• Refer a friend, save $25

    Register for camp and invite friends! You'll earn a $25 credit for each new referral, and your friends save too!

    Register for camp and invite friends! You'll earn a $25 credit for each new referral, and your friends save too!

    Refer a friend and save $25. Your friend will save, too.

    Once you register for an online or on-campus program, you'll receive a unique Refer-a-Friend code that can be shared with up to ten friends. You'll earn a $25 credit for each new referral, and your friends will save, too!

    Please note:

    • Students you refer cannot have previously attended an online or on-campus program with iD Tech.
    • Referrals must be made prior to the date your friends' sessions start. 
    • New students must enter your unique Refer-a-Friend referral code at the time of registration.
    • Refer-a-Friend savings does not apply to Online Private Lessons.
  • Add a course, save $50

    Save $50 when you buy a second camp or course, whether it’s in another topic or for another child!

    Save $50 when you buy a second camp or course, whether it’s in another topic or for another child!

    Automatically save $50 when you add courses or siblings!
    Pay standard tuition for one student to attend a small-group program and receive $50 off for each additional course or sibling.
    Note: You have the flexibility to add additional courses and siblings at any time during the qualifying term. Your automatic savings will be applied, provided the same account is used for all purchases. Automatic savings do not apply to Online Private Lessons.

  • Register now, pay later

    Spread the cost of camp out over time with a payment plan. Get started today for as low as $375!

    Spread the cost of camp out over time with a payment plan. Get started today for as low as $375!

    Payment plans available, for as low as $375!

Game Design 101

  • Price: Starting at $429
  • Age: Ages 10-12
  • Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
  • Format: Virtual Tech Camps | Small-Group, Online
  • Duration: Meets daily for 2 hours Monday-Friday

About This Course

Embark on your game design journey in this online version of our camp and develop your own game! You'll explore game design principles and create a game with GDevelop, a powerful yet user-friendly engine for beginners and seasoned developers alike. Design levels, create sprite art, and build game mechanics out of visual code and built-in behaviors. Voyage through your custom levels as you perfect wall jumps and unlock treasures. You can even publish your project on the official GDevelop website for your friends to play across the web! Your career as a game developer could start here, with pathways that branch to Unity and Unreal Engine.

Tools: GDevelop 5, Piskel

You'll learn to:

  • Create a game in GDevelop with variables, events, and visual code
  • Apply game design principles and storytelling to a project
  • Implement game mechanics with built-in behaviors, such as player movement
  • Design custom sprites and levels for your game
  • Develop and test a game from start to finish

Course Format

This course is part of a weeklong virtual summer camp running Monday through Friday. Your child will learn online with a small group of other students, in sessions led by expert instructors. Each day includes two hours of live instruction and peer collaboration plus two hours of self-paced project development. Learn more below. 


Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in this course could look like. Keep in mind students will progress at varying paces, and this is meant to serve as an outline of key materials and the overall experience. 

Students will jump into GDevelop to build and test a game using built-in behaviors and assets. 

Ready, set, game on! Students will design a playable game level with player movement and custom events, like collectible items.

Next, students will brainstorm ideas, including a theme and story for their project. They’ll concept and construct a level of their game, then transition to Piskel to design custom pixel art and animation.

Students will use visual code to implement mechanics in their game, such as platforms or enemies. They’ll test and iterate their project as they build each element.

To wrap up the week, students will playtest and finalize their games. They can choose to publish their final projects to the official GDevelop website where friends and family can play their game online!

Portfolio-Boosting Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Elite Staff & Experienced Instructors

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 25 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. Each year iD instructors go on to be hired by the most prestigious tech companies in the world like Google, EA, Disney, Microsoft, and more. When your child learns from the best, they’ll unlock opportunities to become their best.

  • 100% USA-based, adult instructors

  • Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU

  • Rigorous background and reference checks

  • Robust training programs and certification

  • Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Find a date
that works for you!

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FAQ

In game development, level design sets up the gameplay, and involves everything from mission design to map and stage layout. Good level design is immersive. It's challenging enough to be engaging, but not too challenging that it's impossible. It drives players to keep playing to get better at the game. Each level should leave players feeling like they've progressed, either in their skill or in the story.

As video games get more and more advanced, they’re beginning to look as visually sophisticated as blockbuster films. That means there is a lot going on behind the scenes! By combining a gamer’s eye for design and game mechanics with Unreal Engine's Visual Scripting, kids can level up their STEM skills.

While we are proud to offer world-class experiences on many of the world’s most prestigious university campuses, we also recognize that many families need the flexibility of quality virtual learning! It’s with these families in mind that we’ve adapted the core elements of our flagship camps to an online format with our Virtual Tech Camps. 

Like our on-campus programs, Virtual Tech Camps feature structured small-group sessions led by expert instructors. Each week includes live teaching of our signature, cutting-edge curriculum, plus peer collaboration, social time, and independent project work. To complete the experience, our Virtual Tech Camps incorporate all the magic of summer camp including games, challenges, and legendary iD traditions!

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

To run this online course with iD Tech, students will need a Mac or Windows computer (no Chromebooks, unless otherwise specified), a webcam, and a stable internet connection with access to Zoom video conferencing. Additional info on course-specific installation requirements will be communicated after registration.

As courses frequently sell out, we recommend registering early to secure your child’s spot. You can make unlimited changes - with no fees - up to 14 days before the start of your session. If you need to cancel, you will receive a refund of the amount paid, less the payment plan fee (if applicable) and the deposit of $250 per week. No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of your session.

Our Online Private Lessons offer 1-on-1 learning with our inspiring instructors, curriculum customized to your child’s needs, and a full range of STEM and other academic topics. It's as simple as selecting a lesson package and topic, and then choosing an instructor to schedule a 60-minute lesson at the date and time that works best for you. Learn more

Our Program Specialists are here to provide you with the best experience. Looking for a personalized course recommendation? Need help signing up? We’ve got you covered. Call us at 1-888-709-8324 or email hello@idtech.com.

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