Intro to Voyager (Ramp-Up)
Online
The Voyager program begins with an 8-week introductory course, wherein students embark on an epic “Behind the Scenes” journey through eight different popular game genres! First, they’ll learn how to navigate and manipulate objects in 3D space. Each week after that, they’ll explore the fundamental design concepts that go into making each game genre function, as well as review the basics of programming using JavaScript. Get ready to ramp it up!
Game Design
Online
Students who have progressed through our Voyager introduction then move into our weekly Apprentice program! While the primary game design instruction utilizes the popular game editor Unity, students don’t stop there – they’ll be learning about all aspects of game development! Watch them gain experience in 3D modeling using Blender and Maya, programming in JavaScript and C#, audio design via Audacity and Garage Band, 3D Printing with Makerware and Repetier, and so much more! Each week, our instructors challenge each group of students with new topics designed to keep students progressing in all areas. Our ultimate goal? For our students to gain the skills needed to become independent game developers! Come on in and start your voyage.
Game Dev Team
Online
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!
3D Art & Design
Online
With a focus on 3D Art & Design, students will use programs such as Maya and Blender to create their own 3D models, and study the entire 3D pipeline – from modeling and rigging to UVing, animating, texturing, and more, in order to make game-ready assets for programs such as Unity and Unreal. If your aim is to become a 3D modeler and animator, this class is a must! Note: Students enrolled in this class have progressed through our Voyager introduction and are now part of our weekly “Apprentice” program.
Robotics
Online
Develop skills in the exciting world of robotic design by learning Engineering, Programming, 3D Design, Electrical Circuits, and more! Classes are taught using an online circuit and virtual Arduino-board Emulator, while all of the parts and components that work with the virtual emulator can be purchased separately to be done physically at home. The beginning of this course will focus on introductory concepts in circuits, programming and 3D modeling; once completed, students will be introduced to increasingly complex engineering projects and coding concepts. They’ll work in teams on design challenges, fostering cooperation, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and mastering engineering and design processes. Components that students 3D model will be 3D-printed and sent via mail. Once this second phase of the course is complete, students will then move on to advanced projects of their own choosing, working independently with the aid of our professional instructors. Come and live (and learn!) on the edge of robotic design with us!
Open Lab
Online
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.