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SUMMER PROGRAM
THE GAME EXPERIENCE
Education
Game Design and Animation,
Develop Your Own Game, Industry Guest Lectures,
Game Studio Tours
Program Overview
University of Washington,
Exclusive Industry Access , Group Events and Activities
Student Services
Accommodation, Transportation, Meals, City Tours,
Personal Smart Phones and More!
Application & Scholarships
Design, Animate, and
Play Your Own Video Game!
Learn the fundamental elements of Video Game
Development
Insider access to America’s game industry
Meet with developers of popular games
Learn on campus at the University of Washington
Visit professional game studios through private
company Tours
July 19th - August 3rd, 2014
www.expamerica.net
Private Tour through Valve Studios
EDUCATION
Game Development
This comprehensive program is designed for students interested in one of the world’s fastest growing and
most profitable industries, games. Lead by our experienced and professional instructors, course material
will cover each of the fundamental elements related to the creation and development of PC, mobile, and
console based games, helping students to learn each of the six essential skills required for success in the
industry.
011010
Animation
Art
Programming
Design
Sound
Business
Management
Develop and Play Your Own Game
Our experienced instructors challenge students to design, animate, and produce their own new games!
Students will explore the principles of concept art, enabling them to design their own unique characters. Customizable game environments are introduced for students to develop character animations,
creating a distinctive and playable game. Students will present their games at the end of the program,
having the opportunity to test play one another’s accomplishments. After completion of the program,
students will still be able to share their games with wide-eyed family and friends.
Industry Lectures
Our students are provided with presentations from specialized experts, helping them to explore various fields throughout the gaming industry. Students have the opportunity to interact with guest lecturers through in-depth question and answer sessions, helping them to obtain a better understanding
of the skills which are required to achieve success in the industry.
Company Tours
Students are provided with private, behind the scenes tours of major game company studios. Students
will get to interact with company staff and experience what it would be like to work for some of the
best employers in the business. Our students have had the opportunity to visit such companies as Microsoft, Monolith, Valve, ArenaNet, Pop Cap, Zombie, and Big Fish.
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MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Christopher Orth - Lead Instructor
Chris Orth is your lead instructor. As an experienced game designer and developer, he
has produced major titles with Sucker Punch Productions, Gas Powered Games, Foundation 9, and Amaze Entertainment, and various titles for the Playstation 3, PC, and
Nintendo Wii consoles. Chris is also the founder of Well Played Games and sits on the
Advisory Board for the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. He holds a degree in
3D Animation Graphics and Compositing and specializes in Facilitative Leadership, Content Management Systems, Data Modeling, and Project Management Training.
Alan Diekfuss - Lead Art Instructor
Alan Diekfuss, one of Seattle’s top concept artists, gained experience in the industry
through his roles as Art Director and UI Designer for Big Fish Games, 5th Cell Media, and
Detonator Games. Alan is also the owner of start up Diode Studios.
Joshua Prigg - Instructor
Joshua has years of experience in concept art, environment art, texturing, animation
and Zbrush. Joshua started his career at TKO software over 10 years ago working on
Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault. Joshua then moved on to Electronic Arts where he
spent over 9 years working on various titles including the SIMS and the Godfather.
Leah Verre - Industry Lecturer
Currently a Producer at Big Fish Games, Leah shares her knowledge of the business side
of game management, drawing from her production experiences at Digital Chocolate,
Sandlot Games, and Handheld Games.
Drew Cady - Industry Lecturer
As a Sound Engineer for ArenaNet and Seismic Island Labs, Drew Cady is one of the
most sought after talents in the city having over 20 years of experience and previously
working for Amaze Entertainment, Foundation 9, and Griptonite Games.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
University of Washington
This program is hosted at the University of Washington. Students will
attend classes directly on campus,
providing them with a genuine college learning experience. Classes are
instructed by experienced, professional game developers.
Industry Access
Through innovative guest lectures
and privately hosted company tours,
students will experience a behind
the scenes look into the heart of the
industry, while meeting some of the
best personalities in the gaming
world.
Cultural Experiences
We provide our students with an
incredible variety of sight-seeing
attractions, tours, and once in lifetime experiences throughout the
city. Some of our student’s favorite
events include the Seattle Space
Needle, the Savor Seattle Food Tour,
our ultimate Gameworks Party, and
Indoor Skydiving!”
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STUDENT SERVICES
Every one of these services listed below are included with this program:
Education
Students will attend weekday classes on campus at the University of Washington. Classes
will be focused on Animation, Art, Game Design, Programming, Sound, and Management.
Students will live in the University of Washington student residence halls along with Experience America chaperons that will be supervising the group at all times.
Accommodation
Meals and Dining
Students will be provided with three meals a day at the University of Washington restaurants. The restaurants feature cuisines from around the world and can accommodate every type of dietary preferences or restrictions.
