Do they build a real game?

Yes, playable by the end of the week, and playtested by the other campers who are ruthless.

Beginner engines and paper prototyping first. Paper catches bad design faster than code does.

Is this just playing games all week?

No. Playing is the testing step, and they have to write down what they changed and why.

Game Design Summer Camp in Madera, CA

Madera has a population of about 63,105. Somewhere in it are children who would love game design summer camp and have never been offered one within driving distance.

Ages 8-14 · For families · California · West

Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in Madera, CA

What the week actually is

Game design is systems thinking with the boring name removed. Balance, incentive, feedback loops, difficulty curves — a child who can explain why their level is too easy is doing analysis, and they will do it for six hours without being asked.

Day by day

Paper prototype, no computer
Playtest and take the criticism
Balance passes on the numbers
Build the digital version
Showcase: strangers play it in front of you

Madera, CA — what applies locally

Madera has a population of about 63,105.
State: California · Region: West

Questions we get from Madera, CA

Do they build a real game?: Yes, playable by the end of the week, and playtested by the other campers who are ruthless.
What tools?: Beginner engines and paper prototyping first. Paper catches bad design faster than code does.
Is this just playing games all week?: No. Playing is the testing step, and they have to write down what they changed and why.

Other camp themes in Madera

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Game Design Camp elsewhere in California

Perris, CACity Buena Park, CACity Westminster, CACity Rancho Palos Verdes, CACity Covina, CACity Antioch, CACity Murrieta, CACity Chino, CACity

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