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Portfolio Builder - Video Game Data
Build a Power BI report from start to finish with real video game data. Gain hands-on experience transforming and visualizing data for an impressive portfolio project.
Are you ready to add a powerful project to your portfolio and explore the world of video game data? In this course, instructor Greg Trzeciak will guide you step by step through the process of creating a Power BI report from scratch, using real data based on video games. You’ll discover how to bring in your data, shape and organize it, and then present it in a visually engaging way—all with easy-to-follow instructions. We’ll keep the focus on getting you hands-on experience so you can apply what you learn right away.
Whether you’re brand-new to Power BI or simply looking for a practical project to polish your skills, this course provides a straightforward approach that anyone can follow. Along the way, you’ll pick up insights on best practices, learn how to share your work effectively, and build confidence as you create a report you’ll be proud to showcase. By the end, you’ll have a finished piece ready to stand out in your portfolio—and a solid understanding of how to use Power BI to tell a compelling story with your data.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 01 - Introduction
In this opening module, you’ll get a clear overview of what to expect throughout the course and meet your instructor, Greg. We’ll discuss the main goals of building a Power BI report using video game data and how each module fits together. You’ll learn what tools and resources are needed, and why this project will be a great addition to your portfolio. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap of your learning journey and feel ready to dive in.
Module 02 - Data Overview
In this module, you’ll take your first look at the video game dataset that will form the foundation of your report. We’ll explore the structure of the data, how it’s organized, and what each field represents. We’ll also discuss potential areas of analysis—like sales, genres, and release dates—so you can plan your visualizations. By understanding the data upfront, you’ll be better prepared to create meaningful and accurate reports in the coming modules.
Module 03 - Data Connection and Modelling41 min.
In this module, you’ll learn how to bring your video game dataset into Power BI and establish relationships between different tables. We’ll go over the basics of data modeling, showing you how to link fields logically for accurate insights. You’ll also discover how to manage data connections and refresh settings to keep your report up-to-date. By the end, you’ll have a solid framework ready for creating impactful visualizations.
Module 04 - Page Setup and Themes16 min.
In this module, you’ll learn how to set up your Power BI report page for a visually cohesive look and feel. We’ll cover basic layout considerations like page size, background elements, and how to choose a consistent color palette. You’ll also explore theme options to quickly apply branding or stylistic preferences across multiple pages. By the end, you’ll have a polished foundation to build on with your data visuals.
Module 05 - DAX27 min.
In this module, we’ll introduce you to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions), the formula language that brings your Power BI reports to life. You’ll learn how to create custom calculations and measures for deeper insights into your video game data. We’ll focus on simple, step-by-step examples so you can see exactly how DAX works in practice. By the end, you’ll have the know-how to unlock powerful new insights in your data.
Module 06 - King of the Hill Page12 min.
In this module, you’ll learn a fun way to highlight the top-ranked entries in your video game dataset using Power BI. We’ll walk through creating a “King of the Hill” measure or visual to show which game stands out above all others. By comparing different data points, you’ll quickly see the best performers at a glance. This dynamic approach will bring your report to life and reveal clear winners in your data.
Module 07 - Game by Game16 min.
In this module, you’ll focus on breaking down performance and trends at the individual game level. We’ll explore how to filter and drill down into each title’s data, making it easy to spot patterns and outliers. You’ll also learn how to highlight critical information—like sales or popularity—for a clear game-by-game comparison. By the end, you’ll have the skills to dive into any specific title for detailed analysis.
Module 08 - Tree Map7 min.
In this module, you’ll discover how to use the Tree Map visual in Power BI to get a big-picture view of your video game data. We’ll walk through creating and customizing a Tree Map to show clear relationships between categories like genre or platform. You’ll learn how colors, size, and labels can highlight key data points at a glance. By the end, you’ll have a visually engaging way to display complex information.
Module 09 - Genres Across Themes3 min.
In this module, you’ll dig deeper into the various game genres and how they compare across different categories in your data. We’ll explore advanced filtering options so you can see how factors like platform or release year affect each genre. You’ll also discover how color themes can help highlight these comparisons for easier interpretation. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of genre trends and patterns across your entire dataset.
Module 10 - Reviews9 min.
In this module, you’ll discover how to incorporate review data—such as player feedback or critic scores—into your Power BI report. We’ll explore different ways to visualize average ratings, highlight top and bottom performers, and uncover patterns in user feedback. You’ll also learn to combine review data with other insights, like sales or release dates, to get the full story behind each game. By the end, you’ll have a more nuanced understanding of how reviews shape a title’s overall success.
Module 11 - Selector11 min.
In this module, you’ll build an interactive selector that lets users easily filter and explore your video game data. We’ll show you how to create slicers or dropdown menus so viewers can focus on specific genres, platforms, or release periods. You’ll also learn how to use clear visual cues for seamless navigation. By the end, your report will feel more dynamic, giving anyone the freedom to quickly find the insights they care about.
Module 12 - Reviews Over Time5 min.
In this module, you’ll explore how video game reviews change over time, revealing trends and shifts in player feedback. We’ll build visuals that illustrate these changes, helping you spot patterns or anomalies in the data. You’ll also learn how to combine these timeline insights with other factors, like genre or platform, for broader context. By the end, you’ll have a dynamic view of how reviews evolve and impact overall performance.
Module 13 - Price5 min.
In this module, you’ll discover how to include and visualize game pricing data in your report. We’ll explore how to set up comparisons between price points and performance metrics, so you can see where cost and sales intersect. You’ll learn techniques for highlighting deals or spotting premium-priced hits. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how pricing factors into a game’s overall success.
Module 14 - Class Wrap Up2 min.
Congratulations on completing the course and creating your very own Power BI report! You’ve put in the work, gained valuable data skills, and now have a polished piece to show off in your portfolio. In this wrap-up module, we’ll reflect on everything you’ve learned and offer final tips to keep your momentum going. Well done on reaching the finish line—your new data insights are ready to shine!
Gregory Trzeciak has his master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida. He has 9 years of teaching experience in high school, college level, and summer programs where he was recognized as a top educator and leader in interactive education. As a trainer at Pragmatic Works, his primary goal is to help individuals gain confidence in using Power BI and the Power Platform. While not in the office, he enjoys fantasy football, walking his dog, and running half-marathons!