The Champlain Game Academy offers two intensive pre-college programs for high school students in grades 10-12: Game Academy and Advance Game Academy. Our programs explore what it is like to take college-level game development courses while learning how to make games. Using the learning model of the acclaimed Champlain Game Studio, students in these programs will work as a creative team that focuses on creative collaboration between team members.
We recently added our Introduction to Game Development program for students in grades 7-9 in order to support future game developers of all ages. There is also an available program on art & design portfolio building for students interested in Game Art, and the artistic elements of game design.
Our pre-college programs will benefit students who are seriously considering studying game development in college and/or are considering the game industry for a career. Previous experience is not necessary as our curriculum includes instruction for how to use the tools needed for game development. However, students with some background will also find themselves challenged by this college-level curriculum. Our new Introductory to Game Development program will benefit younger students who are curious about what it takes to make a game but aren’t quite ready for the intensity of the pre-college curriculum.
In the Champlain Game Academy, you will learn how to use a 3D game engine to develop interactive games. Depending on your interests, you can focus on creating 3D art and animations, designing games (emphasis on level design), programming, creating music and sound effects, or testing and the production process. At the end of the Academy, you will have a finished portion of a game that was created by you and students from other disciplines working together as a team. The game can serve as the centerpiece of your game portfolio (many schools require portfolios for admission into their game development programs). Most importantly, you will have your love of games and interest in how they are made confirmed before you embark on your college search.The Advance Game Academy will build on the foundation you have gained from your first program to build a more complex level of understanding and experience. You will be able to create more complex art and design features. You will also be able to focus in more depth on a preferred area of concentration.The Introduction to Game Development program gives younger students the opportunity to make a game while learning what game development really is.
The program director is Dean Lawson. Dean is a professor of Game Programming at Champlain College and has been a game developer since 1994. He has worked on over 15 published games for PC, PS2, Nintendo DS, Web, and iPhone. Bridget Ryan is the administrative director and is the contact person for all questions regarding registration. Contact Bridget Ryan at gameacademy@champlain.edu or 802-383-6287.
All classes are designed and instructed by professors of game development at Champlain College. In addition to years of teaching experience, our professors are industry experts with professional experience in the industry. (See our Faculty page for more details.) Current and recently graduated game development students will assist in the classroom as teaching assistants.
We do not have a day student option at this time.
In order to participate in our virtual program, all students will need the following:– High-speed internet connection– Either a Windows PC or a Mac– Webcam– MicrophoneThe two main pieces of software we use are Unity 3D and Maya 2020. All of the software can be downloaded for free, and the system requirements for these particular pieces of software can be found here:– Maya 2020– Unity3DWe will provide registered students with specific set-up instructions before the start of their session.
The virtual format utilizes the same curriculum and has the same learning outcomes as the residential option offered for each program. The virtual format provides students with the ability to experience our exciting curriculum without traveling to Vermont. This format may appeal to students who, for a variety of reasons, cannot travel to Vermont for our on-campus experience but would like the opportunity to delve into the world of game development with a group of peers who share their passion for the game industry.The 2021 sessions were taught virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. We will update program descriptions accordingly when more information about 2022 sessions is available.
We’ll send you Game Studio info plus a game art poster designed by our students when you fill out this form.
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