2013 Computer Game Development Academy - Two Unique Sessions

Rensselaer's Games and Simulations Arts and Sciences (GSAS) degree provides an undergraduate experience like few others available anywhere in the country.

2D Session is our traditional academy and will focus on 2D game development: June 30 - July 12,2013 (Sunday check in - Friday check out).
Two week residential enrichment program.

3D Session is an advanced academy that will focus on 3D game development, and commensurately will have firmer admission requirements: July 14-26,2013 (Sunday check in - Friday check out).
Two week residential enrichment program.

Students MUST submit an application for this program.
Each session is a two week overnight residential enrichment program. Students may apply and attend both sessions.
Open to High school students entering 11th grade, 12th grade in the fall and high school graduates.

Each two week residential enrichment academy, on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York is intended to teach high school students the fundamentals of the video game creation process. Artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed for the remainder of the academy. These teams will brainstorm game designs, and then construct their game from start to finish. The 2D Session is our traditional academy and will focus on 2D game development. The 3D Session is an advanced academy that will focus on 3D game development, and commensurately will have firmer admission requirements.

This summer enrichment program is presented by the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Students who have completed this program have gone on to apply to the The Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program . For additional details regarding the Rensselaer undergraduate experience, in a place where your individual contribution truly matters visit the Office of Admissions at Rensselaer.

2013 Application Information

Application Process: The Computer Game Development Academy is open to high school students entering 11th grade and 12th grade in the fall and high school graduates. Students are encouraged to apply. An email will be sent to confirm receipt of materials, please make a copy for your records. Applications are considered for the 2013 program on a rolling basis. Faculty decisions are underway. Students will be contacted with decisions by email. Upon acceptance into the program a non-refundable deposit and program registration forms will be required in order to reserve your spot. The complete program cost must be paid by July 1, 2013.

Prerequisites 2D Session: The 2D Session is our traditional academy and will focus on 2D game development. For students applying as programmers, we will be looking for experience in any object-oriented programming language (e.g., Java or C++). For students applying as artists, we will look for experience in sketching, illustration, and/or Photoshop. We will be using the Pygame game engine with Python, but we do not require or expect prior experience with these specific technologies.

Prerequisites 3D Session: The 3D Session is an advanced academy that will focus on 3D game development, and commensurately will have firmer admission requirements. For programmers, we will be looking for experience with trigonometry in addition to object-oriented programming. For artists, we would like to hear of your experience in any of the following areas: 3D modeling, UV mapping, texturing, rigging, and 3D animation. We will be using the Unity game engine with JavaScript, but we do not require or expect prior experience with these specific technologies.

All applicants are welcome to include any additional information such as SAT or PSAT score, GPA, Class Ranking, HS Transcript, Teacher Recommendation Letter(s), or any details regarding student accomplishments.

2013 Computer Game Development Academy - Program Flyer and Application Form (155KB PDF file)

MAIL OR FAX MATERIALS TO:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Attn: Academic Outreach Programs Office ~ Summer@Rensselaer
110 8th Street - 1516 PE
Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-6809 (Voice)
(518) 276-8738 (Fax)
An email will be sent to confirm receipt of materials.
Please make a copy for your records.

Application Questions & Answers: If you have any questions regarding submitting the application, please contact Alicia Randazzo at (518) 276-6809 | randaa2@rpi.edu

Registration Information for Accepted Students

Upon acceptance to the program a non-refundable deposit of $425.00 and the below Registration Forms will be required in order to reserve your space in the program. Final payment is due by July 1, 2013.

2013 Computer Game Development Academy - Registration forms for Accepted Students (194KB PDF file)

Cost: $3,000.00 per student per session. Cost includes residential room and board meals.

Program Details

Summer@Rensselaer facebook Website - photos and videos

Summer 2013 Program Schedule & General Information Packet will be sent to accepted students in the spring.

Computer Game Development Academy - 2012 2D General Information

Computer Game Development Academy - 2012 3D General Information

Computer Game Development Academy - 2012 Computer Games Development 2D & 3D Schedule

Activity Outline
Day 1 -- Arrival and check in - drop off at Rensselaer Union - welcome dinner - counselors meeting with campers
Day 2 -- Game Writing Fundamentals
Day 3 -- Game Design/Mechanics Fundamentals
Day 4 -- Python Review, Engine Introduction/Unified Visual Design, HUD
Day 5 -- Blitting Objects, Handling Input/Proper Sprite Scaling
Day 6 -- Collision Detection/Transparency Effects
Day 7 -- (Saturday - trip to Grafton State Park)
Day 8 -- (Sunday - trip to Great Escape Amusement Park)
Day 9 -- Brainstorming Session, Design Refinement
Day 10 -- Phototyping Studio
Day 11 -- Development Studio
Day 12 -- Development Studio
Day 13 -- Demonstration Showcase followed by departure

Sample Day Schedule
8am - 9am -- Breakfast (Russell Sage Dining Hall)
9am - Noon -- Game Development Studio
12pm - 1 pm -- Lunch
1pm - 3pm -- Programmer/Arts Studio
3pm - 3:30pm -- Break
3:30pm -5pm -- Programmer/Arts Studio
5pm - Dinner and evening activities

Other Notes

Location: The academy will be held on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

Transportation: The Albany International Airport and Amtrak Train Station are each located 20 minutes from campus. Car rentals are available from both the airport and train station. All students must furnish their own transportation to and from campus.

Special Needs: If you have any special needs please contact Alicia Randazzo at (518) 276-6809.

Frequently Asked Questions: We gathered a list of FAQs and answers, click here.

Program Inquiries/Questions: For further information about the program, Request Information.

Last modified: January 4, 2013