The Young Video Game Designer Summer Experience

Name: The Young Video Game Designer Summer Experience
Brand: InvestIN Education
SKU: 6683193213016
Availability: InStock

Ages 15-18 • London OR Live Online

Overview

This experience is almost fully-booked and we shall close registration in the next few days.

The Young Video Game Designer Summer Experience gives students aged 15-18 a 360-degree, fully immersive experience of working as a Video Game Designer in London.

Over the course of 10 days, students aged 15-18 will have some of the most prestigious experiences of video game design that one can imagine: design a video game from start to finish, present your game to a panel of experts in the heart of East London’s bustling tech city and elevate every aspect of the design process with masterclasses in visuals, music and script. Also available on the experience is an immersive visit to an independent game studio, the opportunity to test previously unreleased video games.

Join us for a life-changing experience that will serve as an outstanding differentiator on your university application form and set you up for a future as a successful video game designer.

Highlights

Immersive Video Game Design Experiences:

Compete in a Game-Jam and build your very own video game from scratch
Present your ideas to a panel of video game industry leaders at an iconic London skyscraper
Explore the state-of-the-art technological advancements such as motion capture and virtual reality, that are making video games more immersive than ever in a leading visual effects studio
Test previously unreleased video games to understand what helps bring a game to market
Undertake a visit to one of Europe’s largest independent motion capture studios
Private networking event at a Central London startup hub

Senior Video Game Designers from a Variety of Specialities:

Be coached through the immersive experiences with video game designers from world-renowned firms specialising in user interface, graphic design, mechanics and more
Private networking sessions with these professionals, who can become vital connections for your future career

Personalised Career Coaching:

Bespoke career coaching: receive training on how to land the most desirable jobs in video game design and a dynamic, personalised development plan to reach the height of your career ambitions

Competitive Advantage In Your University Applications:

Attending the Experience demonstrates that you’ve gained key skills such as visual and graphic design, problem solving and communication, which are highly-valued by top universities
Complete the online assessment after the programme and receive a personalised certificate to include in your UCAS/College applications.

World-Class Universities And World-Class People:

Experience one of the best universities on the planet: University College London (UCL).
Meet talented and ambitious students from around the world who fly in for the Experience, creating an invaluable lifetime network.

Design Your Own Summer Experience:

Choose to attend the 10-Day or 5-Day Summer Experience. You can also opt to attend this Summer Experience "Live Online" choosing between the 10-Day or 5-Day Summer Experience.
Accommodation, meals, guardianship and airport pick-up are available if required and can be added at checkout. London accommodation is provided at University of London’s halls of residence. Evening social activities will also be provided for students booking with accommodation.

DAY 1 – ENTER THE EXPERIENCE

DAY 2 – GAME-JAM (PART 1): GAMEPLAY DESIGN

DAY 3 – GAME-JAM (PART 2): LEVEL CREATION

DAY 4 – GAME-JAM (PART 3): UI/UX DESIGN

DAY 5 – GAME-JAM (PART 4): THE FINAL PRODUCT

DAY 6 – ENTER THE INDIE DESIGN STUDIO

DAY 7 – VISIONARY VISUALS

DAY 8 – MASTER THE ART OF MARKETING

DAY 9 - AN IMMERSIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE

DAY 10 - VIDEO GAME TESTING

2:30pmStart

Begin your journey to becoming a world-renowned video game designer! Over the next five days, you will become fully immersed in the world of video game creation by competing in a Game-Jam. Through a series of practical activities and workshops , you will discover the core steps of video game design, including: i) Creating fictional worlds and characters and mapping out game mechanics as a gameplay designer, ii) Creating captivating storylines and exciting missions as a level designer, and iii) discovering how to increase a game’s playability as a UI/UX designer. You will put your newfound expertise to the ultimate test by building the best video game from scratch in InvestIN’s Game Jam 2022. You will gain crucial experience in game design and development, try out different game creation roles, network with professionals and peers to find potential collaborators for new projects, and receive constructive feedback on your game from those in the know.

AfternoonThe Experience Begins

Enter the Experience and begin your journey to landing your dream career in video game design...
- Your journey starts here: step into the shoes of a top video game designer
- Keynote speech by the Experience Director: discover what the Experience has in store and how to make the most of this unique experience
- Immersive group activities: develop crucial design skills for the Experience ahead, including teamwork, artistic vision and analytical thinking
- Interactive networking session: meet your fellow interns – talented and ambitious students from around the world who can act as powerful contacts for your future career

5.30pmClose

*exact programme subject to change without notice

11:00amStart

MorningThe Gameplay Designer

Step into the shoes of the gameplay designer and put your skills to the test in Part 1 of the InvestIN Game Jam 2022
- Discover how gameplay designers create spellbinding worlds with fascinating characters and rich history
- Learn to craft compelling storylines and character arcs that captivate players
- Explore how the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented characters makes for a more vibrant game
- Prepare to begin the InvestIN Game Jam 2022: over the next four days you will build your very own video game from scratch

