GDC Courses

Character Pipeline and Customization System for Far Cry Primal

Explore Ubisoft's innovative character pipeline for Far Cry Primal, transitioning from 3DS Max to a cross-software approach using Python and ShaderFX, enhancing efficiency and customization in game development.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Tips from the Trenches - An Indie Guide to Contracting

Explore strategies for successful freelance contracting in game development, covering project structures, pricing models, and essential tools for achieving desired outcomes.

• YouTube
• 36 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Game Preservation Best Practices - A Real Life EA Case Study

Explore EA's game preservation challenges and best practices for AAA sports franchises. Learn processes applicable to various development teams for safeguarding gaming history.

• YouTube
• 44 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Horizon Zero Dawn - A QA Open World Case Study

Explore Guerrilla Games' QA strategies for Horizon Zero Dawn, including test automation, team management, and overcoming challenges in open-world game development.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

How to Make Games and Influence People - Leading Your Team Effectively and Healthily

Explore effective team leadership in game development, covering workplace psychology, stress management, communication skills, and conflict resolution for indie and mid-sized studios.

• YouTube
• 33 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Crowdfunding Your Video Game in 2019

Explore crowdfunding strategies for video games in 2019, covering platforms, project types, and successful campaign techniques with industry expert Thomas Bidaux.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Replicating Chaos - Vehicle Replication in Watch Dogs 2

Explore vehicle replication techniques in Watch Dogs 2, including trajectory compensation, network latency handling, and realistic player-to-player vehicle collisions.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Math for Game Programmers - Harmonic Functions and Mean-Value

Explore harmonic functions and mean-value parameterizations for procedural geometry in game development, with applications in mesh manipulation and UV generation.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Creating the Musical Identity and Style of Your Game

Explore techniques for crafting a game's musical identity, from articulating vision to executing ideas. Learn how developers and composers can collaborate effectively to create impactful game soundtracks.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Designing Episode's Interactive Fiction in Three Phases

Explore the three-phase process of creating interactive mobile fiction, from concept to polished product, with insights on audience engagement and optimization techniques.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Solving an Invisible Problem - Designing for Color-Blindness in Games

Explore best practices for making games accessible to color-blind players, covering types, impacts, and practical solutions for UI, palette design, and information conveyance.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Ranking Systems - Elo, TrueSkill and Your Own

Explore the mathematics behind Elo and TrueSkill ranking systems, and learn how to develop your own for various gaming applications. Gain insights into complexity, new player integration, and anti-cheating measures.

• YouTube
• 38 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

High Dynamic Range Color Grading and Display in Frostbite

Explore Frostbite's approach to HDR display support, covering color grading, tone mapping, VFX re-authoring, and performance optimization for enhanced visual fidelity in game development.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Kingdoms and Castles Postmortem

Discover how Lion Shield LLC tested audience interest for their hit city-builder Kingdoms and Castles, exploring market fit, art style, player fantasy, and strategic decision-making without crunch.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Freelancing - How to Live the Dream and Avoid the Nightmare

Strategies for successful freelancing in game writing: managing finances, coping psychologically, building reputation, and balancing work-life to achieve career goals and personal fulfillment.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk