GameMaker: Teens Making Location Based Games with iPhones

This fall, NYC teens are invited to spend 5-weeks learning how to design games for mobile devices at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center. Teens will work in small groups and design their own location based mobile games using iPhones (iPhones will be provided for use during the workshop).

Over the course of 5-weeks teens will meet twice per week and will participate in a collaborative design process, working in groups and learning how to brainstorm, test, and refine their ideas as they go. Through this process students will become familiar with game design, new ways for using their mobile devices, and gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a designer. They will create multiple games over the course of the workshop with the end goal of creating a game that can be shared and played by friends and family at the final session.

The Game Maker Workshop is part of a larger research initiative funded by The National Science Foundation, as part of their Creative IT initiative. The focus of the workshop is to determine how teaching young people the principles of game design impacts how they use mobile devices for creative ends.

Requirements: We are looking for students ages 14-16 with interests in game design and mobile technology. Students need no prior experience or knowledge in these areas to join the class, just excitement and curiosity to learn, and a full commitment to all 10 sessions.

Max number of students: 15

Class Fee: $25 for all 10 sessions, advance registration required.
Needs based scholarships available – contact [email protected] for more information 

Register here: http://bit.ly/ogBRSH

Dates: September 29–October 29
This workshop includes 10, 2-hour sessions, and runs from 4-6PM on Thursdays, and 12PM-2PM on Saturdays. The first session is Thursday, September 29 and the last is Saturday, October 29. The final session on October 29 will be open to all family members and friends. Participating students must commit to participating in all 10-sessions, with the exception emergencies.

Location:
 Eyebeam Art + Technology Center
540 W 21 St
between 10th & 11th Aves in Manhattan

Questions?
Contact Ingrid Erickson at [email protected]

Register here: http://bit.ly/ogBRSH

This program will be led by Kaho Abe and Kyle Li. Kaho an honorary fellow at Eyebeam, and a designer interested in improving social and personal experiences through the use of technology, fashion and games. Kyle is the on-staff game designer of the Gaming SMALLab at Q2L in New York City, there he works with learning experts to create educational games.

Researchers and additional program design Ingrid Erickson and LeAnne Wagner.