Welcome to the Camp

The Da Vinci Video Game Design Camp is a hands-on program where students explore the creative and technical aspects of game development. Open to all skill levels, the club provides opportunities to learn game design, coding, digital art, 3D modeling, animation, sound design, and interactive storytelling using industry-standard software such as Unreal Engine, GameMaker Studio, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite.
 

By the end of the program (in June 27), participants will have contributed to a playable game or have created a polished game asset—work that can be showcased in a portfolio, college application, or future job opportunity.
 

Overview & Ground Rules

• Respect the space and equipment

  • No food or drinks near the PCs.

• Sign-in is required at the beginning of each club meeting.

• Sharing Resources

  • Take turns using the gaming PCs for Unreal Engine and access to ChatGPT.

  • When possible, work on the same computer each time to maintain access to your Unreal Engine files (files are stored locally).

• Log into the Game Design profile when using PCs
   

Self-Introduction

Instructor: Aaron Wedra

• Background: Da Vinci Grad, part of the inaugural class (Class of 2006).

• Professional Experience: Graphic Designer, Website Designer, Marketing Pro, Event Planner, Community Advocate, Video Game Designer.

• Notable Projects:

  • Plan and organize the annual Zombie Bike Parade Festival (6 years in a row).

  • Designed the board game Coffee Time, with the Coffee Time Adventures video game in development.

• Work & Volunteer Experience:

  • Worked at the Davis Enterprise newspaper.

  • Served as an ambassador for the Davis Chamber of Commerce.

  • Board member and staff at the Davis Downtown Business Association.

  • Volunteered at over a dozen local non-profits, including the Davis Odd Fellows.

  • Prior marketing director / event planner at a national non-profit.

• More at www.smartzgraphics.com
   

Student Introductions

• Who are you?

• What are your interests?

• Do you have any experience in art, game design, or computer science?

• What do you hope to learn from this club?

• What software do you expect to use?
   

Club Resources
 

Website: dvgamedesign.com

• Showcasing Student Work: Share games and preview development projects.

• Resource Hub: Access tutorials, step-by-step guides, and learning materials.

• Video Game Assets: Software, music, sounds, 2D & 3D art, textures, and more.
   

Club Equipment & Software

• Available on the 5 Club PCs

  • Unreal Engine

  • ChatGPT

  • GameMaker Studio

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)

  • Blender

  • Pro Tools

• Optional to Download on Personal Laptops (except for Unreal Engine and ChatGPT)
   

Club Schedule

Location: Science Room, Tech Hub
(Equipped with gaming PCs, a smart board, microphones, and more.)

• June 16-27, 1-3:30 PM Monday–Friday (not including 6/19)

Timeline

• 9 meetings

• Class Format

  • Download and set up necessary software.

  • Open lab time for independent and group projects.

  • Smart Board demonstrations by club leader.

  • Smart Board use by students (one student at a time may share workflows, techniques, and progress on games/assets).
     

Club Activities & Projects

• Presentations (Optional)

  • Analyze and present a video game through the lens of a game designer.

  • Share progress on game development or asset creation.

• Projects

  • Choose a development path:

    • Create a game using a GameMaker template or

    • Build a first-level prototype in Unreal Engine.

  • Complete guides from the club website (Optional).

  • Complete video tutorial series from the club website (Optional).

• Gaming Day / Game Jam on June 27th: Playtest and showcase everyone’s work.
   

Past Student Work

Visit our website www.DVGameDesignClub.com

• Play games from past/current students, including our flagship game, Duck Ship!