AfternoonFoundations for Success

- Begin your video game creation journey: meet your teams and the experts that will guide you throughout this challenge and lead you to victory
- The video game developer’s toolkit: discover the cutting-edge tools at your disposal to craft your game
- Map out the mechanics of your game and define your rules and modes of play
- Develop the core building blocks of your game: set yourself up for success in the game jam

5:30pmClose

MorningThe Level Designer

Step into the shoes of the level designer and put your skills to the test in Part 2 of the InvestIN Game Jam 2022
- Discover the principles and work methods loved by world-leading level designers
- Learn how to release exciting new updates to develop and evolve a game whilst preserving its unique identity
- Explore how level designers make the most of current gaming trends to expand their player base
- Now it’s your turn: decide the pace and flow of your game and outline all possible outcomes

AfternoonLevel Up

- Expand your core game concepts into an elaborate video game containing multiple levels and extensive challenges
-Make them work for it: decide how the level of difficulty will increase throughout the game so that users feel a sense of accomplishment whilst playing
- Brainstorm future expansion packs to keep a renewed interest in your game even after years of gameplay
- Race to see how many different levels you can create!

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningThe UI/UX Designer

Step into the shoes of the User Interface/User Experience designer and put your skills to the test in Part 3 of the InvestIN Game Jam 2022
- What makes for successful UI/UX design? Uncover the core principles governing playability
- Learn what makes for a great looking UI that is intuitive, easy-to-use and engages players
- Discover different approaches to UI/UX in video game design and how they impact the player’s immersion within the game
- Empathy is key: step into the player’s shoes and evaluate the usability, accessibility, and style of game UIs across a variety of genres

AfternoonHeads Up!

- It’s your time to shine! Take what you’ve learnt and implement your own UI in your video games
- Create a captivating start page that sets the tone of your game and makes the users eager to play
- Design a heads-up display (HUD) that visually relays vital information to the player without interfering with their gameplay
- Ensure your UI contributes to the overall atmosphere and feel of the game

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningRace to the Finish Line

It’s time to reveal the winners of the InvestIN Game Jam 2022! Visit an iconic tech venue and present your game to a panel of video game industry leaders
- Time is running out! Add the final touches to perfect your video game
- Name your game and write an exciting description for the App store to convince users to download it!
- Your time to shine: show off your finished product at the top of an iconic London skyscraper and discover your peers’ creations
- Who will be crowned the winners of the InvestIN Game Jam 2022? Receive valuable feedback from experts in video game design and development and see if your game has what it takes

AfternoonCareer Coaching: How to Become a Top Video Game Designer

The core knowledge you need to plan your pathway to becoming a top video game designer…

- Your path to success: understanding the key decisions ahead and how to maximise your chances of success
- Subject choices at A-level/IB/university and more
- Securing work experience, designing impactful CVs/resumes and powerful interview techniques
- Coaching from experienced video game designers on what you can do now to stand out in the future

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

Now that you’ve discovered what it takes to build a winning video game, it is time for you to explore the video game design process from a business point of view, by i) stepping into the shoes of an indie game designer and devising a winning game concept, ii) creating a bespoke marketing campaign in the lead up to a video game launch, iii) discovering and designing your own the state-of the-art technologies that companies are pioneering to increase a player’s immersion in video games. Throughout the next five days, you will be working alongside and network with professionals from top gaming firms

MorningMeet your Team

You’ve been hired by a start-up to design a video game with a team of video game designers and artists
- The ins and outs of an indie game company: discover how a team without the backing of a large game publisher can bring a video game to life
- Receive your brief from industry experts: collaborate with your peers to devise a winning game concept
- Spend the rest of the day designing the most exciting levels, challenges, and missions for your video game
- Keep it creative! Tap into your imagination to come up with the most innovative creation

AfternoonThe Product Launch

- Develop your team’s concepts into a finalized product
- Prepare your pitch and present your creation in the Dragon’s Den
- Network with other teams and size up your competition – does your game have what it takes to win?
- The winning team will receive a professional mock-up of their video game to take home

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningEnter the Motion Capture Studio

Explore the state-of-the-art technological advancements bringing visionary visuals to life and making video games more immersive than ever

-A behind-the-scenes glimpse at how motion capture and CGI have been effectively used in your favourite video games and blockbuster films
- Experience first-hand the MoCap process: from high-precision real-time motion capture to data binding and repair
- Blurring the lines between animation and reality: how motion capture is integrated in every aspect of video game design
- Discover how at-home motion capture technology enables players to directly interact with their virtual environment and immerse themselves within the game

AfternoonThe Pinnacle of User Experience

- Discover how integrating the senses has revolutionised the way video games can be conceptualised
- Explore how physical touch can be integrated into video game design
- Devise creative solutions to our current challenges with one of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningThe World of Marketing

A winning product needs equally powerful marketing or its potential won’t be realised!

