Computer & Video Game Design Classes for Kids & Teens
Want to learn what it takes to design computer and video games? The Potomac Arts Academy in Fairfax, VA offers the perfect blend of university-quality game design teachers and a friendly environment with other kids from the community.
Semester: Spring 2012 (mid/February to mid/May)
Fall 2012 registration coming soon!
FOR KIDS:
- For Ages 12+, please see the TEEN classes below. During the summer, we run a 2 week program for Age Groups 9-12 & 13-18. Sign up for our Email Group to stay informed!
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FOR TEENS:
- Game Design 1 / Ages 12-18: Mondays, 5:00PM-6:00PM, start Feb 13
Step into the tech savvy, highly creative and imaginative world of Computer Game Design! Young students will be introduced to the game design process through individual and group activities related to game design including character art and design, storytelling, game mechanics, platform analysis, and game engine exploration. The class will involve a blend of physical game (such as board games) and computer game play with students adopting a "Learn as you Play" mentality. Game engines such as Kodu and Unity will be employed, as well as Adobe Photoshop software. Sessions will be fully supervised, and participants will be encouraged to work and think as a team with their peers. Only age-appropriate material will be used.
Teacher: Matt Nolan COST: $285 (10 classes)
02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/05, 03/19, 03/26, 04/09, 04/16, 04/23, 04/30,*
*05/07 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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- Game Design 2 / Ages 12-18: Mondays, 6:00PM-7:00PM, start Feb 13
Continuation of Game Design 1 (or the Summer Program); this course will delve further in to the world of Computer Game Design, with a more concentrated focus on the "development team" structure and a more expansive working of original game ideas. Students will develop games much like a studio, while learning and improving essential skills such as texture art, programming, modeling, animation, audio, story writing, and design.
Teacher: Matt Nolan COST: $285 (10 classes)
02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/05, 03/19, 03/26, 04/09, 04/16, 04/23, 04/30,*
*05/07 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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FOR ADULTS:
- no classes at this time
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GAME DESIGN SUMMER PROGRAM:
Each summer, Potomac presents a 2-week Computer Game Design program. The first week covers the basics of the Game Design 1 semester class. The second week is a more art-inspired focus on Computer Game Art. Since space is limited, participants are separated in to two age groups, 9-12 & 13-18. This is a fun introduction to Game Design for younger kids, as well as a preparation for older kids to take the Game Design 2 class in the Fall. Join our Email Group to stay updated on Summer Program information! |
 LOCATION:
Our Computer Game Design Classes take place in the inspiring School of Art & Design building on the George Mason University campus in Fairfax VA. Convenient drop-off/pick-up in front of the building will be arranged by a Potomac staff member.
Visitor parking options are available for an hourly rate.
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COMPUTER GAME DESIGN TEACHERS:
Matt Nolan
Hello, I teach Computer Game Design for Kids & Teens. Click here to read more about me!
Holding a Bachelor of Music in Music Synthesis from Berklee College of Music, Matt Nolan is the Technical Director for the Computer Game Design Program at George Mason University. Matt has a holistic vision for music, art, movement, and light. In 2007, his work using the Nintendo Wiiremote as a wireless controller for Audio-Visual instruments brought him recognition in the music and arts community as an inventive force. With roots as a classical singer, he is constantly working in the fields of Music Production, Composition, Painting, Programming, Sound Design, Installation Art, Video Design/Projections, and Computer Game Design. Matt specializes in interactive multimedia using Apple computers, the Mac Csound environment, and Max/MSP/Jitter. He is also a producer and composer of many genres of music and has been featured on numerous independently produced recordings since 1998. Matt established Potomac's Computer Game Design classes for young kids and teenagers in Fall 2009. Since then, the program has become so popular that there is often a waiting list to register!
Email Matt Nolen
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Greg Tamargo
Hello, I teach Computer Game Design for Kids & Teens. Click here to read more about me!
Greg Tamargo is a senior at George Mason University's Game Design program and has created numerous playable games. He has participated in the Global Game Jam three years in a row and has published a game, named Oblivio, to Apple's app store. The rest of his projects can be seen at www.gregmakesgames.com .
Email Greg Tamargo
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Daniel Cloth
Hello, I teach Computer Game Design for Kids & Teens. Click here to read more about me!
Daniel Cloth has been playing all kinds of games his whole life. He is currently working on becoming an animator in a gaming company. Daniel is a student in George Mason University's Game Design program. View his portfolio at
www.darkkorner.wordpress.com .
Email Daniel Cloth
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