Young Game Makers Atlanta March Tickets on Sale Now!

March 03, 2015

Stop playing games and start making them!

The goal of this event is to expose youth to coding and game concepts through game making but most importantly, to have fun creating a game. Participants are responsible to bring their own laptop to the workshop and have the proper software installed depending on the class they want to take. Younger children who require supervision will need to be accompanied by an adult. If you do not have a laptop, please reach out and we will try to accomdate you. 

All proceeds from this event will be donated by Playcrafting to : GirlsWhoCode

Workshops for March 14, 2015

This is going to be a full day packed of game learning! In the early morning we have a couple of open sessions that teach the ins and outs of MineCraft API programming and ProjectSpark, but won't necessarily result in an end product. Starting at 11:00 am, we will have classes that focus on a specific game tool which work towards each child learning something new and having their own game by the end of the day.

At the end of the day, we will open up the rooms, and will allow kids to demo their work, just like professional indie game developers do! This is the best part, as you see everything that everyone made over the course of the day. 

You will need to select a workshop for the day. We have several different options,so please note the type of workshop and the time that it is running. You can pick and choose what you want to do that day - just come for a morning class, or come later, or come to both and stay for the whole day! If you want to take a morning workshop and an afternoon workshop, you will need a ticket for each class as the early morning classes are "extra" for the day. 

 

1. Minecraft API Session with Stacey Mulcahy 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Are you a Minecraft fan? Then do you want to be a Minecraft coder? This class will show you how to create and control objects in your personal Minecraft server using CODE. Very specific setup will be required to occur prior to this class, with details being sent to help guide what is needed.

Requirements:
Laptop set up with specific Minecraft server and plugins. Directions to be provided in separate email. Computers must be properly setup before coming to class.
Minecraft login 
Best for ages 10 and up. 

2. Project Spark Session with Diego Lizarazo Rivera 9:00 am to 11:00am

Whoa. Make a game, with a game? Using Project Spark, you can easily make a game or interactive experience using one of the most user-friendly game creation tools around. Haven't heard of Project Spark? Learn more about it here: http://welcome.projectspark.com/

Requirements:
PC with Project Spark installed. We are currently checking to see if we can provide computers.
Best for all ages.

 

3. Construct2 with Diego Lizarazo Rivera 11:00 am to 3:30pm ( with a break for lunch)

Want to learn how to create your own version of Mario Bros? What about Angry Birds? Or a classic like PacMan? Join Diego to get the basics of Construct 2, which uses drag and drop to allow you to easily create a game.

In this class, we will make a vertical space scroller, where you will have plenty of time to make it your own. 
Do you have no game experience? This class is perfect for you. In less than an hour you will master the basics of sprites, loops and collisions, and will be ready to rule the 2D world of gaming.

Requirements:
Best for ages 8 and up 
This class will require Construct2 and a Windows machine. We are determining if we can provide loaner computers, please stay tuned. You can download it here:https://www.scirra.com/construct2

4. Scratch with Stacey Mulcahy 11:00 am to 3:30 pm ( with a break for lunch )

Scratch is a platform for creating interactive stories, games and animations using a basic drag and drop interface that teach the basic constructs of programming.

In this class we will learn how to create a basic game that involves you running from side to side to catch all the pizza falling from the sky before it falls on the ground. Or maybe you're a shark swimming from side to side trying to eat all the fish in your sight. The options are endless with Scratch! 

Requirements:
Best for ages 6-11
Scratch in the browser - please register and get a login prior to class http://scratch.mit.edu/

 

5. Introduction to Unity w/TBD 11:00 am to 4:00pm

Make your own Flappy bird clone! Unity is one of the most powerful tools for game development - Crossy Roads and Monument Valley are just a few games made in it.

In this class we will learn how to make basic Flappy Bird 2d game in Unity, learning the basics of the tools and what it provides. 

Requirements:
Best for ages 11+
Please have the latest version of Unity installed : Download it here. 

 

Schedule

9:00 am to 11:00 am - Classes ( Minecraft API and Project Spark)
11:00 am to 3:30 pm - Classes ( Scratch, Unity and Construct2 Classes ) 
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch ( to be provided ) 
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Demo time! Kids who want to demo their games can do so at this time.

Registration

Please come early to get set up and familiarize yourself with the facilities.

 

Tickets

Ticket price is to ensure attendance for the event. All proceeds will be donated by Playcrafting to GirlsWhoCode.One ticket is for you and your child. For children participating unattended, please ensure they have ID and emergency contact information. You need a ticket for EACH class. Purchase tickets on the Eventbrite website.

 

Sponsors

Thank you must go to our generous sponsor who will be providing a pizza lunch - Avandade! Thank you so much for participating! 

 

Important Reminders

  • Bring a laptop installed with the software needed if required. In the event that the class says it might provide computers, we will communicate that as soon as we know. Prepare to bring your own.

  • Bring a mouse! Bring your power cord!

  • Lunch will be provided

  • Young children will require supervision. Please stay and participate if possible.

 

Volunteering?

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Stacey Mulcahy - email below. 
 

Contact

Please contact Stacey Mulcahy – Stacey.mulcahy@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding the event. Hope to see you there!