C#, Object-Oriented Programming, Game Development, 2D Game Development

This course is for beginners who are interested in breaking into the gaming industry. It includes 12 hours of on-demand video, one article, three downloadable resources, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.

The course covers topics like full top-down character movement, creating tile-based maps in Unity, full dialog system, stat-tracking and upgrading, dungeon room navigation, simple and easy shop systems, action combat systems, boss battles, progression management, and interactive menus.

Key Takeaway: This is a comprehensive learning track specially designed for beginners. The course also comes with a certificate of completion that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.

Learn Unity's Entity Component System to Optimise Your Games | Udemy

Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: C# Job Systems, Collision Systems, Trigger Systems, User Input

This in-depth course teaches students advanced techniques for object-oriented programming. It simplifies Unity's DOTS architecture and introduces students to ECS. Students will understand how DOTS works, understand future ECS, and handle API updates. It includes 13 hours of on-demand video, four articles, 75 downloadable resources, and a certificate of completion.

Key Takeaway: This advanced course focuses on advanced game design concepts and is ideal for current game development and design professionals who want to upskill.

XR Industry Bootcamp: Developer | XR Terra Bootcamp

Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Unity, 3D Interactions, Development Tools, AV/VR Best Practices

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skill level, and experience necessary to become game development professionals. The course is only open to students with previous programming, game development, and/or software development experience.

This programs aims to help professionals upgrade their skills and become productive members of an XR-focused team. The course includes two real-world capstone projects in AR and VR. Upon completion, students receive career services and a certificate.

Key Takeaway: This course offers a certificate badge of completion that can be used as proof of learning. It also includes six credits from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology that can be transferred to other colleges.

Discover Unity 2021 Game Development Bundle | Zenva Academy

Learning Format: Full program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Unity Engine Foundations, 3D Platformer Mechanics, 2D Idle Clicker Functionality

This program consists of 10 courses that are designed for students without any programming experience. It covers the fundamentals of Unity, the key techniques of game development, and the skills relevant to beginning a career in Unity game development.

Students will get to put their skills to practice by building their own video games, which can be added to their portfolios. Topics include Unity Engine Foundations, 3D Platformer Mechanics, 2D Idle Clicker Functionality, Android and iOS Mobile Games, and Multiplayer Fundamentals with Photon.

Key Takeaway: This 10-course bundle provides students with all of the knowledge and skills they'll need to start their game development careers.

Online Unity Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

A man sitting at a desk with a laptop and using VR goggles. Online Unity Courses — Unity is one of the most popular game engines today.

While there aren't right or wrong program options, there are certainly options that are more or less suited to your preferences and goals. When choosing which program is best for you, it's important to consider the program duration, cost, and schedule.

How to Choose the Right Online Unity Course, Class, or Training Program

Flexibility

When choosing a program, one of the most important things to consider is whether the program requires you to study full-time, part-time, or at your own pace. If you're currently working or have obligations that would prevent you from studying full-time, you'll want to find part-time or flexible learning options.

Cost

You should also consider whether a program is affordable or offers some form of financial aid. Most program providers offer scholarships, grants, discounts, and payment plans. While many courses and classes are provided free of cost, others can cost as much as college tuition.

Duration

Duration is an important factor, especially if you're relying on the program to prepare you for career entry or transition. If you already have a plan as to when you want to use the knowledge and skills you're acquiring through a program, you'll want to make sure it works with your time constraints. Some courses can be completed in a few weeks, while others take months.

Unity Course Certificates vs Certifications

Certificates and certifications are both beneficial to your career, but in different ways. Course certificates are awarded to students who successfully complete the related course. Alternatively, certifications are earned through passing the related exam. While certificates provide proof of course completion, certifications prove that you're qualified for the related position.

Importance of Unity Certifications

Unity certifications are important because they serve as proof of your eligibility in the field. Having a certification from a recognized organization is also a great way to qualify for related promotions or enhance your candidacy to employers. As certifications are widely accepted and acknowledged in the tech industry, it's a reputable way to enter or advance your tech career.

Why You Should Take Online Unity Courses or Classes

Online Unity courses and classes are beneficial for a variety of reasons. They adequately prepare students for their related careers by providing hands-on learning opportunities and theoretical knowledge, while allowing them to build their professional portfolios concurrently.

Online courses allow advanced-level developers to update or further advance their skill sets and ensure they stay relevant within the field. They also create a pathway to job advancement by equipping Unity professionals with knowledge and skills related to certain positions.