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 McClain County, OK

McClain County is one of 77 counties in Oklahoma. 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 · Oklahoma · South

Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in McClain County, OK

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

McClain County, OK — what applies locally

McClain County is one of 77 counties in Oklahoma.
Every public school district inside McClain County is eligible for the district licensing terms.
State: Oklahoma · Region: South

Questions we get from McClain County, OK

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 McClain County

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Game Design Camp elsewhere in Oklahoma

Adair County, OKCounty Alfalfa County, OKCounty Atoka County, OKCounty Beaver County, OKCounty Beckham County, OKCounty Blaine County, OKCounty Bryan County, OKCounty Caddo County, OKCounty

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