Summer Springboard
Game Development
ON THE CAMPUS OF DUKE UNIVERSITY
JUMP INTO THE EXCITING WORLD OF GAME DEVELOPMENT AND LEARN HOW TO DESIGN, BUILD, AND BRING YOUR OWN 3D GAMES TO LIFE USING INDUSTRY TOOLS AND INSIDER KNOW-HOW
Game Development @ Duke University
- Understand the differences between game design and game programming while gaining hands-on experience with game engine and 3D modeling tool interfaces.
- Learn to identify and use Unity game engine components, import assets, create prefabs, and apply different materials to enrich game worlds.
- Gain foundational skills in C# programming for gameplay, including handling physical collisions, creating lighting, and designing effective HUD elements.
- Collaborate with peers and engage with industry experts to practice game creation, enhancing creativity and critical thinking by approaching problems from new perspectives.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the 3D virtual world creation process and how to deliver a fully functional and entertaining game.
- Explore career opportunities in the gaming industry through visits to game development studios in the Research Triangle and talks from industry professionals, preparing students to build a strong portfolio.
Summer Springboard
Game Development
About This Course
A game development program for teens on a university campus in North Carolina
This course is designed to equip students with the skills to develop a computer game using a leading industry-standard game engine. It covers the creation of immersive 3D virtual worlds from a computer graphics standpoint, introduces essential game components, and demonstrates how to effectively integrate these elements throughout the game development process. By the end, students will know how to deliver a fully functional and entertaining game.
Throughout the course, students will deepen their understanding of Computer Science and Computer Graphics, both individually and collaboratively. They’ll engage with professional video game design techniques using widely adopted industry tools. Starting with 3D object creation, students will gradually build and customize their own detailed virtual worlds. The course prepares them to professionally design games and develop a strong portfolio showcasing their skills.
No prior coding experience is required. The fundamentals of C# programming and basic game scripting concepts are introduced at the start. Whether your passion lies in 3D modeling, gameplay programming, or level design, this course offers opportunities to expand your portfolio, gain valuable industry insights, and collaborate with talented peers and mentors. And what better way to learn than by creating your own video game?
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This hands-on course helps students explore the key differences between game design and programming while getting familiar with Unity and 3D modeling tools. They’ll learn to import assets, create prefabs, use C# for gameplay, handle collisions, and apply lighting and HUD elements to enrich their game worlds. Working in teams and with industry experts, students will boost their creativity and problem-solving skills, leaving with a complete, portfolio-ready game project.
Career Exploration
This course offers valuable insight into the game industry by helping students understand the differences between game design and programming while gaining hands-on experience with tools like Unity and 3D modeling software. Students will learn essential skills such as asset management, C# programming, collision handling, lighting, and HUD creation. Collaborating with peers and industry experts, they’ll develop creativity and critical thinking from new perspectives. Located in the Research Triangle, home to major studios like Epic and Red Storm, students will have unique opportunities to visit game development companies and hear from guest speakers, helping them build connections and explore career paths in this dynamic 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 things I ever experience.”
-Bradon Z. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Game Development
Meet Your Instructor
Ernesto Escobar is the Executive Director of the Master of Engineering in Game Design, Development, and Innovation at Duke University. In this role he manages and oversees all the program’s curriculum development, students, faculty, staff, operations, and budget ensuring program excellence. He directs all marketing, admissions and recruiting efforts. Ernesto also teaches game design and development classes and mentors the students in the program. He connects and engages with internal and external partners regarding practicum projects, internships, career opportunities, seminars and oversees the industry advisory board.
Michael Schmitt is an independent game developer and community organizer based in North Carolina. He founded and leads the Triangle Interactive Arts Collective, a non-profit organization supporting game developers and creatives in central NC. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Michael’s career spans many years of programming, designing, and teaching others how to make games. He worked for several years as a Senior Instructional Designer at Unity Technologies, creating tutorials and pr
ERNESTO ESCOBAR & MICHAEL SCHMITT
“I think that this program was really great way to introduce me to college life-the staff were so great, the classes were interesting, and the students were very fun.”
-John C. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Game Development
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 29 – July 11, 2025 |
| Session 2: July 13 – July 25, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Durham |
| State: North Carolina |
| Campus: Duke University |
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.