Quick Facts
Ages: 14–17
To participate in the residential experience, students must be at least 15 years old.
Grades: Rising ninth graders through rising 12th graders
Dates: July 21–25
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Mies Campus
Format: Overnight and Daytime
Duration: One week
Cost: $1,500 for Overnight; $650 for Daytime
Topic Area
Game Design
Program Description
This program provides high school students with a foundation in game development—and no coding experience is required. Participants will learn about various coding languages and frameworks, tools that they will use to design and create their own video games. As the program progresses, students will explore key aspects of game development, such as graphics, sound, player interactions, and structuring games around a theme or objective.
Schedule
Day 1: Students will learn the basics of game design, development, and logic via various scripting and programming languages in addition to developing code in various development environments. No programming experience necessary. The focus of these activities will be on game play and user interactions.
Day 2: Students will begin development with objects and game assets. They will make use of basic game play that emphasizes physical movement of game objects, as well as learning how to score and store scores for any number of players.
Day 3: Students will start to work in teams and develop exciting interactive games that re theme based.
Day 4: Students will begin to showcase game ideas as part of a team and incorporate animations, sounds, and platform movements.
Day 5: Students will present their team’s work to the group. In addition, multiplayer simulations will be introduced.
Activities
- Creating a video game by planning its development, including graphics, audio, and music
- Developing a game concept, create a prototype, test its functionality, and iterate on their ideas
- Expanding the development environment by adding multiplayer and enhanced gameplay features
- Bringing game ideas to life by learning JavaScript
- Developing video games for computer and web browsers with hands-on projects
Benefits
- Students will gain invaluable skills and knowledge in game design and development. By engaging in hands-on activities, students will learn the fundamentals of programming and game logic without needing prior experience.
- Students will benefit from collaborative team projects, fostering critical teamwork and communication skills.
- Throughout the camp, students will enhance their creativity by developing interactive games, incorporating animations, sounds, and multiplayer features, which will prepare them for future opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of game design.
- By presenting their projects, students will build confidence in public speaking and critical thinking, providing a well-rounded experience that extends beyond gaming.
Eligibility and Program Requirements
No prior knowledge necessary!