Transportation
Experience America will pick students up directly from the airport, provide them with
transportation to all scheduled group activities, and safely return students to the airport
at the end of the program.
Students will visit and tour gaming companies throughout the Seattle area. Game developers and executives will speak with the group, answering any questions students may
have about each company and the overall industry.
Company Tours
Smart Phones
Students will receive a personal smart phone. This device can be used throughout the program for unlimited local calls, text and data. Student phones will have contact information
for our program hosts to ensure seamless communication throughout the program.
Orientation
Once safely arrived, Experience America provides students with an extended orientation
in order to ensure they feel comfortable in their new surroundings and confident interacting with local students.
Activities
We take pride in offering an inclusive experience, with fun, guided, and safe activities
throughout our programs. These include city tours, sight-seeing tourist attractions, guided outdoor activities, and community volunteering.
Closing Ceremonies
A closing ceremony is held at the end of a program. The closing ceremony includes a formal dinner with students, instructors and the Experience America team. Certificates, prizes, and awards are also presented during the celebrations.
Full Service
Support
Experience America is incredibly dedicated to providing an unmatched support network.
Our dedicated staff are always on hand to guide students through all events and to make
sure they feel comfortable and welcome through the entire experience. Our staff members are on call 24 hours a day to provide assistance of any kind.
Space Needle
Pike Place Market Food Tour
Ride the Ducks Tour
Smartphones with unlimited data!
TUITION
Location
University
Length
Dates
*Tuition
Seattle
University of
Washington
16 Days
July 19th - August 3rd
$3,600
*Tuition includes all student services discussed on the “Student Services” Section .
Day Program Option Available to Local Residents: $1,995
There is also a day program option available to local residents who do not require overnight accommodation. This program includes all services discussed in the “Student Services” section except for overnight
accommodation, breakfast, and dinner (lunch is still included). Day option students will be a part of the
program from 9am to 6pm every weekday, as well as for all scheduled weekend events.
HOW TO APPLY
To register for the program please fill out the application on our website
(https://www.expamerica.net/student-programs/game-experience/register-game-experience/).
Our staff will contact all applicants within 2 business days of receiving your submitted application. If you
have any questions about the program or our organization do not hesitate to contact us via email (info@
expamerica.net) or via phone (+1.206.356.0440). All students must be a minimum of 16 years of age as of
July 19, 2014.
Application Deadline - June 6, 2014
SCHOLARSHIPS
This year we are awarding two of our most ambitious students with half-scholarships ($2,250). Successful
applicants will receive their scholarship prize after tuition has been received through the online program
registration. Scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated a dedication to:
•
•
•
Campus and Community Involvement
Leadership and Personal Growth
Academic Achievements
We recommend that you complete the Scholarship Application form online. You will be directed to the
Scholarship Application by following the program registration process on our website
(https://www.expamerica.net/student-programs/game-experience/register-game-experience/).
Scholarship Application Deadline - April 30, 2014
Scholarship Awarded: - May 15, 2014
Monday
Tuesday
Classroom
Learning
Lunch
Project
Work
July 28
Classroom
Learning
Lunch
Project
Work
Orientation and
Team Building
Activities
Lunch
Ride the Ducks
Tour of Seattle
Residence
Activities
July 27
Space Needle and
Laser Show
Lunch
Pike Place Market
Savor Food Tour
Residence
Activities
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Late
Afternoon/
Evening
Week 2
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Late
Afternoon/
Evening
IMAX
Experience
Seattle Mariners
Baseball Game
July 21
July 20
Week 1
Game
Studio
Tour
Lunch
Classroom
Learning
July 29
iFly Indoor
Skydiving
Project
Work
Lunch
Classroom
Learning
July 22
Flexible Time and Residence Activities
Game Studio Tour
Daily Activities and Guided Tours
July 23
Wednesday
Gameworks
Pizza
Party
Project
Work
Lunch
Classroom
Learning
July 30
Game
Studio
Tour
Lunch
Classroom
Learning & Career
Workshop
Classroom Learning, Career Workshops, and Project Work
Sunday
Game
Studio
Tour
Lunch
Classroom
Learning
July 31
Outdoor
Movie Night
Project
Work
Lunch
Classroom
Learning
July 24
Thursday
Sample Program Calendar
Outdoor
Sports Day
Project
Work
Lunch
Guest Lecture
August 1
Game
Studio
Tour
Lunch
Guest Lecture
July 25
Friday
Closing Ceremony
Celebrations
Lunch
Flexible
Time
August 2
Flexible Time
Beach BBQ
Lunch
Beach BBQ
July 26
Pick up students
from airport and
host orientation at
University
residences
Saturday
Experience America Learning Centers
Experience
America
The University
Business
Center
1200 Westlake
Ave
North
Suite
1006
4500 9th Avenue NE Suite
300
Seattle,
Washington
Seattle,
Washington98109
98105,,USA
USA
www.expamerica.net
[email protected]
+1.206.356.0440