Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a prerequisite to attend the iD Gaming Academy?
We accept all levels of game development experience in this program. We cater the instruction to each individual student’s needs and deliver one-on-one instruction. The curriculum is stimulating, but often rigorous, so we highly recommend that students have a strong desire to learn about making video games, pursue a career in game development, or improve their gaming performance. We might also suggest that you take one or two weeks of our gaming courses at iD Tech Camps prior to attending the Academy.
What are the age requirements?
This is a teen program for students ages 13-18.
What’s new this year?
We’ve added brand-new courses and our curriculum in all courses is new and updated. We’re using many new development tools (see courses page for details). Each course runs two weeks in length, giving each student the opportunity to register for multiple courses over the summer.
Continuing Education Units are now available and can be purchased during your registration.
Who are the instructors?
Click here for staff profiles and more information.
How long is the program?
The program runs in 2-week sessions, and we offer four different Academy courses, so students can (and should) attend multiple 2-week sessions to gain a deep, well-rounded understanding of the gaming industry. Weekend stays are optional, but recommended. Weekend activities do not include instructional time and are fully supervised by our staff. We have on-campus and off-campus activities during the weekends.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for the iD Gaming Academy starts at US $3,499 and includes all fees and taxes. This price includes on-campus housing (typically a shared room), meals, instruction and some activities. Optional weekend stays are available for $349 per weekend. Check our site for special promotions.
How many students will be in the program?
There is limited capacity in this program and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
What will I take home?
Each course will have a take home package and a portfolio tailored to the course topic. Check out our course summaries for more information.
What will I learn?
Depending on the course you register for, you’ll learn 3D character creation, game development, game creation, game programming or 3D level design…all of which are skills you need to pursue a career in the gaming industry. We use professional-grade tools including Autodesk® Maya®, Adobe® Photoshop®, Unreal® Engine 3 and Microsoft® XNA®.
In the game development courses, will we play games too?
Absolutely! We call that “research”!! We’ll have our lab set up for LAN gaming in the evenings after instruction and on the weekends. We’ll also feature multiplayer console tournaments on the Nintendo Wii.
How can I register?
You can register for the iD Gaming Academy online or over the phone by calling us toll-free at 1-888-709-TECH (8324), option 1. Local or international callers can phone 408-871-2227, option 1.
