July 7-August 22, 2008

If you’re entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer program unlike any other.

All sessions are offered in the morning and afternoon.

Seats filled up quickly last year, so register early!  Some fees will be waived for early applicants, and acting now assures that you will get the session that you want.

Each session is designed as a stand-alone learning experience; however, what you learn in one session will be useful in others.

Daily Schedule

AM Sessions: 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Lunch Break: 12:00PM to 1:00PM
             
PM Sessions: 1:00PM to 4:00PM

Students can be dropped off at Mildred Elley no earlier than 8:30AM and must be picked up no later than 4:30PM. In other words, students should be dropped off no earlier than 30 minutes before class time and picked up no later than 30 minutes after class time.

Session Descriptions

SC 001 Video Games - Press START Now!
Learn how to make your video game ideas come to life! You’ll create a complete outline of your game concept, including the storyline, characters, and worlds.

SC 011 Photoshop for Video Games
Adobe Photoshop is used throughout the video game industry. Game artists use it to create the “textures” that turn boring grey models into rust-covered robots. You’ll learn how in this class!

SC 002 Designing Your Video Game Content
So you have an outline of the game of your dreams but what’s next? It’s time to start designing the sights, sounds and activities of your game.  This course will refine your ideas into a visually exciting document that details your game’s world, story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.

SC 012 3D Modeling and Animation
Every object you see in a 3D video game was built using a tool like Autodesk’s Maya. In this introduction to Maya, you’ll learn how to design, build, and animate 3D models limited only by your imagination!

SC 003 Designing Video Game Puzzles
Without puzzles video games would  be BORING! You’ll learn about and design puzzles including “lock and key” puzzles, environment puzzles, and boss battles.

SC 013 Building 3D Game Objects
The job of the object/props modeler is where most 3D artists start in the video game industry. Here’s where you’ll learn various techniques for creating 3D objects and props to make your video game world a living, breathing place.

SC 004 Designing Video Game Worlds
Move mountains, tame rivers, and build secret underground bases. When you’re done, you’ll
have world designs and maps that describe where and how your story takes place.

SC 014 Building 3D Game Worlds
Build an entire world in 5 days!! Learn the techniques used to create the kind of 3D world that makes a video game worth playing. You’ll be able to show your friends a 3D world that you created!

SC 005 Designing Video Game Characters
The next superstar video game character may be the one you create!  Your character concepts will detail your characters’ appearances, personalities, histories, and abilities.

SC 015 Building 3D Game Characters
Great games have great characters. Here’s where you learn how to make one. Man, woman, kid, hero, villain, robot, or monster - it’s your choice! Learn techniques for building your own 3D game characters.


SC 006 Designing Video Game Levels
Every video game adventure was thought of by someone like you. Now it’s your turn! Plan the adventures and experiences your characters will have. When you’re done, you’ll have an actual playable level for your video game.

SC 016 Building 3D Game Levels
This is it! Your level is designed. Now is the time to build it! When you’re done, you’ll have an actual playable level for your video game.

SC 007 Designing 2D Side-Scrolling Games
Side-scrollers are back! (Remember Super Mario Brothers?) Learn how to make this type of two-dimensional game that will blow your mind!  When you are done, you will have a playable 2D side-scrolling game level of your own creation.

SC 017 Creating Game Mods
This is your opportunity to make an existing game even better! Game mods (short for odifications) are all over the internet. It’s time to add yours to the list. Learn how it’s done!

Our Philosophy

Teamwork is a crucial part of the video game design world. Each session combines small group instruction with individual and group projects to ignite the imaginations of future game makers.

The Important Questions

Where (is the Program held)?
The 2008 Video Game Design Summer Program will be held at Mildred Elley’s Pittsfield, MA campus at St. Lukes Square; 505 East Street.

Who (leads the sessions at the Program)?
The faculty and staff of the Video Game Design Summer Program are  drawn from Mildred Elley’s School of Digital Media Arts and from professionals working in the field.

What (tools will I use)?
Basic supplies will be provided by Mildred Elley and are included in the registration charges. Software is available at the Mildred Elley Digital Media Arts Computer Lab.  If you wish to purchase your own software licenses for use at home, we can advise you about educational
pricing.

What (if I am a returning student from the 2007 Summer Program)?
We’re glad to have you back! Returning students will have the opportunity to push the
knowledge they’ve learned to a whole new level. Students in Grades 11 and 12 may also
want to check out our college-credit bearing courses. For more information, please visit:
     http://www.mildred-elley.edu

How (much will it cost)?
Tuition is set at $175 per session.

If you register for four or more sessions, a tuition discount of 10% will be extended.  The application fee of $25 will be waived until 04/30/2008.

Lunch?  
You can bring your own lunch and store it in our refrigerator. Snacks and sodas are available
from our vending machines.

Registration

You can register by downloading the registration form and mailing, faxing, or dropping it off to Mildred Elley.

2008 Video Game Design Summer Program Registration Form

Questions? Contact us using the phone number or email address below.
  
About the College

Mildred Elley is a private two-year college with campuses in Latham, NY and Pittsfield, MA,
that offers degree and certificate programs in several career-oriented fields of study, including Game Design and 3D Animation and Digital Graphics and Multimedia Design. For more
information, please call Admissions or visit:
    http://www.mildred-elley.edu
            
Contact Information

For more information or any questions, please contact Admissions at (413) 442-0333 in Pittsfield, MA. We can also be reached by e-mail: SummerInPittsfield@mildred-elley.edu

To subscribe to our free newsletter containing info about our exciting present and future programs, click here.