Game & Technology Academy, powered by George Mason University

At the Game & Technology Academy, students immerse themselves in the world of computer game design with exclusive access to the latest software, tools, and equipment. Students will apply their new skills in hands-on workshops on a range of gaming technology topics led by faculty from the nationally acclaimed George Mason Computer Game Design Program.

Designed to allow students to customize their experience, Game & Technology Academy allows students to choose their specialty, including art and animation, machine learning, and game programming and design.

Level up your programming skills

At the Game & Technology Academy, students can bring dreams to reality with the opportunity to:
  • Build valuable skills in your specialized track, from game production and programming to story design, through immersive tutorials and hands-on workshops
  • Access the latest in next-gen gaming technologies, including state-of-the-art labs and equipment
  • Explore the vast array of career opportunities available to you in the gaming world
  • Demo your creations for all to see at the Indie Showcase and visit the Virginia Serious Game Institute*
    *Residential only and not applicable for all courses

By attending Game & Technology Academy, students can earn college credit through our partnership with George Mason University.

2024 Locations, Dates & Tuition

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University

  • June 9-15
  • June 16-22
  • June 23-29
  • July 7-13
  • July 14-20
  • July 21-27
  • $2,595 – $2,645

What’s Included

On-site meals

University Accommodations

9:1 Overall Student-to-Staff Ratio

A Certificate of Completion

Program Highlights

The Future of Gaming

Use the latest in technology to delve into the world of machine learning and AI, explore the Unreal or Unity game engines, or see what’s cool about 3D game art!

Flexible Scheduling

Learn on your schedule with Residential and Commuter program options. Take one session, or take them all!

Game Design Experts

Students will tap into the vast knowledge and experience of the leading experts from Mason’s Computer Game Design Program.

Showcase Your Work

Create your own game or animation and demo it for Mason faculty and your other peers at the program’s Indie Showcase!

The Experience, Day by Day

Day 1

Registration and Orientation

  • Registration
  • Orientation
  • Evening Social/Ice Breakers

Day 2

Introduction to Course Topic and Core Concepts

  • Morning Lectures and Project Work Time
  • Afternoon Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Core Programming Concepts Conditionals and Boolean Operators
  • Evening Activity: Understanding Leadership – Team Challenges

Day 3

Programming, Scripting, Materials, and Character Development

  • Morning Lectures and Project Work Time
    • UI Programming
    • HUD
  • Afternoon Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Platformer
    • Third Person Controller
  • Guest Speakers, Special Topics Lectures, and Group Work
  • Evening Activity: College Planning Seminar – Admissions

Day 4

Development Process Continues and Templates

  • Morning Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Applications: Enemy AI
  • Afternoon Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Ray Casting
  • Evening Activity: Personal Branding and Networking Mixer

Day 5

Custom Tutorials and Specialization

  • Morning Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Custom Tutorials: Racer Games, Entering/Exiting Vehicles
  • Afternoon Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Custom Tutorials: Creating Specialized Scripts
  • Evening Site Visit: Virginia Serious Gaming Institute (VSGI)

Day 6

Launch, Polish, Publish

  • Morning Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Level Design/Level Building
  • Afternoon Lectures and Project Work Time
    • Playtest/Publish
  • Group Presentations
  • Departure

This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of the experience offered and is not intended to represent a specific schedule for 2024. The specific 2024 schedule, locations, speakers, and site visits may be modified.

Location

What some of our alumni are saying…

My son had an outstanding experience in the week that he spent training with the expert team at Envision. It was an excellent opportunity for him to meet and work with other students from different schools and states.”

My son had a great time learning Unity, hearing from guest speakers, and connecting with like-minded youth during the Envision Experience game design course at George Mason University. It was very well run, and I would send him to another Envision Experience course.”

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