What core AI concepts are covered?

Pathfinding (A*), Finite State Machines (FSM), Procedural Content Generation (PCG), and planning algorithms like Minimax/MCTS.

Does the course cover Reinforcement Learning (RL)?

Yes, you will cover core concepts like Q-Learning, the Exploration vs. Exploitation trade-off, and Deep Q Networks (DQN) for training intelligent agents.

What industry case studies are included?

Case studies cover strategic Al in StarCraft II (AlphaStar), procedural generation in Minecraft, and adaptive difficulty in Resident Evil 4.

How does the course address adaptive gameplay?

It teaches principles of Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA) and player profiling to personalize the challenge and narrative based on player performance.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Modern Game Design Mastery with AI

Modern Game Design Mastery with AI

Instructor: AI CERTs Team

Included with

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9 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Advanced level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

9 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Advanced level

Recommended experience

3 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Build Intelligent Game Agents: Create AI-driven NPCs using Python, Pygame, and Unity for immersive gameplay.
Apply Core AI Techniques: Implement FSMs, behavior trees, pathfinding, and reinforcement learning in games.
Master Game AI Logic: Develop decision-making, perception, and movement systems that respond to players.

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There are 9 modules in this course

The future of gaming goes beyond visuals—it's powered by intelligent systems that adapt, learn, and elevate player experiences. Modern Game Design Mastery with AI is a specialized program designed for developers, designers, and creators who want to build next-generation AI-driven games.

The learning journey is structured into three progressive pathways: AI Foundations for Gaming – core AI concepts, game mechanics, behavior systems & pathfinding Applied AI in Game Design – machine learning, procedural content generation, reinforcement learning & adaptive gameplay Advanced Game Intelligence & Real-World Simulation – advanced algorithms, 2D/3D agent design, and dynamic difficulty systems Through hands-on labs, guided simulations, and case studies from games like Zelda, Minecraft, and StarCraft, participants gain practical skills in building smart NPCs, training AI agents, designing adaptive challenges, and integrating AI within popular game engines like Unity. If you’re ready to create games that think, evolve, and respond like never before—this program is your gateway.

This module covers a quick summary of what the certification is going to cover from start to finish. Here is the brief about the structure of the overall certification: Each of our certifications follows a consistent, multimodal structure to provide a flexible learning experience. The content is available across four formats: eBooks: In-depth written material for focused learning. Audiobooks: Audio version of the eBook, perfect for learning on the go. Podcasts: Engaging audio content to reinforce key concepts. Videos: Modular video chunks, each covering a specific topic. The names of the eBooks, Audiobooks, and Podcasts are the same, ensuring you can seamlessly switch between formats without losing track of the content. Videos are divided into bite-sized modules for easier consumption, and all content across these mediums is consistent, so no matter which format you choose, the information remains the same. This gives you the freedom to learn in the way that works best for you.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment2 plugins

8 videos Total 138 minutes

Audiobook: Course Introduction 6 minutes
Course Introduction 6 minutes
Audiobook: Module 1: Introduction to AI Games 64 minutes
Podcast: Module 1: Introduction to AI Games 43 minutes
1.1 What is AI? 5 minutes
1.2 Evolution of AI in the Gaming Industry 5 minutes
1.3 Types of AI in Games 4 minutes
1.4 Benefit of AI in Gaming 6 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 1 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 1: Introduction to AI Games 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: True or False 15 minutes

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

9 videos Total 148 minutes

Audiobook: Module 2: Game Design Principles using AI 76 minutes
Podcast: Module 2: Game Design Principles using AI 42 minutes
2.1 What are Game Mechanics? 4 minutes
2.2 Game Mechanics: Building Blocks and Core Components 5 minutes
2.3 Types, Purpose, Selection and Benefits of Game Mechanics 5 minutes
2.4 Role of AI in Gameplay and Narrative Design 4 minutes
2.5 Game Environment Design: Definition, Importance, and Key Components 4 minutes
2.6 AI Interaction in Game Environment Design 4 minutes
2.7 Scripted Logic, AI Behavior, and Their Role in Game Design 5 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 2 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 2: Game Design Principles using AI 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Accordion 15 minutes

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

8 videos Total 170 minutes

Audiobook: Module 3: Foundation of AI in Gaming 95 minutes
Podcast: Module 3: Foundation of AI in Gaming 47 minutes
3.1 AI in Gaming: Roles, Features, Entities, and Environments 6 minutes
3.2 AI Dynamics in Gaming: States, Actions, and System Integration 4 minutes
3.3 Search Algorithms in Gaming: Concepts, Purpose, and Types 5 minutes
3.4 AI Behavior Modeling and NPC Control Using Finite State Machines 4 minutes
3.5 Introduction to Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning 5 minutes
3.6 Case Study: AI in Minecraft —Procedural Content Generation and Agent Navigation 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 3 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 3: Foundation of AI in Gaming 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Sequence Arrangement 15 minutes

