School of Computing and Informatics

2009 Programs

Middle School:

June 1-12, 2009, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For students entering 7th-9th grades.
Tuition: $300 per student

Note: Accepting applications for wait list only. Camp is currently full.

This two week program introduces middle school students to the fascinating world of video games. Students learn problem solving and game design skills by creating simple 2D computer games.

The hands-on curriculum focuses on various aspects of video game creation ranging from pixel art, texturing, sprite design, motion paths, navigation, user interface design, level design and simple artificial intelligence. Students will come out with a strong understanding of the game production pipeline and will have the opportunity to extend their creativity by enhancing the games created during the camp. No pre-requisite knowledge is required for enrollment. Limited seats are available and will be given on first come basis. Classes held on ASU Tempe campus.

High School:

The high school video game summer program has been restructured this year. Students have three tracks to choose from:

  • A two week video game art camp that teaches cutting edge industry standard 2D/3D art production and integration with the Unreal 3 game engine.

  • A two week video game design camp that teaches level design creation and implementation along with basic scripting using the Unreal 3 engine.

  • A six week intensive camp that teaches all aspects of video game production and development and places the students inside of teams where they take on specific roles and create a fully functional video game prototype.

2 Week Art Camp:

June 15-July 1, 2009, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For students entering 9th-12th grades.
Tuition: $300 per student
Students graduating from this track will have a solid understanding of the gaming industry as well as the process of game creation and the tools used to create games, such as 3D Studio Max, Unreal 2004 Engine, Unreal Script and Adobe Photoshop. Each student will learn to create a video game art portfolio working on all aspects of the process including concept art, style guides, texturing, modeling and character animation. Classes held on ASU Tempe campus.

2 Week Design Camp:

June 15-July 1, 2009, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For students entering 9th-12th grades.
Tuition: $300 per student
Students graduating from this track will learn how to use industry standard tools provided by the Unreal 3 engine and apply it to the area of level design. They will learn the process of creating Unreal 3 maps, adding mutators and authoring Unreal mods. They will understand the various elements of the game production pipeline and learn how to work with various assets and UnrealScript code. They will understand the basics of scripting languages and write simple scripts that tie into the process of level design. Classes held at Skysong in Scottsdale.

6 Week Intensive Camp:

June 15-July 24, 2009, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For students entering 9th-12th grades.
Tuition: $1,000 per student
Students graduating from the intensive track will get an introductory knowledge of all aspects of the game production and development process including art, game design and programming. They will also have a unique opportunity to work in teams comprised of other students to create a fully functional 3D game prototype by the end of the camp. The teams simulate the real workings of a game design studio and students take in various roles to finish the prototype by the end of the camp. The camp culminates in an open house for parents, faculty and industry where judges give away awards for the best game, best design, best art and best programming. Classes held on ASU Tempe campus.