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 Simi Valley, CA

Simi Valley has a population of about 126,181. The case for game design summer camp here is not that the area lacks camps — it is that most of them end without the child being able to explain what they made.

Ages 8-14 · For families · California · West

Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in Simi Valley, 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

Simi Valley, CA — what applies locally

Simi Valley has a population of about 126,181.
State: California · Region: West

Questions we get from Simi Valley, 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 Simi Valley

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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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