Empowering Youth Through Game Design at Abertay University

On June 19th, 2024, DataKirk, YouthLink Scotland, Abertay University, and OYCI, hosted an exhilarating Game Design Workshop at Abertay University in Dundee. This event brought together enthusiastic young minds eager to dive into the world of game design, explore ideation, and master rapid game development techniques.

A Day of Creativity and Innovation

The workshop was expertly led by Andrew from Abertay University, whose passion and expertise in game design were evident throughout the session. Andrew guided participants through the intricate processes of ideation, concepting, and design techniques, equipping them with the skills necessary for rapid game creation.

Hands-On Learning and Skill Development

Participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to stimulate creativity and innovation. The workshop focused on developing several key skills:

Confidence: Encouraging young people to trust their ideas and take bold steps in their creative processes.

Communication: Facilitating effective teamwork and idea sharing.

Problem-Solving: Teaching participants to tackle design challenges with innovative solutions.

Teamwork: Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the game design process.

Creating Change: Inspiring youth to think about how their games can impact players and the broader community.

Digital Skills Development: Providing hands-on experience with the latest game design tools and technologies.

A Series of Enriching Workshops

This Game Design Workshop was just the beginning of an exciting series of workshops aimed at empowering young people with a comprehensive skill set in game design and digital media. The upcoming workshops are as follows:

Workshop 2 & 3: Game Engines Workshop & Audio Design Workshop

Date: Wednesday, 17th July

Focus: Develop visual scripting and programming skills by creating game mechanics, explore the development and use of sound and music in games.

Workshop 4: Visual Design Workshop Date: Tuesday, 6th August

Focus: Learn visual design practices used in game and digital media content production.

Workshop 5: Team Game Jam Date: Wednesday, 16th October

Focus: Bring together experiences from previous workshops to produce a complete game or concept.

Inspiration for the Future

One of the workshop's key objectives was to inspire participants to think about their future pathways. Whether considering further education in game design, a career in the gaming industry, or other creative fields, the workshop aimed to open doors and broaden horizons.

Participant Feedback

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the ideation sessions and team projects as their favorite parts of the workshop. The opportunity to work closely with peers and receive guidance from an industry expert like Andrew was invaluable.