How can high schoolers turn a love of games into skills?
Teens into gaming can go beyond playing by making games, through game design summer camps, game jams, coding and art courses, and youth game design contests.
Game development combines programming, art, writing, sound and testing. Free engines like Godot, and the free tiers of other engines, let you build without paying. Game jams challenge you to make a small game in a weekend. Some libraries and makerspaces run teen game clubs.
What should you look for in a game design program?
Pick programs where you finish a playable game, even a small one. Ask whether you work on a team and which roles you can try, like code, art or design. Compare cost, since many engines and tutorials are free and paid programs should add mentoring and feedback. Parents can check the age ratings of any games used in class.
How can you start making games this month?
- Make a tiny game in Scratch or a free engine, like a one-room puzzle.
- Enter a game jam and finish something by the deadline.
- Write a one-page design document for a game idea.
- Watch friends play your game without helping, and note where they get stuck.
- Redesign one stage of a game you love on paper.
Where Nextreks fits
Playable builds, design documents and playtest notes all belong in your Nextreks portfolio, which you control. Game development builds durable skills like creativity and collaboration, and playtesting teaches the humility to change your favorite idea when players don't get it.
Programs in Explore are run by other organizations. Nextreks lists them but does not run or guarantee them.