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

8 videos Total 169 minutes

Audiobook: Module 4: Reinforcement Learning Fundamentals 87 minutes
Podcast: Module 4: Reinforcement Learning Fundamentals 58 minutes
4.1 What is Reinforcement Learning? 4 minutes
4.2 Q-learning Algorithm 3 minutes
4.3 Understanding the Concept of Exploration versus Exploitation 4 minutes
4.4 Strategies for Balancing Exploration and Exploitation in RL Agents 5 minutes
4.5 Deep Q Networks (DQN) 4 minutes
4.6 Policy Gradient Methods and Case Study 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 4 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 4: Reinforcement Learning Fundamentals 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Case Study 15 minutes

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

7 videos Total 188 minutes

Audiobook: Module 5: Planning and Decision Making in Games 105 minutes
Podcast: Module 5: Planning and Decision Making in Games 64 minutes
5.1 Minimax Algorithm 5 minutes
5.2 Alpha-Beta Pruning Optimization in the Min-Max Algorithm 4 minutes
5.3 Monte Carlo Tree Search and Exploration vs Exploitation 4 minutes
5.4 Application in Classic Board Games 3 minutes
5.5 Case Study: Strategic AI in StarCraft II – Combining Planning Algorithms for Real-Time Strategy 3 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 5 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 5: Planning and Decision Making in Games 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Multiple Select 15 minutes

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

9 videos Total 188 minutes

Audiobook: Module 6: AI Techniques in 2D/3D Virtual Gaming Environments Basic 95 minutes
Podcast: Module 6: AI Techniques in 2D/3D Virtual Gaming Environments Basic 63 minutes
6.1 What is 2D Game Development? 3 minutes
6.2 3D Game Worlds 4 minutes
6.3 Game Environments and Representation Techniques 4 minutes
6.4 Terrain Modeling Basics and Environmental Assets Integration 3 minutes
6.5 Navigation and Pathfinding Algorithms 6 minutes
6.6 Interaction and Behavior Systems: From Basic Interactions to Animation Syncing and Coordinated Behavior in 2D and 3D Environments 5 minutes
6.7 Case Study: Navigation and Interaction AI in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Enhancing Player Immersion with Dynamic AI Systems 3 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 6 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 6: AI Techniques in 2D/3D Virtual Gaming Environments Basic 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Drag and Drop 15 minutes

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment2 plugins

9 videos Total 163 minutes

Audiobook: Module 7: Adaptive Systems and Dynamic Difficulty 86 minutes
Podcast: Module 7: Adaptive Systems and Dynamic Difficulty 41 minutes
7.1 Adaptive Systems Overview 5 minutes
7.2 Key Principles and Techniques of Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA) 9 minutes
7.3 Understanding Adaptive Storytelling 5 minutes
7.4 Personalization and Player Profiling 6 minutes
7.5 AI Techniques in Adaptive Systems 3 minutes
7.6 Implementation Strategies and Tools 3 minutes
7.7 Case Study: Dynamic Enemy Management and Replayability with Left 4 Dead’s AI Director 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Hands - On 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 7 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 7: Adaptive Systems and Dynamic Difficulty 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Tab 15 minutes

What's included

8 videos1 assignment2 plugins

8 videos Total 117 minutes

Audiobook: Module 8: Future of AI in Gaming 61 minutes
Podcast: Module 8: Future of AI in Gaming 24 minutes
8.1 Generalist AI Agents and Transfer Learning 6 minutes
8.2 AI-Powered Game Design 5 minutes
8.3 AI Tools for Balanced and Engaging Gameplay 6 minutes
8.4 Ethical Challenges in AI Gaming 5 minutes
8.5 Overview on Emerging Technologies VR/AR AI 5 minutes
Course Summary 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Quiz 8 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 30 minutes

Module 8: Future of AI in Gaming 15 minutes
ACTIVITY: Problem Statement 15 minutes

What's included

1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

Instructor

AI CERTs Team

AI CERTs

44 Courses 14,523 learners

Offered by

AI CERTs

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Frequently asked questions

It is a 1-day intensive program designed to deliver hands-on skills in integrating AI into gaming workflows quickly.

It is ideal for game developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts who want to build next-generation, AI-powered gaming experiences.

Basic programming skills (Python), introductory machine learning, and exposure to game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine are recommended.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.