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    Game Design Academy with Unreal Engine 5
    In-person Program

    Game Design Academy with Unreal Engine 5

    by iD Tech

    Build a playable game prototype with Unreal Engine 5 through studio-style teamwork, visual scripting, 3D modeling, and instructor-guided playtesting.

    Last verified: 7 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Game Design Academy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Beginner to advanced students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-18

    Location / Region

    Princeton; Cambridge; New York; Atlanta; Stanford; Pasadena; Los Angeles; Seattle

    Cost

    From $4,599

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer ScienceDesignArtTechnology
    Class size: Small groups
    Accommodation: Day options; overnight at most locations
    Meals: Campus dining: breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Certificate / Outcome: ID Tech diploma and course transcript
    Campus experience: University labs and recreational activities
    Tutors / faculty: USA-based adult iD Tech instructors
    Instruction cadence: Monday-Friday across two weeks

    Game Design Academy summary

    iD Tech's academy turns an interest in games into practical development work using Unreal Engine 5, Blueprints, and Blender.

    Students plan, build, debug, and playtest a game prototype in a studio-like environment, then showcase their individual contributions.

    It suits students who enjoy creating interactive worlds and want instructor feedback on a substantial portfolio project.

    What is Game Design Academy with Unreal Engine 5?

    Game Design Academy with Unreal Engine 5 is iD Tech's hands-on academy for building a playable video game prototype. Students study level design, gameplay mechanics, visual scripting, and 3D asset creation through assignment-driven workshops on university campuses.

    The practical experience follows a studio-style process: define a project, build its systems, and improve it through feedback and playtesting. Students use Unreal Engine and Blender, work independently or with peers, and present a capstone that records their own contributions.

    Why Succeed highlights Game Design Academy

    • A playable prototype gives students concrete work to discuss and improve after the academy.

    • Game design documentation teaches students to scope a project before building it.

    • Peer playtesting and instructor feedback make iteration part of the learning process.

    • Blueprints and Blender connect interactive systems with visual world-building.

    • Project files and setup guides support continued development afterward.

    Who is Game Design Academy for?

    Best for

    Students who want to build interactive worlds, learn studio-style teamwork, and develop a game project with regular feedback.

    Not ideal if

    You mainly want casual gaming or a narrowly focused text-based programming course; the central work is designing and refining a playable Unreal prototype.

    Is Game Design Academy worth it?

    The academy is worth considering when guided project work, peer collaboration, and a campus experience match your learning goals. Its strongest value is the complete development process, from planning and implementation to playtesting and presentation.

    The fee makes it a substantial family investment, so compare the teaching and project support with other ways to learn game development. A prototype and provider diploma can document progress, but they should not be treated as a guarantee of admission or an internship.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    From $4,599; includes Assignment-driven workshops and instructor feedback, Official iD Tech diploma and course transcript, USB containing course project files, Access to installation and setup guides.

    Accommodation

    Day options; overnight at most locations

    Meals

    Campus dining: breakfast, lunch, dinner

    Provider details

    Review the iD Tech provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Princeton; Cambridge; New York; Atlanta; Stanford; Pasadena; Los Angeles; Seattle.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Game Design Academy need?

    Effort level

    Intensive, project-based learning.

    Best started

    Begin family planning a few weeks before the announced November registration window.

    Main challenge

    Keeping a playable prototype within a realistic project scope.

    Typical preparation

    • Write down one small game idea and the mechanic that makes it interesting.

    • Identify two games whose level layouts or interactions you would like to understand.

    • Discuss campus, day or overnight preferences, and payment options with your family.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in making games.

    What do students do on Game Design Academy?

    You move from Unreal Engine fundamentals to a studio-style game prototype, combining level design, visual scripting, and custom assets. Feedback, debugging, and playtesting help turn the project into a presentable capstone.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn Unreal Engine tools and build an environment with platforms.

    2. 2

      Customize landscapes and create interactions with Blueprints.

    3. 3

      Implement mechanics such as collectibles, keybindings, and interface elements.

    4. 4

      Plan a prototype and define its scope in a game design document.

    5. 5

      Develop core systems, debug features, and add custom 3D assets.

    6. 6

      Playtest the game with peers and your instructor, then refine it.

    7. 7

      Export the game and prepare a trailer or portfolio presentation.

    Game Design Academy dates and deadlines

    Registration opens

    8 November

    Registration milestone for Summer 2027 camps and academies.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students ages 13-18.

    • Beginner through advanced skill levels.

    How much does Game Design Academy cost?

