Discover world-building and storytelling in game design engines and become the architect of your own video game.
Creative game design programme for young people aged 13 to 16 years old, in partnership with youth charity Sirlute.
Participants will get to develop their own 2D game using the game engine GB Studio, with guidance by workshop facilitator Joseph Whitmore. This is an exciting opportunity to explore storytelling ideas around technology and the digital age, as well as gain valuable experience in the industry side of the video game industry, including how to publish, pitch and promote a video game.
What will be covered?
Session 1: Tour the ‘Fragments of a Panorama’ exhibition at arebyte Gallery. Young people will explore indo-futurism, sparking conversations about the human experience in the context of technological evolution. This will inspire the narrative development for their game creation.
Session 2: Introduction to GB Studio, followed by asset creation using open-source software Piskel (web-based) and TILED to create the environments.
Session 3: Deep dive into GB Studio, importing the assets created in the previous workshop and beginning to program interactivity using the engine’s easy-to-use visual scripting tool. Participants will also learn programming logic, dialogue and how to make a quest based system.
Session 4: The programme concludes with a guest presentation by Shay Thompson about the video game industry, discussing how to pitch and publish a game.
Do I need any particular skills?
No, the workshops are designed for beginners, with no or limited programming experience. Basic computer skills required.
What will I achieve?
- Finish the course with a completed 2D game using GB Studio
- Understanding of narrative/character development from idea to game play
- Learn about the video game industry; how to pitch and publish a game
Ages: 13 - 16
Dates: Saturdays 27th Jul, 3rd Aug, 10th Aug & 17th Aug 2024
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: 1st session: arebyte Gallery, 7 Botanic Square, E14 0LG London
2nd, 3rd and 4th sessions: Sirlute, 24 Botanic Square, E14 0LG London
Price: Free, register here
Prerequisites: Software and equipment will be provided. The softwares are free to use, so feel free to familiarise yourself with and use them before the workshops.
Software: GB Studio, Piksle, Tiled
Joseph Whitmore
Joseph Whitmore is an animation director and new media artist/researcher who utilises playful, intuitive and experimental processes. He has exhibited internationally at venues such as Institute of Contemporary Art (London), OUTERNET (London), Manchester Art Gallery (Manchester) and Sundance Film Festival (USA), and developed workshops for organisations and institutions across the UK including Kingston University and CfCCA.
Shay Thompson
Shay Thompson is a presenter and broadcaster in the games industry, known for her charisma, warmth, and professionalism. Her exceptional talent has earned her a reputation as a respected member of the industry and a go-to for speaking engagements and broadcast productions. She has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Bafta, BBC, McLaren, Xbox, Activision, Ubisoft, and others outside the industry.