Game Design

Get your start creating full-length, 2-D side-scrolling adventures, space shoot-em-ups, puzzle games, and more on pro game tools! Students use editors like GameMaker as they study the fundamentals of game design, computer programming, and pixel art with the option to publish their games for iOS, Android, or web browsers. Students also have the option to join the Pioneer Game Dev Team or Open Lab. Your only limit is your imagination! 

Game Dev Team

The Game Dev Team program, formerly known as GameWerx, is a separate initiative available to the Pioneer, Voyager, and Pathfinder classes. In this self-driven program, students join teams under the supervision and guidance of their Game-U instructor and work to reproduce the professional game development process, from planning to publishing – all to bring their own unique games to fruition!

Minecraft Engineering

Minecraft has captured the hearts of millions of inventive minds over the last decade due to the creative freedom it gives players. This class focuses on that freedom to broaden students’ understanding of engineering by utilizing in-game mechanics.

Students will learn Electrical Engineering by building contraptions using a circuitry system called Redstone. After learning the fundamentals of circuitry and logic gates, they will be able to create things like elevators, security systems, and more! They will also explore Software Engineering and develop their skills as programmers by learning how to use Commands to alter the functionality of in-game world pieces. By combining these two skills, students will be able to invent and innovate in the world of Minecraft and beyond! Come join and become a Minecraft Engineer!

Robotics

Learn engineering and robotics through virtual and, when possible, hands-on experiences with age-appropriate equipment. Participants will study the basics of robotic programming, electrical circuitry, and mechanical design – by building their own robot! 

After mastering the foundations, participants will be set a variety of engineering design challenges, each with their own set of circumstances and requirements for the student to overcome. These unique tasks, designed to meet the needs of all learners and interest levels, will foster mastery of engineering and the design process, as well as help develop key critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to all areas of life. Come on in and build!

2D Art: Digital Techniques

Take your art to new realms! Game-U’s 2D Art: Digital Techniques class teaches young artists how to use the digital medium to bring their creative vision to life. Using powerful software programs like Gimp, Krita, and Piskel, students create graphic design projects, edit digital media, draw characters, create animations, game art, and landscapes, and study professional digital techniques designed to improve their skills. 

All experience levels welcome!

Creative Writing

Every game needs a great story! Game-U’s Creative Writing students study narrative principles, character development, plot design, and writing style while exercising their imaginations. Students practice how to develop the lore behind a game with fun writing prompts, team-based brainstorming sessions, storyboarding, and personal writing projects. Get ready to tell a story!

Open Lab

Open Labs are available free of charge to current students. While no lessons are taught in Labs, students have the opportunity to work on achievement badges, ask questions, improve on current projects, and work on side projects, all under the supervision of an instructor.