Game Design and Development 101 with Unreal Engine

Price: $1,049 (or $250 now + payments)
Age: 13 - 17
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Camps | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Weeklong program, 8 hours per day

About This Course

Get an in-depth look at professional video game design using some of the industry’s hottest tools. In Unreal Engine 5, you’ll build a level with customizable gameplay elements such as teleporters, jump pads, and platforms using UE5's Blueprints Visual Scripting system. Import your Blender models into Unreal, then design a fully realized world of your own making. Work together with friends to create your game with win/lose conditions, unique level design, and custom 3D models. Leave this comprehensive course with your own professionally designed level to showcase in your portfolio.

Topics Covered

Implement Blueprints and gameplay mechanics
Create and design your own 3D levels
Learn about world design and mapping
Develop and test your own game from start to finish

Sample Schedule

In this course, students will explore the principles of game design and scripting in Unreal Engine 5.

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like. Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Monday

Stepping into Unreal Engine 5, students will learn the basic tools of the software and build an environment complete with platforms.

Tuesday

Building off the basic structures they created, students will customize their landscape in Paint Mode to add materials and lush details. Then, they’ll dive further into 3D design in Blender by building a model from scratch.

Wednesday

Implement Unreal’s Blueprints Visual Scripting system to create custom classes and interactions. Students will build upon these skills by creating moving platforms and custom collectibles.

Thursday

Next, students will put their skills to the test in their final project — a custom game of their own design! They’ll use advanced Blueprints scripts to add elements such as shooting projectiles and dynamic damage systems for both enemies and the player.

Friday

To wrap up the week, students will add finishing touches to their games and beta-test their work with their peers and instructor.

Portfolio-Boosting Diploma & Transcript

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

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

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

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is level design?

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.

Why should my child learn level design?

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 Unity programming, kids can level up their STEM skills.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

As of last year, the total market value of the gaming industry was $151.06 billion dollars, with steady growth predicted through 2027. This is just one indicator of exciting things to come in the gaming universe, and even more so in terms of job opportunities and careers in this field as designers, engineers, studio executives, and more.

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

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.

What is the camp experience like?

At our on-campus programs, students get inspired by iconic architecture, learn in our next-gen labs, and get a taste of collegiate life. With our small classes, your child will progress at their own pace with the hottest software and hardware, while learning from carefully-vetted talent sought by companies like Google, Apple, EA, and Disney. They hire who we hire.

As the only STEM educator rooted in 23+ years of legendary camp traditions, we know that when learning is fun, kids and teens stick with it! At camp, students build relationships in a fun and inclusive campus setting, and in between sessions in the labs, can be found diving into high-energy outdoor games and video game tournaments, and bonding over legendary iD traditions like raffles, pie-your-instructor Fridays, and so much more.