Effective Instruction
VAKT learning style which employs the main sensory receivers: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic (movement) & tactile. As an individual, you may find learning through one of these sensory receivers yields more effective learning outcomes for you. Spend the time searching for learning material delivered in a way which is most effective for you (Eg: Video tutorials with an instructor who’s delivery you are comfortable with, written instruction structured in a clear and meaningful way to you).
Online Training Resources
Lynda.com (Paid)
https://www.lynda.com/
Pluralsight (Paid)
https://creative.pluralsight.com/11/index.php
The Gnomon Workshop (Paid)
https://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/
3D Buzz (Free/Paid)
https://www.3dbuzz.com/
Youtube (Free)
Code Combat, learning to code while playing a game.
https://codecombat.com/
Codingame
Program in different languages in game-like situations.
Software
Adobe Software
Photoshop (Illustration/).
Illustrator (Vector Illustration).
After Effects (Compositing/Motion graphics).
Premiere (Video editor).
Experience Designer.
Autodesk
Maya (3D modeling/animating).
3DS Max (3D modeling/animating).
Mudbox (3D sculpting/ texturing).
https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all
Foundry
https://www.thefoundry.co.uk/products/non-commercial/
Game Engines
Unreal Engine
https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/what-is-unreal-engine-4
Wireframing Software
Axure
Very powerful wireframe tool primarily used for designing enterprise apps. If setup correctly Axure has various functionality which mimics data driven behavior so users can get a better feel of how the application will function. The downside is Axure has a stepper learning curve and as a tool is slow in comparison to it's competitors especially if you want to quickly prototype a mobile application.
Free Student License
https://www.axure.com/edu
Invision
Free student license
https://www.invisionapp.com/education-signup
Balsamiq
.
Free student license
https://balsamiq.com/free/
Adobe XD
This will become the dominate wireframing software in the industry.
http://www.adobe.com/au/products/xd.html
Books
The Art of Game Design, A Book of Lenses
Infographics: The Power of Visual Storytelling