    Program fee

    From $4,599 — Starting price for the two-week academy.

    Funding or discounts

    • Initial installment: From $460 — Monthly installments cover the remaining balance.
    • Payment-plan fee: 3% — Added to the total during checkout.
    • Multi-course discount: $50 — Additional qualifying courses or siblings on the same account.
    • Referral credit: $25 — Credit per new referral; referred friends also save $25.
    • Scholarship support: Need-based and community scholarships — Partner-supported awards through iD Tech's scholarship program.

    What's included

    Assignment-driven workshops and instructor feedback, Official iD Tech diploma and course transcript, USB containing course project files, Access to installation and setup guides

    How to apply to Game Design Academy

    1. 1

      Use iD Tech's Program Specialists to help choose the course and campus.

    2. 2

      Use the official registration checkout to book your selected course.

    3. 3

      Choose full payment or a payment plan during checkout.

    4. 4

      Use the same account for qualifying additional-course or sibling savings.

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    What does Game Design Academy cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Unreal environments and level design

    Build environments, customize landscapes, and add materials and lighting.

    Blueprints and gameplay mechanics

    Create visual scripts, interactions, collectibles, and interface elements.

    Studio planning and prototyping

    Define goals, scope a game design document, and implement core systems.

    Custom assets and 3D modeling

    Create Blender models or incorporate Marketplace assets into the game.

    Playtesting and presentation

    Debug, refine, export, and showcase a playable prototype.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Game Design Academy?

    A typical day during the program.

    Lab instruction

    Morning and afternoon instruction develops technical skills and projects.

    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner take place in campus dining halls.

    Campus exploration

    Students explore campus and spend time with peers.

    Residential evening

    Supervised social time precedes the dorm bedtime routine.

    Who teaches on Game Design Academy?

    iD Tech instructors lead small-group workshops and provide feedback as students develop their capstone. The provider describes USA-based adult instructors recruited from universities such as Stanford, Caltech, and NYU, with background checks and training.

    Small classes support individual attention and progress at each student's pace.

    Where do students stay on Game Design Academy?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dorms: The academy routine describes dorm accommodation and a 10:00 pm lights-out time.
    • Dining-hall meals: The sample routine includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in campus dining halls.
    • Evening supervision: Students socialize with peers under supervision during the evening.
    • Recreation and campus life: The academy balances workshops with outdoor activities and campus exploration.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day options: The academy brochure describes day attendance alongside overnight options.

    Overnight arrangements vary by location, and staying over the intervening weekend is optional.

    What happens after Game Design Academy?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop a playable capstone for your portfolio.

    Showcase individual contributions in a portfolio presentation.

    Receive an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript.

    Continue developing project files with installation and setup guides.

    Earn 4,667 XP toward the iD Tech Pathway.

    Portfolio work can support reflection on your interests; it does not guarantee admission or an internship.

    Where does Game Design Academy take place?

    The course lists Princeton, the MIT campus, NYU-Washington Square, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Caltech, UCLA, and UW Seattle as venues. Students learn in university labs and experience campus surroundings through recreational activities and exploration.

    iD Tech operates independently of the universities hosting its programs.

    Game Design Academy FAQs

    The course accepts beginner through advanced students. Small classes provide individual attention and allow students to progress at their own pace.

    Students develop games in Unreal Engine 5, use Blueprints Visual Scripting, and create or import 3D models with Blender.

    Students finish with a playable game prototype and create a game trailer or portfolio presentation to showcase their work.

    iD Tech instructors teach the course. The provider uses USA-based adult instructors, background and reference checks, and instructor training.

    The course describes overnight stays at most locations and an optional stay over the intervening weekend. The academy brochure also describes day options.

    Students receive an official iD Tech diploma, a course transcript, and a USB containing their project files. Installation and setup guides support continued work afterward.

    No. iD Tech delivers the programs at university locations, but the universities do not sponsor or affiliate with the programs.

    The course describes monthly installments, multi-course savings, and referral credits. iD Tech also offers partner-supported need-based and community scholarships; payment plans carry a 3% fee.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Does iD Tech offer tuition assistance?
    • iD Tech 2026 Tech Programs Brochure
    • Contact Us | iD Tech Phone Number & Email
    • Download a Brochure | iD Tech
    • C++ Game Development Course with Unreal | 2026 | iD Game Academy

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 7 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Course price checked

    • Age requirements reviewed

    • Sample curriculum reviewed

    • Campus locations checked

    • Funding guidance reviewed

    • Registration milestone distinguished

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.