UNC Asheville Pre-College Program: Video Game Design

The Video Game Design program at UNC Asheville offers high school students a week-long immersive experience in the art and science of game development. Running from June 23–28, 2024, this residential pre-college program is perfect for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors eager to learn how to create their own games using industry-standard tools. With access to the university’s Esports Center and expert instructors, students will gain hands-on experience in game design while exploring the creative and technical aspects of game development. Program Highlights This program provides a comprehensive introduction to game design and development through engaging, hands-on activities: Learn Unreal Engine: Master the fundamentals of game development using Unreal Engine 5, an industry-standard tool for creating 3D games. Game Analysis: Playtest classic and contemporary games in the Esports Center to understand gameplay mechanics and design principles. Hands-On Workshops: Create your own game assets, explore programming concepts using Blueprints in Unreal Engine, and develop a deeper understanding of game history. Developer’s Perspective: Transition from being a consumer of video games to thinking critically about design choices as a creator. Collaborative Environment: Work alongside peers who share your passion for gaming and creativity. Daily Schedule A typical day at the program includes: Morning: 8:00 AM – Breakfast 9:00 AM – Game Development workshops (e.g., creating game assets or programming with Blueprints). Afternoon: 12:00 PM – Lunch and free time. 1:00 PM – Playtest games in the Esports Center related to the day’s development topic. Evening: 5:00 PM – Dinner. 6:30 PM – Recreational activities like beach volleyball, movie nights, or Asheville excursions. 11:00 PM – Lights out. Program Details. Cost: $1,580 (includes lodging, meals, course materials, activities, and excursions). Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Location: UNC Asheville campus. A $500 deposit is required upon registration, with the remaining balance due by May 1, 2024. Students will stay in campus residence halls and dine in the campus dining hall. Why Choose This Program? Parents and students love this program for its ability to combine creativity with technical skill-building in a supportive environment. Key benefits include: Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced faculty like Victoria Bradbury and Ashe Cosette, professionals with expertise in new media art, virtual reality, and graphic design. Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience with industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine while working on real projects. Collaborative Community: Connect with peers who share your passion for gaming and creativity while experiencing college life. For teens passionate about video games and eager to explore the world of game design, this pre-college program at UNC Asheville is an inspiring opportunity to turn their interests into real-world skills. It’s not just a camp—it’s a launchpad for future creators!