Registration Now Open for Summer Game Studio 2026
Reserve your place today and take the first step toward creating your own game this summer.
Clark University’s Becker School of Design & Technology offers a pre-college game development program for high schoolers interested in game design and interactive media. This two-week immersive program is held in the state-of-the-art Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design on the Clark campus, with overnights in a University residence hall. Summer Game Studio is your gateway to the gaming world. This hands-on experience will teach you every aspect of game design and development — concept art, coding, animation, motion capture, sound design, playtesting, and beyond — all guided by world-class faculty and industry experts.
During Summer Game Studio, you’ll make your own original game from scratch — to play, flex your design skills, or share with professional developers. You’ll get the chance to learn and interact with game designers from companies like Demiurge, Riot, Squee Play, WB Games, and Epic Games. Whether you’re just thinking about college or already eyeing a career in game design, this is the right way to kickstart your journey.
Hear from past Summer Game Studio participants
“At the end of high school, I wasn’t sure if game design was going to be my major and didn’t feel confident about where I would go if it was my major. Summer Game Studio let me see that I love game design and helped me make that big decision.”
— Skyler Barron ’22, MFA ’23, and a Becker School of Design & Technology professor
“Summer Game Studio prepared me to live in a social environment with lots of people and gave me a good idea of how a college class would feel.”
— Autumn Powers ’27
“Getting a taste of game design before actually starting my education here gave me the confidence that I picked the right school.”
— Robert Matzkin ’26
Frequently asked questions
What makes Summer Game Studio different from other camps?
Clark University’s Summer Game Studio offers the features of a traditional camp plus more. It’s a pre-college design studio experience, where students collaborate, problem-solve, and create in a way that reflects real industry workflows. Students also build meaningful friendships while staying overnight in a University residence hall and dine together on campus.
Is there a set curriculum, and who teaches the program?
Summer Game Studio operates as a studio environment, meaning students learn through hands-on development, guided workshops, and mentorship rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
All instruction is led by Clark University Becker School of Design & Technology full-time faculty, supported by teaching assistants, many of whom are Summer Game Studio alumni, bringing both academic expertise and real program experience.
Will students complete an original, playable game?
Yes! Each team develops a playable game by the end of the program, along with supporting materials such as a trailer, posters, T-shirts, pins, and a final presentation.
Is there a final event?
Yes! On the final Saturday, students present their games at a Game Expo Showcase, where family, friends, and community members can play the games and watch presentations.
Does Summer Game Studio support neurodivergent students or students who need accommodations?
Yes! Our flexible, team-based studio model naturally supports a wide range of working styles and strengths.
While Summer Game Studio is not a specialized therapeutic program, we regularly work with students who benefit from accommodations. We encourage families to connect with us ahead of time so we can best support each student’s experience.
Do students use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the program?
Currently, Summer Game Studio focuses on building foundational skills without reliance on AI tools. We do, however, discuss emerging technologies and their role in the industry, and continue to explore thoughtful ways to incorporate them in the future.
Will this program help with college or career readiness?
Yes! Students gain hands-on experience, build portfolio pieces, and develop teamwork and creative skills that are valuable for both college and future career pathways.
Why do parents choose Summer Game Studio for their high schooler?
Parents choose Summer Game Studio because it offers more than just a summer experience; it provides a meaningful opportunity for growth, confidence, and exploration in a structured, supportive environment.
- A true pre-college experience
Students gain insight into college-level expectations while learning from full-time University faculty. - Real skills, real outcomes
Every student leaves with a playable game and portfolio-ready work they can be proud of. - A balance of structure and flexibility
The studio model allows students to be challenged at their level while also receiving guidance and support. - A collaborative, confidence-building environment
Students work in teams, develop communication skills, and often leave with stronger independence and a clearer sense of direction. - A supportive and attentive staff
We take pride in getting to know our students and working with families to ensure a positive and successful experience.
At the end of the program, students walk away with a project, a deeper understanding of their interests, new friendships, and the confidence to take their next steps.
Highlights
- Fully develop an original, working game – from idea to execution.
- Team up for the duration of the program – building friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.
- Choose your area of focus for a unique, personalized learning experience.
- Learn from industry-leading guest speakers and mentors.
- Show off your game at a showcase event to faculty, family, and gaming professionals.
- Start building your game design portfolio.
Who’s it for?
The Clark University Summer Game Studio 2026 is perfect for high school students and recent high school graduates who:
- Want to make the games they love to play.
- Can’t wait to experience one of the top game design programs in the world.
- Are considering the Becker School of Design & Technology for college.
No need for prior game design experience – just bring your passion and creative energy.
A Day in the Life at the Summer Game Studio
8 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Resident Advisors will accompany you to breakfast every morning. Attendance at breakfast is mandatory.
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Morning session
Dive into faculty-led classes to learn the skills and roles needed for game design.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Refuel with lunch
After a productive morning session, you’ll take a much-needed lunch break. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy some good food, and get your ideas together for the upcoming afternoon session.
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon session
Get to work on your game, using the same game studio format as university-level students. Fill key roles in the game-making process and develop your own game from scratch.
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Open lab/recreation
For a couple of hours before dinner, you’ll have time to stick around in the lab to continue working on your game, get help from mentors, or for recreational activities.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
The Bistro offers an excellent choice of food, including vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Open lab/activity
Keep the momentum going with more lab time or unwind in the dorms.
10:00 p.m.
Lights out
You are expected to be in your room by 10 p.m.
Your experience on Clark’s campus
Wright Hall
Wright Hall anchors the north side of campus and is only a minute’s walk from the Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design.
The Bistro
You will eat at The Bistro, featuring four dining platforms and a spacious, relaxing atmosphere.
Learn from industry professionals
All classes will be taught by our full-time faculty members – the same faculty who make our game design program #3 in the world.
