Why play a game when you can create it? At the NSLC on Game Design, learn how to turn your love for gaming into a career. Immerse yourself in a world of 3D characters, animation, sound effects, programming and game design while you create a new video or mobile game. During the program you will learn the mechanics of game creation, including scripting, level development, lighting, sound effects and programming while using leading industry software.
Program Highlights
Learn mechanics of creation
Use leading industry software to explore scripting, level development, lighting, sound effects, and programming.
Develop new projects
Experience the full cycle of game development, from scoping your idea to releasing the end product, as you create an individual project and a collaborative game you'll share with your peers.
Connect with the professionals
Designers, programmers, audio engineeers, and professors speak with you about their work and share advice on how you can succeed in the video game industry.
Showcase your work
Release your game to your peers and try out their creations in a playtesting festival, learning effective methods of giving and receiving feedback and sharpening your public speaking skills.
Dates & Locations
Note: Space is limited. Please login to the online application to see up-to-date session availability.

University of California, Los Angeles
- June 25 - July 3
- July 6 - July 14
Hands-On Simulations
Your NSLC on Game Design program will include hands-on workshops and lectures.
Topics include:
- Game Mechanics
- System Thinking & Design
- Unity 3d c#
- Level Development
- Sound Effects & Lighting
- Prototyping
Exclusive Guest Speakers
While at the NSLC’s high school summer game design program, you will meet with and learn from industry leaders, programmers and professors. Guest speakers may include:
Mr. Matt Boch
Product Designer for Rock Band for the Dance Central series, Harmonix
Mr. Sid Meier
Co-Founder & Director of Creative Development, Firaxis Games
Mr. Patrick Gilmore
Head of Amazon Games, Amazon Games
Mr. David Maldonado
Creative Director, Amazon Games
Mr. Michael Sheehan
Lead Programmer Nickelodeon Games, Nickelodeon Games
Mr. Ariel Goldberg
Head of Recruitmen, Nickelodeon
Mr. Alex Ortiz
Head of Logistics, Nickelodeon Games
Ms. Emma Larkins
Board Game Designer
Mr. Matthew Moore
Product Designer, Microsoft
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
University of California, Los Angeles
EA Studios | Arcade - Family Amusement Corporation | Escape Room | Santa Monica Pier | Hollywood Walk of Fame
Leadership Training
At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the Game Design program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Public Speaking
- Intrapersonal Communication
College Credit Option
American University (AU) and NSLC have a unique partnership that enables you to earn college credit by enrolling in a supplemental online course designed to correlate with your NSLC program’s area of study. By enrolling in this credit course, you will enjoy a stimulating, innovative, and personalized college-level learning experience that builds on your NSLC accomplishments. The course is for one credit and is taught in a self-paced, asynchronous format across six weeks, allowing ample time to complete assignments. The course is designed to work within the framework of NSLC; students are not expected to complete coursework while on campus. Students may register for college credit via their personal student portal (myNSLC) once they have enrolled in an NSLC session.
Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
Tuition
Program tuition includes housing, all on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, and activities. Tuition also includes chartered, air-conditioned motor coaches for off-campus briefings and tours. Note: Students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the program as well as individual spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and a few off-campus meals during fields trips and tours.
Click here to view our cancellation and refund policy.
Location | Tuition |
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Los Angeles | $3,795 |