- Marketing is one of the most powerful forces in business: Uncover the key frameworks and techniques used in video game marketing to win the hearts and minds of consumers
- The psychology of marketing: product, place, price, promotion, people, positioning and packaging
- An ever-changing landscape: discover the rise of digital marketing and where creativity meets analytics
- Hear from expert marketeers with experience in a variety of industries on what they have found to be the most successful pathway to scalability

AfternoonThe Video Game Launch

- Race against time: work with marketing consultants to develop your short, medium and long term strategy within a given budget
- Know your Audience: how your inclusive marketing strategy can make an impact on the diversity of consumers
- Create eye-catching visuals, storyboard your advertising campaign, and collaborate to produce a cohesive vision for your product
- Pitch your bespoke campaign to a team of marketing professionals and receive live feedback

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningSetting the Scene

- Creating an immersive experience is paramount to video game design – explore the best techniques to achieve this feat

AfternoonThe Game Environment & the Senses

- Learn how to build upon the atmosphere and feel of a game to create an immersive experience for players
- Discover the impact of carefully crafted lighting, sound and backdrop on user experience (UX)
- Explore how video game designers engage the senses to create vivid and vibrant gameplay
- Have your say: what video games utilise these techniques the most effectively?

5:30pmClose

11:00amStart

MorningYou Become the Video Game Tester

In order to design a successful game, you must first know what makes a game unsuccessful

- Try your hand at the most common entry-level role for future video game designers: the video game tester
- Discover the design flaws that prevent games from making it to market
- Test out unreleased video games and identify core issues which could lead to their failure
- Devise the most innovative solutions to save a video game project

AfternoonPrivate Networking Event

Put your professional networking skills into practice at InvestIN’s Private Network Event…

- Put your newfound knowledge to the test
- Take part in a private networking session with top gameplay designers, level designers, UI/UX designers and developers
- Have your burning questions answered by those in the know
- Receive valuable advice from experts in the field

5:30pmClose

Fees, Eligibility and Options

This experience is almost fully-booked and we shall close registration in the next few days.

The Summer Experience is for students aged 15-18 and you do not require any prior knowledge. The London Experience will begin on 22nd July 2022. You can choose to attend for either days 1-5 or days 1-10. You can add accommodation, meals and transfers if you wish to. Listed on the table below is a breakdown of the pricing options and what is included. (There is an alternative 'Live Online' version of the experience which you can attend for either 5 or 10 days which will begin on 12th August 2022.)

Click "Register Now" to book your place. Alternatively, if you wish to pay by instalments please email us at info@investin.org with the following information and we shall send you an invoice for a 50% deposit: student's name; date and length of summer experience; whether you want accommodation or not.

Summer Experience Type	London 5-Day	London 10-Day
Length	Days 1-5	Days 1-10
Compete in a Game-Jam and build your very own video game from scratch. Present your ideas to a panel of video game industry leaders. Expand upon core concepts and develop multiple levels paying attention to UI/UX
Test previously unreleased video games to understand what helps bring a game to market. Storyboard a video game incorporating music, sound effects and visuals
Private networking event at East London’s Studio Spaces Warehouse
Summer Experience fee	£1350	£2600
Optional fee for University of London accommodation (private single en-suite rooms) with all meals and guardianship included	£600	£1350
Optional fee for London airport pick-up and drop-off (each way)	£100	£100
Alternative ‘Live Online’ version of the Summer Experience (choose 5 or 10 day)	£595	£995

Venues, Dates & Locations

London, UK

In-Person

22nd July – 31st July

UCL, University of Cambridge, and other locations

Accommodation Location

Garden Halls (University of London)
London, WC1H 9EN

College Hall (University of London)
London, WC1E 7HZ

Download Digital Brochure - Garden Halls >>

Download Digital Brochure - College Hall >>

Live Online

In-Person

12th August - 21st August 2022

11am - 4:00pm (UK time)

Choose A Location Below:

In-Person

22nd July – 31st July

UCL, University of Cambridge, and other locations

Accommodation Location

Garden Halls (University of London)
London, WC1H 9EN

College Hall (University of London)
London, WC1E 7HZ

Download Digital Brochure - Garden Halls >>

Download Digital Brochure - College Hall >>

Online

12th August - 21st August 2022

11am - 4:00pm (UK time)

AmbitionX

As part of your booking, you will receive 12 months’ access to our state-of-the-art tech platform, AmbitionX. Here you will find all of your programme materials and complete post-programme assessments to gain coveted ‘experience points’ to demonstrate your levels of professional development. You will also be able to access any of InvestIN’s Live Online weekend and evening programmes through AmbitionX at no extra cost.

COVID-19

In the unlikely event that the in-person programme is completely cancelled because of Covid-19 then students will receive a refund. We have never yet had to cancel a London summer experience, having successfully delivered programmes during the summers of 2020 and 2021, with strict social distancing and excellent feedback. We shall of course adhere to all Covid-related government guidelines in place at the time of the programme and keep student safety as the highest priority.

If you pay via credit because you postponed a previous booking then the credit note will be reissued to you in full.

Testimonials

Support

If you are trying to register and the registration box is not appearing it is likely because of firewall restrictions on your desktop device. You may wish to try on your mobile device instead. Alternatively, please email info@investin.org with details of the programme you want to register for. We will reserve your place immediately and send you a link to pay by card online.