Summer Springboard
Game Development
ON THE CAMPUS OF BARNARD COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
LEARN TO DESIGN, PROGRAM, AND BUILD IMMERSIVE 3D GAMES USING INDUSTRY-STANDARD TOOLS WHILE GAINING INSIGHTS FROM LEADING EXPERTS IN THE HEART OF NEW YORK CITY'S VIBRANT GAME DEVELOPMENT SCENE
Game Development @ Barnard College
- Explore the fundamentals of game development by understanding the difference between game design and game programming, while building a fully functional 3D game using Unity.
- Get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Unity and 3D modeling software, learning to navigate interfaces and identify key engine components.
- Create dynamic gameplay by designing and using prefabs, scripting in C#, and handling physical collisions to bring game mechanics to life.
- Collaborate in teams and with experts, gaining real-world insight from industry professionals through mentorship, team projects, and interactive sessions.
- Build future-ready skills in programming, design, and digital creativity—essential across tech and creative industries.
Experience the vibrant NYC game development scene through exclusive excursions to studios like Rockstar Games, Spyscape, and Microsoft, including opportunities to meet professionals and participate in insightful Q&A sessions.
Summer Springboard
Game Development
About This Course
A game development program for teens on a university campus in New York City
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer game development using a leading industry-standard game engine. It covers the creation of 3D virtual worlds from a computer graphics perspective and explores key game development components. Students will learn how to effectively use these components in building and delivering a fully functional and engaging video game.
Throughout the course, students will enhance their knowledge of Computer Science and Computer Graphics, both individually and through collaborative work. They’ll dive into the world of professional game design using popular industry tools. Starting with the creation of 3D objects, students will gradually develop the skills needed to design immersive, interactive environments of their own. By the end of the course, they’ll have built a custom game world and gained valuable skills to showcase in a professional portfolio.
No prior programming experience is required. The course begins with an introduction to C# programming and the basics of game scripting. Whether interested in 3D modeling, gameplay programming, or level design, students will have the opportunity to expand their portfolios, gain insight into the game development industry, and connect with a community of peers and mentors. And what better way to apply this knowledge than by creating a video game from the ground up?
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This course emphasizes hands-on learning by guiding students through both the creative and technical aspects of game development. Students will explore the differences between game design and programming, get comfortable with Unity and 3D modeling tools, and use components like prefabs and collision systems. They’ll gain foundational experience with C# scripting for gameplay and work in teams alongside industry experts to build their own interactive games. By the end of the course, students will have developed practical skills that are not only essential for game development but also increasingly valuable across many tech careers.
Career Exploration
New York City stands as a vibrant hub for game development, home to industry giants like Rockstar Games. Our program offers students unique opportunities to explore this dynamic field through exciting excursions. Past visits have included Spyscape and Microsoft’s NYC office, where students had the chance to meet with game developers, designers, and industry professionals. These invaluable interactions provided firsthand insights into the cutting-edge work shaping the gaming industry today. Engaging discussions and Q&A sessions deepened their understanding of game development and fueled their passion for pursuing a career in this innovative field.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“This experience of designing and creating our own games is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced.”
-Braden Z. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Game Development
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Gizem Kayar holds an MSc and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany. She later worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the MIT Geonumerics Group. With over 15 years of experience in Computer Graphics, Dr. Kayar’s research focuses on physics-based modeling and simulation systems. As a faculty member in the Computer Science departments of several renowned universities, she also directed graduate programs in Interactive Computing Technologies and Digital Game Design & Technologies. Additionally, she served as the technical lead for the TEDU-TOGED Digital Game Development Certificate Program, which trained industry-standard experts in both design and programming. Dr. Kayar founded and led the MSKU Digital Game-Based Learning and Serious Games Lab, where she further explored her passion for serious games, particularly in the health tech sector. She has been teaching Game Programming for the past eight years and is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at NYU. Throughout her career, Dr. Kayar has published over 20 peer-reviewed publications, supervised numerous theses, and received multiple research grants in the fields of Computer Graphics, Simulation Systems, and Game Development.
DR. GIZEM KAYAR
“My time at SSB was one to remember. It really engaged me in the college life with classes and community. I really enjoyed the excursions and the course was incredibly informative, not only in what would be covered in the field but also gave us insight of what was to be expected if we pursued that career.”
-Chris C. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Game Development
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 2: July 20 – August 1, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
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| City: New York City |
| State: New York |
| Campus: Barnard College |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.