For Parents

Program Summary
At Emagination's game design camp teens create a playable 3D video game using industry standard software and the same collaborative team-based process that is employed in today's game design industry. Students are taught key skills then choose a role on a development team that reflects actual professional positions available at design studios. They may be a 3D Animator, level designer, audio artist, story writer, programmer, etc. Under the direction of Emagination Instructors, who act as Lead Designers, teams work together using an industry standard Design Document to create an original game.

Additional Program Features
Guest speakers from game studios and a studio tour provide a real world look at the $13 billion video game industry. The program culminates when teams present their games to a panel of industry experts who provide feedback and critique along with awards.

Our game design camp is designed to advance technical skills, encourage teamwork and teach first-hand how video games are created. The experience at Emagination also helps teens discover and refine their longer term goals and interests. The program is immersive but really fun and everyone develops friendships as they work on teams with like-minded teens.

Two-Week Overnight Camp Includes Weekends & Daily Recreation
Our game design camp runs for two weeks (14 days/13 nights) from Saturday to Friday. The day begins at 9:30 am and there is a long break in the afternoon for outdoor recreation and/or swimming. Console and computer gaming is allowed in the evening (it's research!).

Students have a blast on the weekend between weeks as they "Get Unplugged" in a day of outdoor activities on Saturday followed by gaming tournaments on Saturday night. Sunday includes a variety of activities and time for teams to work on their games.

Who should come to Emagination's Game Design Camp?
The program is for 15-18 year olds who have a passion for video games and a desire to learn the design and development process. There are no prerequisites.

Emagination Game Design is offered near Boston, Atlanta and Chicago at impeccably
maintained suburban campuses with modern classrooms, air-conditioned residence
halls, indoor pools and 24-hour campus security.

Dates and Location Descriptions

Bentley University in Waltham Massachusetts near Boston

Mercer University in Atlanta Georgia

Lake Forest College in Lake Forest Illinois near Chicago

We provide Transportation Assistance to students arriving by plane, train or bus.

Tuition
Tuition of $2,895 covers 14 days and 13 nights inclusive of instruction, recreation, supervision, room, meals, speakers and studio tour. Tuition also includes the weekend between weeks. Compare the tuition & program at Emagination with other game design camps (hint --- it's a much better value). Refer a Friend and save $50.

Sponsored by Emagination Computer Camps
Celebrating its fifth summer, Emagination's game design camp is sponsored and operated by Emagination Computer Camps, a leader in technology education since 1982. Emagination's mission is to educate, entertain and help develop healthy kids & teens.

Emagination Computer Camps operates summer technology camps for children ages 8-17 on campuses near Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. Emagination is accredited by the American Camp Association.

What do participants gain from Emagination's game design camp?
A playable video game

Proficiency using industry standard game design, imaging and animation software

A foundation of both technical and creative skills

Experience working both alone and on a development team

Pre-college experience on a college campus

Exposure to top video game industry executives and experts

Tour a local game development company. Past tours have included:

Blue Fang Games

Hi-Rez Studios

Electronic Arts

A valuable introduction to creating entertainment products

An Emagination Diploma

New friendships and an unforgettable summer experience

Who are the Instructors?
Instructors are typically graduate and undergraduate students completing a degree in video game design, digital media or computer science. There are an average six participants per Instructor. Instructors are the Lead Designers on the Development Team. Teaching is augmented by guest speakers from game studios.

How are Instructors hired?
The hiring process involves detailed applications and interviews with Emagination executives, reference checks, background checks and pre-camp on-campus training.

Supervision and Healthcare
Participants are supervised 24/7 by Emagination Instructors and staff members. Students live in a dorm room with a roommate. Instructors live in the dorm with students and students may not leave campus on their own for the duration of the program. Certain staff members are trained in CPR/First Aid and are available to assist with medication administration and minor medical issues. There is a hospital nearby for emergencies. The Massachusetts camp has a nurse on staff.

The Rick Goodman Scholarship Program
The Emagination Foundation is pleased to offer the Rick Goodman Scholarship Program. This program was created to honor Rick's innumerable accomplishments in the video game industry as well as his contributions to the development of Emagination Game Design.

A select number of partial tuition scholarships will be granted to applicants based upon financial need and demonstrated interest in video game design and development. Students interested in applying for the scholarships may email camp@computercamps.com for application instructions.

Have Questions?
Email us at camp@computercamps.com or call 877-248-0206